essay on women's role in science and technology in india

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Women in Science - Famous Women Scientists in India and their Roles

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Prominent Indian Women in Science

Contribution of women in science, challenges in gender disparity in indian science, government initiatives for promoting science among women.

Prelims: General Science

Mains: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.

India has a large number of talented women who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology. From vaccines to space, Indian women are breaking scientific stereotypes and paving the way for others to follow. India's history is filled with examples of women scientists who have held top positions in institutions, many of whom have innovated and led cutting-edge technologies. One such example is that of Dr. Tessy Thomas, also known as "The Missile Woman of India" , who is a prominent scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Women scientists in India play an important role in the socio-economic development of a nation. For over 100 years, women scientists in India have proven their strength and made great contributions to the scientific growth of the country.

The below table mentions the famous women scientists of India:

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), women made up 28% of participants in 2018-19 in extramural Research and Development (R&D) projects, up from 13% in 2000-01.

• The proportion of women primary investigators in R&D increased more than fourfold, from 232 in 2000-01 to 941 in 2016-17.
• The proportion of female researchers increased from 13.9% in 2015 to 18.7% in 2018. 

Participation of Women in Space Programmes

• Ritu Karidhal, Nandini Harinath, Anuradha TK , Moumita Dutta and Minal Rohit etc., were some of the women who played a crucial role.
• While Vanitha Muthayya headed the mission as project director, Ritu Karidhal (Rocket Woman of India)was the mission director.
• Chandrayaan 3 :The mission was led by India's rocket woman, Ritu Kridhal Shrivastava, and deputy project director Kalpana Kalahasti.

Women in STEM: a CSIR Survey, 2022

The survey on gender parity revealed that:

• A significant number of CSIR labs lacked female chief scientists, highlighting a two-decade trend of male-dominated leadership positions.
• Across various levels and clusters, the proportion of women scientists and technical staff remained notably low, comprising only about 18% of total scientists and 15% of technical staff within the CSIR labs examined.
• Project funds allocated to women Principal Investigators were considerably lower than their male counterparts in specific clusters.
• Low Representation of Women in Indian R&D Workforce
• According to the 2018 National Task Force on Women in Science report, only 15% of the Indian R&D workforce are women, against the global average of 30%.
• Similar gender disparities exist in S&T teaching institutions.
• Root Cause: Gender Mindset
• Gender bias starts from infancy, reinforced by academic books and societal norms.
• Parents, teachers, and educational institutions often contribute to discouraging girls from pursuing science.
• Institutional Barriers
• Fewer institutions in India offer science programs compared to arts and commerce.
• Peer recognition is often limited.
• For example: In 2021 and 2022, all 23 winners were men, and CSIR didn't recognize any women scientists for their contributions.

The government has launched programs and initiatives to provide women with access to education and training in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as to support their professional development and advancement.

• ‘Women Scientists Scheme’ under WISEKIRAN provides various opportunities to women scientists and technologists, especially those who had a break in their careers, to pursue research.
• Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine): It encourages women scientists and technologists to conduct international collaborative research at prestigious US institutions.
• Vigyan Jyoti : Programme launched by the DST for meritorious girl students of Class 9-12 to encourage them to pursue education and careers in science and technology, particularly in the areas where women are under represented.
• Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI): It aims to transform institutions for a more gender-sensitive approach and inclusiveness with the ultimate goal of improving gender equity in S&T.
• SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research):  It aims to address the lower participation of women scientists in research activities and to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering.
• “National Award for Woman Scientist”: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has initiated this award since 2018 which is being conferred to one woman scientist each year.
• The programme will cater to women with a STEM background and empower them to contribute to the technology and innovation ecosystem.

FAQs on Women in Science

What is the empowerment of women in science and technology.

Increasing the participation of girls and women in STEM disciplines is one way to empower women. It creates opportunities for girls and women to redefine and transform our economies and societies when they are empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute to the development of the nation.

Who is the First Woman Scientist in India?

Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to get a PhD in a scientific discipline . She received the Rashtrapati Award for her work on the nutritional benefits of the palm extract called ‘Neera’.

