Dr Monika Koul
Since antiquity women have made great contributions in various fields of academics and research. Be it the field of science or arts, women have left their mark everywhere. In India there is a strong relation between women and science. One of the well-known Indian women scientists is mathematician Leelavati, who was the daughter of the greatest mathematicians of all time Bhaskaracharya. It is believed that Lilavati could solve complex mathematical problems which are now resolved using the Pythagoras theorem. Lilavati became one of the first eminent women mathematicians in India. Another women scientistwho hasalso made great contributionto the field of plant science is E. K. Janaki Ammal. Born in a middle class family, she was the first women scientist of India, who was involved with improving sugarcane varieties by hybridization. She broke the gender barrier during those days when women were confined to homes and hearths and travelled abroad. She worked in many scientific labs in United Kingdom. In 1945, she co-authored a book entitled,”The Chromosome Atlas of Cultivated Plants” with biologist CD Darlington.Following her foot-steps other Indian women have also made immense contributions to the field. Asima Chatterjee, Archana Sharma, Indira Nath, Kasturi Dutta and Asha Kolte are just a few names who have created special niche in the society.
Famous Indian American astronaut, Kalpana Chawla too became an inspiration for young girls. Today, women are working in every sector, whether it is research or technology. Women scientists in the field of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Environment and astronomy have made a significant mark. Women scientists are more passionate about their work and are keen to take up the various challenges in the field with zeal and confidence.
However, women wanting to work in the field of science have to go through a lot of difficulties. Performing scientific experiments at times needs extra time and more hours of hard work. . Females are often kept away from such experiments termed as dangerous and are not entrusted with challenging work. Women also have to take charge of family responsibilities, bring up and nurture the babies and have to strike balance between their professional and personal lives. Most often, they are forced to take break in their careers during pregnancy and child birth. But, still these days’ women scientists are showing phenomenal performance in various scientific domains and are heads of various research teams despite the limitations.The challenges are many but there has been an increase in the number of women taking up science as a career or profession. The Defense Research Development Organization’s (DRDO) workforce comprises 20 percent women and the numbers are increasing day by day. Number of women in other scientific organizations is also increasing.
Keeping this in mind, our Prime Minister started the Women’s Science Congress along with Indian Science Congress. The aim of this congress was to provide a platform to women scientists from across the country and to familiarize them with each other women carrying out some significant research work in the field. It also aimed to initiate discussions between them to explore further possibilities in the field of science.Many decisive steps are being taken by various government and non-government organizations to ensure more participation by women scientists. The Ministry for Science & Technology has initiated many schemes to attract more women to make science and technology as their career choice.
Similar initiatives are being taken up by Indian Science Academy through their ‘women in science’ scheme. ‘Indian Women Science Association’ is a self-help group also working in the same direction. However a lot more work needs to be done at institutional and policy level to ensure more women take up science professionally and enrich the field with their valuable contributions. Women should be encouraged to take up business opportunities in the technology fields as well. The women startups, Prime Minister Mr Modi’s initiative will also help to ensure that they get more and more opportunities.
With this let us all celebrate the International Women’s Day and thank the women in science.
(The author is Assistant Professor, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi -110007)
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