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Who is Hypatia

Hypatia of Alexandria, born between 350 and 370 AD, was a Greek or Egyptian scholar, considered the first notable woman in mathematics, who also taught philosophy and astronomy. She lived in Roman Egypt, and was killed by a Christian mob who blamed her for religious turmoil. Hailed as a "valiant defender of science against religion", some suggest that her murder marked the end of the Hellenistic Age.

A Neoplatonist philosopher, she followed the school characterized by the 3rd century Plotinus, and discouraged mysticism - while encouraging logical and mathematical studies.

Women in Trades

The Hypatia Association is a not-for-profit organization in Nova Scotia. Originally founded in 1999 as the Hypatia Project, we work with employers, employees, education institutions, students, educators and community members. Our initiatives are designed to address the policies, systemic barriers, and institutional practices that limit the participation of women in science and technology.

Differences in the participation rate of women and men in science and technology have more to do with perceptions and culture than with competence or contribution.

Ultimately the aim of the Hypatia Association is to build the capacity of participating agencies, institutions and workplaces to provide a culture and environment which encourages the participation of girls and women in science and technology education and careers. We recognize the many benefits of workplace diversity, and work with employers to design strategies to reach employment equity goals.

Hypatia initiatives contribute to three long-term goals:

• to increase the participation of girls and women in science and technology;
• to promote the participation of women in the policy development process within science and technology; and
• to promote economic equality for women.

The strength of the Project lies with the integration of four program areas – School System, Post-Secondary Education, Workplaces and Communities – recognizing that systemic barriers exist throughout society and cannot be addressed through isolated, unconnected programs.