In the 1940s, Payne-Scott helped lay the foundation for a new field of science called radio astronomy. In that day and age, though, women in public service were expected to resign when they wed. Her colleagues at the government research center considered her so integral to their work that they helped keep her marriage a secret.
She challenged the scientific establishment in Australia and fought for the rights of women in the workplace, but ultimately left science to raise her children full time.
You can read the full article here: New York Times Article on Ruby Payne-Scott