Hypatia, a philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, worked at the Library of Alexandria, where she edited and commented on classical Greek texts. Her efforts made works by Plato, Aristotle, and Euclid accessible to a wider audience, preserving and disseminating knowledge that might otherwise have been lost.

While not a translator in the traditional sense, Hypatia’s reinterpretations and adaptations of ancient texts can be compared with today’s concept of localization. Tragically, her life ended in violence—a victim of religious extremism and misogyny—at the hands of a Christian mob.

A German nun, scientist, and composer of the 12th century, Hildegard was a polymath who wrote in Latin and medieval German, blending medical, theological, and philosophical knowledge. Her work involved interpreting and communicating complex ideas across languages and disciplines, a task at the heart of translation.

Hildegard also created the first artificial language, Lingua Ignota (the “Unknown Language”), which predated constructed languages like Esperanto. While much of her linguistic creation has been lost, its legacy as a tool for mystical and intellectual expression endures.

Garnett was a trailblazer in the 19th and 20th centuries, translating Russian literary masterpieces into English. Her work introduced authors like Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov to English-speaking audiences, shaping perceptions of Russian literature in the West. While some critics argue her translations smoothed over stylistic nuances, Garnett’s contributions were instrumental in bringing these works to global prominence.

In Spain, it’s impossible to discuss translation and women without mentioning the remarkable María Moliner (1900-1981) — librarian, philologist, and Spanish lexicographer, who renowned as the author of the Diccionario de uso del español (Dictionary of Spanish Usage). This monumental work revolutionized the way Spanish language dictionaries were conceived.

Published in 1966, her work was practical and user-friendly, offering definitions, examples, and synonyms tailored to everyday use.

Remarkably, Moliner created this dictionary single-handedly, at a time when women faced significant barriers in academia. Her nomination to the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española de la Lengua) in 1972 was rejected, highlighting the gender inequalities of the era. Despite this, her dictionary remains an invaluable resource, demonstrating the transformative power of women’s contributions to language and knowledge.


Persistent Challenges: The Leadership Gap

One of the greatest challenges in the translation industry mirrors those in other sectors: the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. While women dominate in numbers, key decision-making positions in large agencies and international organizations are still predominantly held by men.

This “glass ceiling” prevents women from accessing roles of greater responsibility, depriving organizations of diverse perspectives crucial to innovation and growth.

Contributing factors include entrenched stereotypes, limited work-life balance support, and a lack of mentorship opportunities for women aspiring to leadership.

Within the translation sector, women are often found in project management or coordination roles, while executive leadership and agency ownership skew male. This reflects a global trend: the higher the position, the lower the representation of women.


Towards True Equality

Achieving gender equality in translation requires more than celebrating women’s presence; it calls for actionable steps to close the leadership gap, ensure pay equity, and promote work-life balance. Key measures include:


•  Implementing transparent salary structures and equality policies.
•  Creating mentorship and leadership programs for women.
•  Promoting flexible work arrangements and shared responsibility for caregiving.
•  Amplifying women’s voices through conferences, publications, and industry events.



Women have been, and continue to be, integral to the growth of global communication. However, the journey towards real equality—especially in leadership and recognition—is far from over.

At Word Works, a company with a predominantly female team since its inception, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and just industry. Because equality isn’t just a goal; it’s a daily commitment. And because the talent, dedication, and vision of women are indispensable for building a better future—both within our industry and beyond.