What is the Contribution of Women to Technology?

Inspiring women working in tech have made significant contributions to the IT world. They were leaders in building the early foundations of modern programming. Their work inspired environmental movements and led to new technological discoveries.

Who were the Famous Female Scientists in India?

Women scientists of India who made history are Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, Janaki Ammal, Kamala Sohonie, Asima Chatterjee, Rajeshwari Chatterjee, Kalpana Chawla, Dr. Indira Hinduja, Tessy Thomas etc.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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The Role of Women in STEM: Achievements and Challenges

In STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), one of the most significant obstacles that remain is gender disparity. Women are disproportionately underrepresented in STEM disciplines, according to research and statistical statistics. In comparison to men, women comprise a lesser share of the STEM workforce and are less inclined to pursue STEM-related degrees and jobs. A major detrimental impact on STEM creativity and diversity is caused by this mismatch, which narrows the spectrum of perspectives, approaches, and techniques for problem-solving. Varied ideas and solutions are more likely to be generated by a more varied STEM community, which would hasten the growth of science and technology. Diversity is crucial for fostering creativity.

Girls in STEM education are crucial because they not only foster diversity and creativity but also serve as important role models for future professionals. Their efforts serve as a catalyst for inventions that upend whole industries and pave the way for future generations. From the ground-breaking discoveries made by Marie Curie to the achievements of contemporary female scientists, engineers, and technicians, girls in STEM have always improved the field with their knowledge, ingenuity, and perspectives. In this regard, female participation is currently a major factor influencing the development of STEM fields and STEM education.

Social and Cultural Roles in the Gender Gap in STEM Education

Prejudices and cultural views significantly influence the number of girls who engage in and are represented in STEM disciplines, as STEM education makes abundantly evident. Girls face barriers in STEM education due to cultural biases and assumptions that STEM fields are better suited for men. The lack of information regarding mentors and role models in STEM fields exacerbates the under-representation of girls in these fields. Addressing the issue requires initiatives that promote STEM education for girls and inspire them to pursue careers in the field. We can challenge societal norms and provide supportive conditions to help females flourish in STEM and reduce the gender gap.

The Role of Girls in STEM is Critical

There are several significant reasons why girls in STEM fields are crucial. Diverse teams—including girls in STEM fields—may approach challenges from many angles, which fosters more original thinking and improved problem-solving. Girls’ encouragement to pursue STEM careers helps build a robust and competitive labor force, which in turn propels economic growth by filling the growing need for skilled workers. Equal opportunities in STEM disciplines contribute to the development of a just and equitable society where everyone has the potential to prosper by promoting social justice and shattering gender stereotypes. Future generations of girls are inspired to pursue STEM fields by female role models, which creates a positive feedback cycle of success and motivation.  Girls bring original thoughts and imaginative methods to the table, which results in ground-breaking discoveries and innovations that promote society. 

Girls must be encouraged to pursue STEM fields, and a diverse and representative workforce must be created if we are to guarantee that STEM advancements meet the needs of all people. Women in STEM make social and cultural changes that support and encourage girls to pursue STEM areas from an early age by challenging traditional gender conventions. A few of the most significant worldwide issues, like healthcare, climate change, and sustainable development, may also be helped by girls pursuing STEM fields. In conclusion, females in STEM professions and high-quality STEM education are essential for fostering innovation, expanding diversity, accelerating economic growth, and ensuring a more inclusive and fair future.

Current Barriers to Girls in STEM

One of the biggest problems that still exists in the STEM professions is the gender gap. Research and statistics constantly show that there is a lack of female representation in STEM fields. Women are underrepresented in the STEM workforce and are less likely than men to pursue degrees and careers in the field. This mismatch has a negative impact on diversity and innovation in STEM domains by reducing the range of viewpoints, methods, and problem-solving strategies available. Diversity encourages creativity, and a more diverse STEM community would generate a wider range of concepts and solutions, accelerating the advancement of science and technology. Moreover, these disparities perpetuate stereotypes and biases that restrict women’s potential and make it harder for them to excel in STEM professions. It is crucial to address this disparity for the sake of social justice as well as to advance STEM education, especially STEM for girls.

