There is no sector left where women have made a priceless contribution. We are witnessing the special role of women in science and technology too. Women nowadays are breaking barriers and continuously challenging stereotypes. You heard the names of famous women Dr. Janaki Ammal, Dr. Tessy Thomas, Ritu Karidhal, and others.
The efforts for gender equality have proven right for several women and they are doing great. They just need a chance to excel in their skills. In science and technology, women have helped in the development of innovative culture and advancing scientific knowledge. Youngsters are enduring inspiration from visionary women.
Trailblazing Women Scientists in Indian History
When we talk about leading women who set the benchmark for upcoming women, we are overwhelmed to introduce Dr. Janaki Ammal. Dr. Janaki Ammal is a well-known cytogeneticist and botanist. The major work of Dr. Janaki Ammal is on plant genetics. She has gone through a long road when there were no such opportunities for women just like now and made her global recognition.
Now, let’s discuss some work of a scientist, Dr. Kamala Sohonie, she is the first Indian woman who did a PhD in science discipline. Dr. Kamala Sohonie works in the field of biochemistry and nutrition. Another name on the women Scientists list is Dr. Asima Chatterjee. She has contributed her valuable time in organic chemistry. Her contribution leads to the development of anti-malarial drugs and anti-epileptic drugs.
Modern-day Women of Science and Technology
We are happy to tell you that many Indian women are leading in world in the field of science and technology. Dr. Tessy Thomas is called the Missile Woman of India with pride. Her contribution is towards the Agni series of ballistic missiles. She has presented remarkable research in defense technology and aerospace technology.
Another name is Dr. Gagandeep Kang, she is a virologist and became successful to be a fellow of the Royal Society in London. She gives her research work on infectious diseases and their vaccine development program. The direct impact of Dr. Gagandeep Kang’s work is toward the improvement of health in India. We can’t forget her contribution to the development of the rotavirus vaccine that saved millions of children from diarrhea.
The Rocket Woman of India, Ritu Karidhal has gained bunches of attention during the time of the Mangalyaan- Mars Orbiter Mission. India became the first country to reach Mars and the credit surely goes to Ritu Karidhal and her other fellow workers. We have many such names that are inspiring young girls to contribute to science and technology.
Women in Technology: Inventors and Leaders
Vanitha Narayanan is the former MD of IBM India, due to her efforts, we have seen many women in leadership roles. Women in the field of technology are now working towards implementing positive changes through innovation. The president of Nasscom, Debjani Ghosh is a prominent name in the IT industry. She is also working towards gender diversity in the IT industry.
You have seen many women names which have built startup companies and their dreams are real by using innovative technologies. Limeroad application is a leading e-commerce business web platform built by Suchi Mukherjee. Another name is the Nykaa application, Falguni Nayar is the founder of the beauty e-commerce app.
Challenges Confronted by Women in Science and Technology
There are pros and cons in every sector and also there are several challenges in the science and technology field. Women face gender bias and some stereotypes that do not allow women to pursue higher education in Math, engineering, science, and technology/STEM. There are some areas of society where women face a lack of quality education and they don’t have access to resources to pursue STEM education.
There are some cases where women get admission to STEM courses but they drop the course in between. The reasons can be any like family responsibility, marriage, lack of money, etc. The pipeline becomes leaky. Some people do not want to see women in the leading role, this is true in some circumstances, but this situation is transforming now.
Initiatives Fostering Gender Equality in STEM
The govt has addressed the issue of gender equality in STEM courses and several initiatives are taken by govt.
Vigyan Jyoti:
The Dept of Science & Technology has started the Vigyan Jyoti scheme to encourage 10th-class girls to get admission to STEM courses. There are several benefits for the women who get admission to these courses.
Women Scientists Scheme (WOS):
The WOS program is an initiative for women who leave their studies in between due to family reasons or other responsibilities. WOS will provide financial support to the woman to encourage them to rejoin their research work.
Athena SWAN Charter:
Now Athena SWAN Charter is also implemented in Indian Universities, under this, universities will build policies that are beneficial for women and increase the enrollment of women in STEM courses.
Corporate Initiatives:
Famous companies like TCS, Wipro, and Infosys have implemented several schemes for women to help them manage their work. The women are given time flexibility and several training programs are there for the women.
The Significance of Role Models and Mentorship
Youths need some examples to get inspired by their work. We have discussed several names in this article that have made remarkable developments in science and technology. Youth need mentors who will guide them to have careers in STEM courses. Even small initiatives create big changes in the life of a woman and encourage them to give their excellence in the science and technology field.
A Vision for the Future
Women are the strong pillar of society and they will become strong pillars in the science and technology field. Efforts are required from everywhere to boost women for the STEM course. Equal opportunities should be there for women and the environment will support the growth of the women in science field.