#IDWGS Essay - Equal Rights for Women in Science and Technology: a Major Sustainable Development Goal by Saheli Naha

The contribution of women in science and technology is immeasurable. Women play an important role in all aspects of life, from the kitchen to sending space missions, from being a homemaker to becoming Prime Minister, from taking care of family members to healing patients, and so on. For example, India's recent achievements in the space sector would be incomplete without the contributions of female ISRO scientists. More than 100 female scientists and engineers participated in the project. According to a Hindustan Times article published on October 15, 2023, ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, also known as the 'Rocket Woman of India,' disclosed that the landing site for the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, the 'Shiv Shakti Point,' was chosen by female scientists. Her roles as mission director for Chandrayaan-2 and deputy operation director for the Mars mission Mangalyaan enabled us to accomplish remarkable success in both missions.

The 50-year-old entrepreneur and co-founder of Zoho Corp., Radha Vembu, has been estimated at a net worth of Rs. 36,000 crore, making her the richest self-made Indian woman, according to a report titled "360 One Wealthy India Rich List 2023" that was released on October 10, 2023. Radha Vembu, born on December 24, 1972, holds a degree in industrial management from IIT Madras. She began her career in 1997 with Zoho, a worldwide technology company headquartered in Chennai that specializes in computer software and web-based business solutions. Mrs. Vembu's leadership led to considerable growth and product portfolio development at Zoho. Today, Zoho is a global pioneer in cloud-based software solutions, servicing customers in over 180 countries. She is a true global icon and an inspiration for young women in the field of science, technology and entrepreneurship.

Kadambini Bose Ganguly, an Indian medical practitioner, was the first Indian woman to practice medicine with a modern degree. Mrs. Ganguly was the first woman who was enrolled at Calcutta Medical College in 1884. After her training in Scotland, she returned to India and began her battle for women's rights. Kadamini was subjected to harsh criticism from conservative society for her brave endeavours to bring about social reform. A popular Bengali magazine, ‘Bangabashi’, depicted her as a bad-character woman. Her husband brought a lawsuit against the culprit, which they won. Kadamini's courageous and daring steps sparked a revolution, opening doors and creating a new path for young women to pursue medicine.

Despite their significant contributions to science and technology, women continue to battle for equal rights and treatment in the workplace. The fifth sustainable development Goal aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. According to Article 39 (d) of the Indian Constitution, equal pay for equal work is both a basic human right and a constitutional right. In an interview with BBC, film actress Priyanka Chopra remarked, "I've never had pay parity in Bollywood; I would get paid about 10% of my male co-actor's salary." One of the primary issues that women confront in the job is discrimination and inequality. The discrepancy in salary for equal work also discourages women.


While the number of women in top leadership positions in various sectors is much lower than that of men. According to a Forbes article published on July 11, 2023, women comprise 41.5% of the workforce, but few of them hold senior leadership positions such as President, Vice-President, Director, CEO, and so on. The figures clearly indicate the disparity between men and women at workplace. Women in the workplace confront a variety of issues, including a lack of opportunities, discrimination, less payment, sexual harassment, and so on. Unlike males, working women are also expected to undertake all the household chores and take care of the children. This places an additional strain on women, ultimately forcing many to quit their jobs.

The socioeconomic structure, particularly in developing nations, is such that many people live in poverty. Women scientists and entrepreneurs are a valuable asset to any country. Women's leadership is extremely important in geo-politics and diplomacy, especially in times of on-going conflicts. Government policies such as the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" initiative have considerably aided the education of girl child in both rural and urban areas. Moreover, as a society, we need to change our perspective toward working women. The stigma and taboo associated with working women can only be eradicated by raising awareness and education. It is also evident that countries that have provided equal opportunities to men and women have fostered harmony, rapid progress, and a stable society.

About the Author

My name is Saheli Naha, currently pursuing LLM from KIIT UNIVERSITY, Bhubaneswar.