According to a Ministry of Science and Technology report, women continue to outweigh men in India when it comes to the number of people with degrees in science and engineering, with over 30% of female students choosing to study in STEM fields. Still, there remains a gender gap in the field; throughout the nation, women make up just 14% of STEM professionals. These findings highlight the glaring underrepresentation of women in STEM areas in India and highlight the need for concerted initiatives to increase diversity and gender equality in these sectors, with a focus on Girls in STEM and STEM Education for Girls.

Efforts to Promote Girls in STEM Fields and STEM Education

Girls in STEM clubs: establishing organizations or societies whose primary goal is to unite females interested in STEM fields in a supportive environment where they may develop and learn.

STEM Outreach Programs: Arranging activities, such as career fairs, seminars, and workshops, to showcase career opportunities in STEM education, with an emphasis on STEM for girls.

The STEM mentorship program: pairs girls with mentors in STEM-related industries who may act as inspiration, advisors, and role models to assist them reach their objectives.

STEM Scholarships and Grants: Reducing entry barriers by providing women seeking STEM education at various levels with financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants.

In conclusion, In order to promote creativity and diversity, it is imperative that the gender gap in STEM disciplines be addressed. Women are still underrepresented, which results in a limited variety of viewpoints and methods for tackling problems. Encouraging females to pursue STEM not only advances equality but also adds diversity and innovation to the profession. The following generation of female STEM workers is greatly influenced by their mentors and role models. We may lessen obstacles and foster inclusion by questioning social conventions and creating encouraging surroundings. Encouraging diverse engagement in STEM will propel technological progress and lead to a future that is more inventive and equal.

India STEM Foundation

Women in Science and Technology: An Indian scenario

• October 2019
• CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

• University of Georgia
• This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.

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Women For Stem India

Inspiring Women in STEM in India and Their Remarkable Contributions to the Field.

• May 29, 2023
• No Comments

India is home to a plethora of talented women who have made significant contributions to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Breaking through barriers and defying societal norms, these remarkable women have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. In this article, we shine a spotlight on ten inspiring women in STEM in India and explore their groundbreaking achievements, paving the way for future generations of women in these fields.

1. Dr. Tessy Thomas - Missile Woman of India

Dr. Tessy Thomas, often referred to as the “Missile Woman of India,” is a renowned scientist who played a pivotal role in the development of India’s indigenous long-range ballistic missile, Agni-V. Her expertise in missile technology and leadership skills have earned her numerous accolades and recognition as one of the key figures in India’s defense research and development.

2. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath - Neuroscience Pioneer

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath is a distinguished neuroscientist known for her groundbreaking research in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Her contributions have not only advanced our understanding of these disorders but also paved the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

3. Dr. Kalpana Chawla - Inspiring Astronaut

The late Dr. Kalpana Chawla remains an inspiration for aspiring astronauts around the world. Born in India, she became the first woman of Indian origin to venture into space as a NASA astronaut. Dr. Chawla’s journey serves as a reminder of the immense courage and determination required to reach for the stars and break through the confines of Earth’s atmosphere.

4. Dr. Gagandeep Kang - Vaccine Research Expert

Dr. Gagandeep Kang is a renowned immunologist and microbiologist whose research focuses on vaccine development and infectious diseases. Her pioneering work in understanding the transmission and prevention of rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in children, has contributed to the development of life-saving vaccines and policies.

5. Aditi Pant - Innovator in Sustainable Technology

Aditi Pant is an environmental scientist and innovator who has dedicated her efforts to finding sustainable solutions for waste management. She co-invented a technology known as “Green Charcoal,” which converts agricultural waste into clean-burning fuel, addressing both waste management issues and air pollution concerns.

6. Dr. Anisa B. Khan - Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Expert

Dr. Anisa B. Khan is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology and bioinformatics. Her research focuses on applying computational approaches to analyze complex biological data and has contributed to advancements in genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

7. Dr. Nandini Harinath - Space Scientist and Mars Mission Specialist

Dr. Nandini Harinath is a space scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who played a vital role in the Mars Orbiter Mission, India’s first interplanetary mission. Her expertise in spacecraft navigation and mission design has been instrumental in the success of multiple space missions.

