#IDWGS Essay - Femme in STEM by Nvyanna Khanna

Femme in STEM

“Be curious about people and more curious about ideas.” Rightly said by Marie Curie, who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields.

Introduction

In today's world, the quest for sustainable development has put a spotlight on the vital role of science and technology. Alongside this, there's a growing realisation of how empowering women in science leadership can drive this sustainable development forward, especially in places like India. This essay delves into why it is crucial to promote gender equality in science leadership roles, the hurdles we face, the progress we as a society have made, and how women can transform our future for the better.

In India, initiatives like the "Women Scientists Scheme" by the Department of Science and Technology provide financial support and opportunities for women scientists to pursue research and development projects. This encourages more women to enter and excel in STEM fields.

The Importance of Empowering Women in STEM

Empowering women in science leadership isn't just about being fair; it's about boosting innovation, problem-solving skills, and making development inclusive for everyone. Studies consistently show that teams with diverse genders are better at tackling tough challenges. By tapping into the talents and viewpoints of women, especially in STEM fields, we can find new paths to sustainable development.

The impact of women in STEM leadership is Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she showed the invaluable contributions of women in addressing global challenges through science. 

Another incident is where NASA sent a Sally Rider, a woman to space for a week and asked if 100 tampons were enough. These were the USA’s biggest minds and they were not aware of basic women hygiene.

Challenges Women Face in STEM

Despite the growing recognition of women's importance in science leadership, many hurdles stand in their way, particularly in places like India. Cultural norms and stereotypes discourage girls from pursuing STEM education and careers early on, creating a gender gap in these fields. Access to quality education, especially in rural areas, is limited, which makes it harder for girls to enter STEM. Gender biases and discrimination in academic and professional settings also hold women back from advancing in science leadership roles, limiting their career opportunities and recognition.

The patriarchal societal norms often discourage girls from pursuing STEM education, leading to a significant gender gap in fields like engineering and technology. This can be verified from Kamala Sohonie, who had a BSc degree in Chemistry (principal) and Physics (subsidiary) from Bombay University. She was the first woman to have a Phd in scientific discipline. CV Raman denied her admission in IISc because she was a woman.

Initiative Taken

Despite these challenges, progress is being made in promoting women in STEM in India. Government initiatives, like scholarships and mentorship programs, encourage female participation in STEM education and careers. NGOs and academic institutions are also stepping up with initiatives to support women's advancement in science leadership, offering training, networking opportunities, and mentorship to aspiring female scientists and researchers.

The "Women in Science Excellence (WISE)" program launched by the Indian Academy of Sciences provides mentorship and networking opportunities for women scientists, helping them overcome barriers and advance in their careers. “IDWGS Global Essay Writing Competition on International Day of Women and Girls in Science” by Udaan Youth Club Tyodhi and “STEM Women of India’’ highlight the stories and achievements of women scientists and innovators across different STEM disciplines. These aim to inspire young girls to pursue their passions in science and break down stereotypes about gender roles in STEM fields.

Contributions to Sustainable Development

Women in science leadership roles play a crucial part in driving sustainable development in India. Their diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and problem-solving skills contribute greatly to addressing complex environmental and societal challenges. From renewable energy to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture, women scientists are leading the charge.

Dr. Sunita Narain, an environmentalist and director of the Center for Science and Environment in India, has been instrumental in advocating for sustainable development practices, including clean energy and environmental conservation. Her research and policy advocacy have influenced government policies and promoted sustainable practices across various sectors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, empowering women in science leadership is essential for driving sustainable development in India. Despite the challenges, progress is being made, and with continued efforts to address societal norms, cultural biases, and structural inequalities, we can unlock the full potential of women in STEM. By judging their talent, perspectives, and contributions, instead of their gender. 

About the Author

I'm Nvyanna Khanna, a 15-year-old. I am in 10th standard at Adarsh Public School. My journey in STEM has been marked by success in hackathons and competitions. I've clinched victories like the Think and Learn Challenge by Byju's and ranked among the top 100 teams globally in the Youth Ideathon 2023. Additionally, I'm proud of achieving bronze in The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 and reaching the semi-finals in the ClimateScience Olympiad. Being a femme in STEM myself, This essay means a lot to me.