Female researchers continuing their careers at the University of Poznań

Among the researchers who transferred to the University of Poznań already having some academic achievements were Michalina Stefanowska, Ludwika Dobrzyńska-Rybicka, Anna Gruszecka, Helena Gajewska and Mieczysława Ruxerówna. The University of Poznań offered them an opportunity for further development and for conducting research necessary for receiving a post-doctoral degree. Dobrzyńska-Rybicka and Ruxerówna became the heads of departments (as the only women among 142 men holding this position).

The University of Poznań’s graduates

The first women began studying at the University of Poznań in 1919. At first many of them did not complete their studies, frequently dropping out upon marriage. Over time, however, the group of female graduates who had an ambition to continue their academic careers grew bigger and bigger.

Behind the scenes of the work at the University

The financial status of the faculty during the interwar period was very low. Only few could make a living doing academic research. The rest had to look for additional sources of income. The situation of women was even worse than that of their male colleagues. Some of them were either employed below their qualifications or their employment conditions were unfavourable (they even worked as volunteers). There were also cases of delaying their academic advancement.

Many female scientists from Poznań were forced to make money on the side. Most frequently they worked as teachers. It was an obvious choice because they were often graduates from teacher training schools. Among the women who decided to do this were for example Zofia Małaczyńska-Suchcitzowa, Wisława Knapowska and Helena Szafranówna. Bożena Stelmachowska and Mieczysława Ruxerówna on the other hand, worked at museums, whereas Ludwika Dobrzyńska-Rybicka – in a library.