8. Dr. Renu Khator - Academic Leader and Innovator

Dr. Renu Khator is a distinguished academician and administrator, currently serving as the Chancellor of the University of Houston System. With a background in computer science, she has made significant contributions to the field of higher education and has been recognized for her leadership in promoting STEM education and research.

9. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan - Global Health Advocate

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is a renowned pediatrician and clinical scientist who has dedicated her career to global health. She has served in key leadership roles, including the Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and has been instrumental in shaping global health policies and strategies, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases.

10. Dr. Ritu Karidhal - Mars Orbiter Mission Mission Director

Dr. Ritu Karidhal, popularly known as the “Rocket Woman of India,” played a vital role as the Mission Director for the Mars Orbiter Mission. Her leadership and technical expertise in space missions have been instrumental in positioning India as a significant player in the field of space exploration.

These remarkable women in STEM in India have shattered glass ceilings and made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. Their achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in STEM, proving that gender is not a barrier to success. Through their dedication, innovation, and resilience, they have paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse STEM community in India, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come. Let us celebrate and support the remarkable women who continue to drive scientific progress and make a lasting impact on society.

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Make Your Note

Making Science Women-Inclusive

• 25 Feb 2022
• GS Paper - 2
• Government Policies & Interventions
• Issues Related to Women

This editorial is based on “A More Inclusive Science” which was published in Indian Express on 24/02/2022. It talks about the under-representaion of women in the field of science and technology.

For Prelims: Vigyan Jyoti Programme, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), KIRAN scheme, WISTEMM program, CURIE programme, GATI program.

For Mains: Representation of Women in Science - Associated Government Initiatives, Challenges and Way Forward.

The underrepresentation of women in the sciences exists across the entire career trajectory — in recruitment and promotion, in awards, in selection to science academies as members/fellows and in leadership positions in scientific institutions.

The status of women’s representation in science academies reflects their overall position in the scientific community. The problem needs to be addressed at two levels – at societal level which requires long term effort and the policy and institutional level , which can be started with immediate effect.

Representation of Women in Science

What are the global trends.

• The early part of the 20 th century witnessed the acceptance of women scientists as members in many of the European academies.
• In the case of young academies, although the position is better, there is under-representation as the average share is 42%.
• Among the senior academies, the Academy of Sciences of Cuba leads with 33%.

What are India-Specific Stats?

• A survey conducted in 2020 showed that out of 1,044 members of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) , only 89 are women, amounting to 9%. In 2015, it was worse with 6% women scientist members out of 864 members.
• Similarly, the governing body of INSA had seven women out of 31 members in 2020, while there were no women members in 2015.
• The three academies, the Indian National Science Academies (INSA), the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) and the National Academies (NAS) are striving to enhance the representation of women in science, including in professional bodies and related institutions.

What Initiatives have been Launched to Promote Women in Science?

• Initially, it was introduced at the school level wherein meritorious girl students of Class 9-12 were being encouraged to pursue higher education and career in the STEM field.
• Recently, the programme was extended to 100 districts in its 2 nd phase.
• One of the programmes under the scheme — ‘Women Scientist Scheme’ — provides career opportunities to unemployed women scientists and technologists, especially those who had a break in their career.
• The DST (Department of Science & Technology) has also additionally established Artificial Intelligence (AI) labs in women universities with the goal to foster AI innovations and to prepare skilled manpower for AI-based jobs in future.
• Under the Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (WISTEMM) program , women scientists can work in research labs in the US.
• The Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) programme aims at improving R&D infrastructure and establishing state-of-the-art research facilities in order to create excellence in S&T in women universities.
• The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) program was launched to develop a comprehensive Charter and a framework for assessing Gender Equality in STEM.

What are the Causes for Under-representation?

