‘Expanding women’s sphere’ explores the way in which women defined their work and role, often within strongly masculine environments - veterinary science, medicine and science. We have recruited speakers to illustrate women’s strategies across varied disciplines. We propose six papers across two sessions, with 15 minutes per paper and 45 minutes for a commentary and a general discussion within each 90 minute session. These papers have a trans-national perspective, mainly focussing on Britain and the USA, but also the activities of British and American women in China, Malaya and West Africa.

The first session will examine women’s work in biological and health sciences from the perspective of the USA and the UK and will be followed by a commentary by Rosemary Wall, drawing connections between the three papers. The second session will situate the activities of American and British women working in health and science within an international context, beginning with ideas of public health and educational theory in the USA, followed by American and British incursions into education and practice in Asia and Africa. The session will be completed by a commentary by Rima Apple, linking together the papers in this session and drawing connections with the rest of the symposium.