Empowering Women, Transforming Science – a new culture in the offing

BIJU DHARMAPALAN

In a world driven by scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements, the underrepresentation of women in science remains a cause for concern. Women have contributed immensely to science, from Marie Curie's pioneering work in radioactivity to the crucial contributions of Dr. Asima Chatterjee in developing anti-malarial drugs and Dr. Janaki Ammal’s groundbreaking research in plant cytogenetics. Yet, despite these achievements, the path for women in science continues to be fraught with challenges, requiring a concerted effort to address barriers and build a future where they can thrive.

What kind of scientific world are we building if half of the population is marginalized within it? Bridging this gap is not just a question of fairness; it is essential for scientific progress and societal growth. Without the full participation of women, we lose access to a wealth of talent, creativity, and innovative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges.

The barriers that limit women’s participation in science are multi-faceted and deeply ingrained. Societal expectations, gender bias, lack of role models, and an absence of supportive policies create a cumulative disadvantage. Often, young girls are discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) due to stereotypes that frame these fields as "unsuitable" or "too difficult." The pipeline of girls in science begins to narrow as early as high school.

In higher education and research, women face additional hurdles—lack of mentorship, unequal access to funding, and fewer opportunities for advancement. Even those who break through these initial barriers encounter systemic biases in hiring, promotions, and recognition for their work. Studies show that women are often paid less than their male counterparts, and their contributions are cited less frequently in research publications.

For instance, women pursuing PhDs in science often face the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon—where talented women leave the scientific workforce due to a lack of support systems, inflexible working conditions, sexual and mental harassment from their peers and the burden of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

According to UNESCO, only around 35% of STEM students in higher education globally are women, and the gap widens as they progress in their careers. The numbers are even more dismal in fields like engineering and computer science. Women are often sidelined, overlooked for promotions, and face systemic barriers that hinder their advancement. This is not just a pipeline problem; it is a systemic issue rooted in cultural biases, lack of mentorship, and institutional structures that fail to support women’s participation and growth in STEM.

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reveals that while the number of women pursuing higher education in science has increased, their representation in leadership roles and top research positions remains low. Women scientists in India are less likely to receive funding, promotions, and recognition for their work.

Despite these challenges, several Indian women scientists have defied the odds and achieved remarkable success in every field of science.  Dr. Indira Hinduja who revolutionized reproductive medicine in India by developing the country’s first test-tube baby in 1986 and introducing the gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) technique. Her work has given hope to countless families. Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as India’s “Missile Woman,” became the first woman to head a missile project at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Her contributions to the Agni missile program are a testament to women’s capabilities in defense science.Kalpana Kalahasti, the Associate Project Director of ISRO's Chandrayaan 3 mission, has been featured in 2023 Nature's 10 most notable people of the year, owing to her crucial role in ensuring India's triumphant touchdown on the Moon, Chandrayaan-3 project. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a globally recognized public health expert, served as the Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), playing a crucial role in global health research and policymaking.  Dr. Gagandeep Kang, an acclaimed virologist, became the first Indian woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society for her work on viral infections in children. Her research has had a significant impact on public health in India.These pioneers advanced scientific knowledge, challenged societal norms, and opened doors for other women in science.

 When women are at the forefront of scientific innovation, they also inspire more inclusive solutions that benefit society as a whole. Women often address problems differently due to unique life experiences, which results in more comprehensive solutions. Their participation in research ensures a broader representation of society’s needs and challenges, leading to innovations that cater to diverse groups. Research shows that women scientists and innovators often prioritize health, education, community welfare, and sustainable development. For instance, women researchers often champion innovations in maternal health, child nutrition, and environmental protection.

When it comes to the future of women in science, the objective is not simply to achieve gender equality; rather, it is to shape a scientific world that is more powerful, more innovative, and deeper based on justice. The time has come to eliminate the obstacles that continue to exist and to forge a future in which any young woman who has a passion for becoming a scientist will be able to pursue her aspirations without any restrictions. This will help us make great scientific strides to help solve societal problems.   The future of science is inclusive, and in that future, every passionate young woman will have the opportunity to contribute, lead, and inspire.

(Dr. Biju Dharmapalan is  the Dean-Academic Affairs, Garden City University, and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies,  Bangalore, E-mail: bijudharmapalan@gmail.com)