• It is still considered okay to judge the parental or life-partner status of a woman scientist while deciding to hire her or give her a leadership position, overlooking her merit.
• A common norm, it has become that women spouses of already hired faculty, however meritorious, will not be hired.
• Stressors related to marriage and childbirth, pressures to conform to societal norms and trappings of domesticity - responsibility related to running of households and elder care further hinder the representation of women in these ‘non-conventional’ fields.
• Lack of Role Models: Organisational factors have also played a big role in preventing gender parity. Lack of women leaders and women role models may be preventing more women from entering these fields.
• Not just societal norms but issues related to poor education and healthcare access are responsible for a lesser number of women in these fields.

What Steps Can Be Taken?

• More importantly, science academies have to reflect upon their role and contributions to promote and retain women in science , thereby making science inclusive and sensitive.
• This can be changed if more women are given leadership positions.
• Contributions of women in the STEM sector should be highlighted in textbooks thus making them the role models for the next generation of girls to be leaders in the STEM sector.
• It is imperative that we understand and remove the sexism and institutional obstacles that prevent more women from entering the scientific field.
• Gender equality is not just an ethical imperative , but also a business priority. Organisations with greater diversity among their executive teams tend to have higher profits and greater innovation capability.
• We all must increase efforts to rapidly change the status quo. This fight against gender disparity must be fought by all — families, educational institutions, companies and governments.

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Role of Women in Science and Technology

The Indian Prime Minister recently highlighted the significant contributions of female scientists and engineers towards the Chandrayaan-3 mission. 

Contribution by Females in Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

• For the first time in India’s history, a space mission is being led by two women scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Missile Woman of India: Dr. Tessy Thomas  
• Rocket Woman of India: Ritu Karidhal 
• Deputy Project Director of Chandrayaan-3 Kalpana K 

Status of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM): 

• Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum: Women account for 27% of India’s STEM workforce, as compared to 32% of the non-STEM workforce. 
• World Bank Data: Only 33% of researchers are women worldwide. 
• Gender gap in STEM Education: Globally, only 18 percent of girls in higher-level education are pursuing STEM studies, compared with 35 percent of boys. 
• Contribution in Artificial Intelligence (AI): Women account for just 22% of professionals working in AI and 28% of engineering  graduates. 

Significance of Women Participation in STEM: 

• Economic Growth: A study from McKinsey found that with equal workforce distribution, India could increase its GDP by 10%. 
• Gender Diversity: More female participation can create a more diverse and inclusive scientific community. 
• Targeted Interventions: It is likely to be more relevant and can help in their empowerment. 
• Inclusivity: Including more females helps to ensure that science helps society as a whole. 
• Improved Decision-Making: Different perspectives of females can bring valuable insights and advancements to scientific research and discovery leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. 
• Achieving SDGs: STEM is crucial to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (gender equality) which includes women’s use of enabling technology. 

Reasons behind the under-representation of women in STEM: 

• Masculine Culture: Women are stereotyped as more delicate, tender and unfit for hard jobs. 
• (Of the 866 Nobel winners so far, only 53 have gone to women). 
• Gender gap in Self-efficacy: Females concern about their suitability only for certain “soft” fields.  
• Self-doubt among Women Professionals: It limits them from applying for leadership roles. 
• Marriage and Family Planning: It leads to delay their involvement at the doctoral levels. 
• Burden of Dual Responsibilities: Women are expected to manage both home and work, for which they require more flexible schedules. 
• Systemic Issues: This under-representation starts from school and results from deep-rooted social discrimination, social norms, biases that influence the quality of education they receive. 

Way Forward: 

• Redefining the culture in STEM: Need for mandatory representation of women, massive rollout of women-centric mentoring programs, flexible or remote work setups, and providing childcare and after-school support. 
• Investment in Women Only Institutions: To address many issues that concern women. 
• Women’s Technology Park: To attract rural women eager to learn and to start early with internships.
• Paid Internship: Each area must encourage girl science students through paid internships.
• Gender-diversity dividend in STEM: It involves systemic social and psychological changes.
• Example: Indusface, not only has a woman co-founder but also places a strong emphasis on hiring women in the workforce. This helps to maintain a current female ratio of 25% to 30%. 
• Mentoring and Funding: Needed for those seeking to re-enter the workforce after a break. 
• Positive Parenting: This will help change stereotypical perceptions and inspire young girls to choose and work in this area. 

