50 years ago: the first women arrive at the South Pole

This year marks a significant milestone for the role of women scientists in Antarctica: 50 years ago on 12 November, the first women reached the South Pole, six in fact. Five were scientists, one a science writer, and all bar one were American. The sixth was a New Zealander, biologist Pam Young.

That summer, Pam had become the first New Zealand woman to work in Antarctica, as a field assistant to her biologist husband, Euan Young, at Cape Bird. She was invited to join the five women on their historic visit to 90°South.