More and more girls are taking up degrees in science, but only a few go on to pursue scientific careers. In the light of the above statement, discuss the skewed ratio of women scientists in India.
Refer - The Indian Express
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
· Women in India make up 37 per cent of PhDs in science but the percentage of women holding faculty positions in science research institutions is less than 15 per cent.
· Only 16 women scientists have won the Shanti SwarupBhatnagar Award – the highest research award in India, since its inception in 1958.
· Women account for only 20% of ISROs total workforce.
· Since ISRO’s inception in 1963, it has had nine chairpersons, and none of them was a woman.
Reasons
· Coincidence of childbearing age with the potential years of research in a human’s life period.
· Two body problem – whereby, institutions do not give faculty jobs to both partners.
· Entrenched patriarchy in science.
· Dual burden of home and work.
· The strong belief among the society that, girls are not good at maths and science.
· Society’s perception that only women are responsible for rearing a child, marriage and not career is perceived to the primary goal of a woman.
Suggestions
· Robust policy push towards ensuring women scientists’ presence in India is vital.
· Change of selection criteria in scientific communities and considering scientific experience over physical age can help women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers to a great extent.
· Introducing crèches in institutes with women employees and research fellows will help to provide a congenial atmosphere for working mothers.
· Two things critical for womenresearcher today are a position with stability and funds for research.
· Funds for research will be deal with fixed tenure grants.
· A full cost one-year extension should be given on research grants to women scientists who take maternity leave during the term of the grant.
· Typically, five to seven years from appointment are given to researchers to seek tenure.
· Adding a year or two to this timeline for women with young children will look after the stability issues.
· Educating the male child that, girls are equally competent and talented will discourage gender disparity.
· Encouraging girls to take up research byincluding achievements of women scientist in the school curriculum.
· If women given equality of opportunity, Science will benefit from diversity.