News Source: The Hindu

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Meet 7 Indian women scientists whose inventions and experiments have helped in the progress of science and technology

Herstory presents the top indian women scientists whose achievements have broadened the horizons of science and technology and brought laurels to the country..

Tuesday January 14, 2020 , 6 min Read

Women in science from being a minority are now occupying the most important positions, in realms one thought were unachievable before. From winning Nobel Prizes to heading NASA, women scientists have etched their names in history.

In India, science and tech remains a male-dominated field like much of the world. However, women like Ritu Karidhal, Chandrima Saha and others have taken on leading roles in organisations like ISRO and INSA, initiated new projects with far-reaching results. 

Here is a list of women whose scientific endeavours have broadened the horizons of science on earth and beyond. 

(Top row)Tessy Thomas, Ritu Karidhal, M Vanitha, Gagandeep Kang; (Bottom) Mangala Mani, Chandrima Shaha, Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan.

Tessy Thomas

Tessy Thomas, known as the 'Missile Woman' of India is the Director General of Aeronautical Systems and the former Project Director for Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). She is the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India. 

The 56-year-old has a doctorate in missile guidance and has worked in the field for over three decades. She has contributed in guidance, trajectory simulation and mission design at the DRDO. She designed the guidance scheme for long-range missile systems, which is used in all Agni missiles. She was conferred with Agni Self-reliance award in 2001. She is a recipient of multiple fellowships and honorary doctorates.

Ritu Karidhal

As Mission Director of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, Ritu Karidhal was feted for role in helming one of India’s most ambitious lunar projects. She was responsible for detailing and the execution of the craft's onward autonomy system, that independently operated the satellite’s functions in space and responded appropriately to malfunctions.

Dubbed as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’ Ritu joined ISRO in 2007 and was also the Deputy Operations Director to India’s Mars Orbiter mission, Mangalyaan. 

An aerospace engineer, she was born and raised in Lucknow in a middle-class family. She has a BSc in physics from the University of Lucknow and ME degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science. 

In 2007, she also received the ISRO Young Scientist Award from APJ Abdul Kalam, then President of India. 

Muthayya Vanitha

Muthayya Vanitha is the Project Director of Chandrayaan-2. She is the first woman to lead the interplanetary mission at ISRO. She was promoted from Associate Director to Project Director of the mission. She hails from Chennai and is an electronics system engineer from the College of Engineering, Guindy. 

She has worked at ISRO for over three decades. She started as a junior engineer in hardware testing and development and has risen up  the ladder steadily. She has occupied several roles such as leading the Telemetry and Telecommand Divisions in the Digital Systems Group of ISRO Satellite Centre, and has been the Deputy Project Director for several satellites including Cartosat-1, Oceansat-2, and Megha-Tropiques. . Previously she has also managed data operations for remote sensing satellites. 

In 2006, she received the Best Woman Scientist Award.

• Gagandeep Kang

Gagandeep Kang, a virologist and scientist, is known for her interdisciplinary research in transmission, development, and prevention of enteric infections and their sequelae in children in India.

She has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), the first Indian woman scientist to receive this honour. The FRS is the oldest scientific institution in the world, and is dedicated to promoting excellence in science. 

Gagandeep is the Executive Director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, and is the Chairperson of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast-Asia's Immunisation Technical Advisory Group.

To develop practical approaches to support public health, she also built national rotavirus and typhoid surveillance networks, established laboratories to support vaccine trials, and conducted phase one-three- clinical trials of vaccines, a comprehensive approach that has supported two WHO prequalified vaccines made by two Indian companies. She is also investigating the complex relationships between infection, gut function, and physical and cognitive development, and seeking to build a stronger human immunology research in India. 

