- As Women’s Day (8th March) approaches, attention shifts to women scientists throughout history who have broken down glass barriers and left indelible footprints on the scientific landscape.
- Their stories promote inclusion, diversity, and equality in the field of science.
Gender disparities in Indian science
- Underrepresentation in Leadership: Since Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman created the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1934, no woman scientist has led the organisation. According to statistics, women account for only 14% of India’s working scientists, with a mere 15% of faculty members in research institutes across the country.
- Over the past 65 years, just 20 women scientists have received India’s prestigious SSB Prize for Science and Technology, out of a total of 571 recipients.
Status of Women in STEM: A Global Perspective.
- Global Gender Gap: Women account for only 27% of India’s STEM workforce, compared to 32% in non-STEM sectors, underlining gender inequities.
- Research Participation: Women make up only 33% of researchers worldwide, with substantially lower representation in engineering and technology.
- Educational Disparity: A gender disparity remains in STEM education, with only 18% of girls pursuing advanced STEM degrees compared to 35% of boys.
List of Notable Women Scientists Featured in the News Article
- Gagandeep Kang is well-known for her work in microbiology and vaccine development, notably her research on the epidemiology of rotavirus and other infectious diseases in India.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: She is a major player in the biotechnology business, having started Biocon, one of India’s leading biotechnology companies, and has made substantial contributions to the creation of low-cost biopharmaceuticals and healthcare solutions.
- Rohini Godbole is a renowned theoretical physicist who specialises in high-energy physics, namely particle phenomenology and collider physics. She has also worked extensively to promote science education and gender equality in STEM disciplines.
- Prajval Shastri Majumdar is a renowned astrophysicist who studies the origin and evolution of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and black holes. Her observational astronomy work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe’s dynamics.
- Kamala Sohonie was a pioneering biochemist and the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science. Her study centred on enzymology and biochemistry, specifically the metabolism of nitrogen-containing substances in bacteria.
- Lilavati (as referred to in the anthology “Lilavati’s Daughters: The Women Scientists of India”) is a legendary character in Indian mathematics, best known for her contributions to algebra and arithmetic. Her legacy has influenced subsequent generations of mathematicians and scientists.
- Archana Sharma is a famous cytogeneticist who has conducted research on chromosomal anomalies and genetic illnesses. She made substantial contributions to the science of genetics and genetic counselling.
- E.K. Janaki Ammal is a renowned botanist noted for her work on plant breeding, genetics, and taxonomy. She made substantial contributions to understanding plant species variety in India, as well as playing an important role in plant biodiversity conservation.
- Bibha Chowdhuri is a pioneering physicist noted for her work in cosmic ray physics and particle physics. She contributed significantly to our understanding of cosmic ray characteristics and interactions with matter.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/books/remembering-the-forgotten-women-of-science-in-india/article67920945.ece#:~:text=Gutsy%20Girls%20of%20Science%20by,scientific%20ambitions%20against%20all%20odds.