#IDWGS Essay: Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability by Dr Drishti Sagar

Do we have an international day for everything? Why should I be bothered about it? This is a question that most people ponder while scrolling through headlines on their mobile phones. International agencies such as The United Nations (UN) organize such days to educate the masses about pressing global issues, that can help in mobilizing the resources of the general public as well as the decision makers to reinforce the accomplishments of mankind.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year on 11 February, and is implemented by UN-women and UNESCO, to recognize and commemorate the vital role that girls and women play in science and technology. This day provides an opportunity to promote equal access and participation at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Gender equality is a global priority to support young budding girls, their education, and identify implementation gaps for creating a globally recognized framework and action plan for inclusivity in science and technology. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-5) focus on achieving gender equality, and empowering all girls and women. This cause can be effectively advanced when digital literacy odds are in their favour. Empowerment of women through effective technological resources, education, training opportunities, and financial assistance can help them exercise their full potential.

The late astronaut Kalpana Chawla is a perfect example of women empowerment in India. She was the first woman of Indian origin and the second Indian to fly in space. She had joined NASA, and made remarkable achievements in aerodynamic optimization. Other renowned scientists include Anna Mani (atmospheric physics and instrumentation), Kamal Ranadive (worked on leprosy and established first tissue culture laboratory in Cancer Research Institute, India), Radha Balakrishnan (nonlinear dynamics and applications in physics), Bindu A Bambah (theoretical high energy physics), and Sulabha K Kulkarni (nanotechnology and surface science) amongst a few. Their profound contributions in science, and to the society as a whole are a true testament of what women can achieve if given the right opportunities and a wholesome environment.

The world is aspiring to move from women development to women led development. Gandhi said “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family.” With poverty alleviation schemes such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padao Yojna, Kishori Shakti Yojna’ to name a few, India has realized the role of women education in society. ‘Mahila E-Haat’ is an online marketing platform set up by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as a part of ‘Digital India’ and ‘Stand Up India’ initiatives. It provides an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products using technology. ‘The Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme’ was also approved to empower rural women through community participation.

Innovation is one of the most significant contributions a woman scientist can make for the world. They say that ‘A good entrepreneur is a scientist’. Lack of finance in one of the biggest challenges that women entrepreneurs face around the world. To strengthen the role of women in economic development of the country, ‘Orient Mahila Vikas Yojna Scheme’ was launched to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs who hold 51% share capital separately or collectively as a proprietary concern. On similar lines are various other schemes such as ‘Annapurna Scheme, Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loan, Mudra Yojana Scheme, Dena Shakti Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana, Udyogini Scheme, Cent Kalyani Scheme, Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme, and Stree Shakti Yojna Scheme’. ‘The Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development scheme’ (TRADE) provides women entrepreneurs the necessary training and counselling apart from financial assistance via organizations such as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These schemes focus on strengthening the self-efficacy and self-reliance of women to overcome the challenges that they face in their journey. From provision of education to providing funds, the Indian government has left no stone unturned towards women empowerment.

Furthermore, women empowerment was the core of G20 agenda under India’s presidency. Members of G20 EMPOWER and W20 meetings have vowed undying commitment towards increased leadership opportunities, better jobs, access to financial and digital assets, and investments in the care economy. This visionary nature of the Indian government to close gender gaps, and promotion of women’s participation in STEM sectors has been welcomed by the UN Women.

Historically, men have always played the role of bread earner, and women the care taker and nurturer of a family. So naturally the idea of women and girls in STEM careers has its own set of hiccups and challenges. Pay disparity, delayed promotions to leadership positions, lack of mentorship and female role models, misunderstood motherhood are few of the many hurdles that women have to face when advancing their careers. However, women have successfully overcome the corridors of bullying and harassment, and are reaching new heights. This is evident by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) missions such as the captivating Mangalyaan mission and heart throbbing Chandrayaan-3 mission where teams comprising of women scientists formed the backbone of these successful missions.

Empowering women and young girls is not a choice, but a necessity with recognition at the highest policy level. We should honor the legacy of women scientists by encouraging young girls to pursue a career in STEM disciplines. It is high time we realize that women are at the center for an equitable and sustainable change in the society. By examining the underlying challenges that perpetuate inequality, it is imperative to find solutions to address these issues. This will ensure that leadership positions are open to all qualified individuals regardless of their gender or socioeconomic background. As a woman in science myself, I strongly urge all the young budding minds to look beyond the daily obstacles and say to yourself ‘If I can dream it, I can do it’.

About the Author

Dr Drishti Sagar is medical doctor who specializes in public health and infectious diseases. Having obtained her MBBS and MD from reputable medical colleges of India, she is a gold medallist and university topper. She specializes in clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, clinical research, and hospital infection control. She also has a diploma in health economics, healthcare financing and policy. She is presently working as a consultant in a reputable government hospital in Delhi. Having conducted numerous trainings and workshops on health, hygiene and scientific career building, she has been a keen advocate of girl child education and woman empowerment.