Women and Science: The Road Ahead . .

By Tushar Raghuvanshi

We have heard names of C.V. Ramana, Vikram Sarabhai, Homi Jahangir Bhabha, Abdul Kalam Azad and other eminent Indian scientists for their excellent work in the field of science and technology. But are we really aware of the contribution of Botanist Janaki Ammal, the first woman to obtain a PhD in Botany in the US in 1931 , GOI conferred Padma Shri on her in 1977. Cytogeneticist Archana Sharma specialised in plant genetics, who also got Padma Bhushan in 1984. Engineer Rajeshwari Chatterjee, a Mathematician and an Electrical Engineer, specialised in electromagnetic theory.

Needless to say that the contribution of women in any field has been as worthy as men. Whenever given the right opportunity and platform, women have always showcased their vigour and grit in doing something big for upliftment of the society and building an India of our dreams. They have always proved their mettle by excelling in their given fields. Their role in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) is commendable. Be it Anandibai Joshi, who was the first female Indian physician, Dr Susama Panegrahi, the first woman scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation from Odisha, or our numerous female scientists, who have been successfully handling the scientific projects. Women have always done our nation proud.

According to Annual All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report which indicates enrollment in UG, PG and PhD level programs, the number of Women in India who has opted for STEM has increased by 53,388 in just last 3 years.

According to the World Bank data, there are 43 percent female graduates in STEM.

In a ‘NariShakti Varta,’ held by the Ministry of Women and Child development celebrating International Women’s Day under the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’  Dr Nisha Mendiratta , Advisor DST said, “Science and Gender Equality are both very vital for the achievement of the Internationally agreed-upon SDGs , including 2030 agenda.” The women’s contribution in STEM is increasing due to few societal change and several government initiatives/schemes like KIRAN, INSPIRE, GATI, online platforms for Science and Technology.

As India enters a period of demographic transition to a 1 billion strong working-age population, it is the full and equal participation of women that will turn India’s transition in to a demographic dividend. (PC: unsplash).

(Tushar Raghuvanshi is pursuing PhD from Department of Agriculture Extension and Communication, SHUATS , Naini, Prayagraj, UP).