Mangala Mani

The ‘polar woman of ISRO’, Mangala Mani is ISRO’s first woman scientist to spend more than a year in the icy landscape of Antarctica. The 56-year-old had never experienced snowfall before she was selected for the mission. In November 2016, she was part of the 23-member team that went on an expedition to Bharati, India’s research station in Antarctica. She spent 403 days at the southernmost continent operating and maintaining ISRO’s ground station. 

She will soon  be featured in a BBC series about women in science. In a newspaper article, she is quoted as saying, “Women are venturing into every field. Women just need to be willing, ready and take that opportunity when it comes. With the knowledge explosion, the sky is not the limit, there is much more beyond.”

Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan

Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan technology is onboard NASA's New Horizon mission, which is probing Pluto. It is NASA’s farthest space mission. She is responsible for building the algorithm and the chip that is responsible for bringing information from Pluto, whose existence as a planet was being questioned. The chip on board the spacecraft collects signals and sends them back to the space station which is three billion miles away. 

After completing her undergraduate degree in Mumbai, Kamakshi went on to study information theory at Stanford. Later, explored  the idea of machine learning stack as lead scientist at AdMob, after which she began research where her technology led her to work closely with the cosmos. 

Now, she has gone back to learning stack and has created an ingenious technology of her own, in the form of Drawbridge – which went on to be America’s fastest-growing women-led companies.

Based in San Mateo, California, she has been building a complex algorithm to be more intuitive about how users interact with ads online, as well as across different interfaces – smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. 

Chandrima Shaha

Chandrima is a biologist and the first ever woman president of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). She assumed office on January 1 this year.  In 85 years of its existence, the Academy has never had a woman president until she took over.

Chandrimawas first elected to INSA in 2008, and served as its Vice President between 2016 and 2018. She specialises in cell biology, and has conducted extensive research about the ‘Leishmania’ parasite which causes Kala Azar. She has also authored over 80 research papers. She has received many awards like the Shakuntala Amirchand Award of ICMR (1992), and the Special Award for 50th Anniversary of DNA Double Helix Discovery (2003) for "significant contributions towards understanding of Cell Death Processes in different Model Organisms.

Being ignored by male colleagues in her early days as a scientist, who wouldn’t even shake hands with a woman scientist, motivated her to keep going no matter what, and establish herself as a successful one.

(Edited by Rekha Balakrishnan)

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Women in STEM

Last updated on February 14, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Women make up only 28% of the workforce in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are exceptionally high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering. Read here to understand the gender gap in STEM.

Despite attempts to increase the number of women working in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this issue of underrepresentation has persisted.

Fighting the gender pay gap and outdated assumptions, more women are increasingly seeking and succeeding in engineering and mathematics, two of the most profitable STEM areas.

Throughout their education, girls, and women are systematically guided away from science and math, which restricts their access to, preparedness for, and opportunity to work in these disciplines as adults.

Table of Contents

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.

Even though women have made tremendous progress toward increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.

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• Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
• In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
• Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution , women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.
• Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals and they are often passed over for promotion.

Why there is a gender gap in STEM?

The number of women in science and engineering is growing, yet men continue to outnumber women, especially at the upper levels of these professions. Why is this so?

• Girls’ achievements and interests in Math and Science are shaped by the environment around them. Hence, societal beliefs and the growth environment around them influence the future.
• Negative stereotypes about girls’ abilities compared to boys in math can indeed measurably lower girls’ test performance. Such stereotypes can lower girls’ aspirations for science and engineering careers over time.
• The issue of self-assessment, or how we view our abilities, is another area where cultural factors have been found to limit girls’ interest in mathematics and mathematically challenging careers.
• One of the largest gender differences in cognitive abilities is found in the area of spatial skills, with boys and men consistently outperforming girls and women. Spatial skills are considered by many people to be important for success in engineering and other scientific fields.
• The foundation for a STEM career is laid early in life, but scientists and engineers are made in colleges and universities.
• Women are less satisfied with the academic workplace and more likely to leave it earlier in their careers than their male counterparts are.
• Most people associate science and math fields with “male” and humanities and arts fields with “female”.
• Not only are people more likely to associate math and science with men than with women, people often hold negative opinions of women in “masculine” positions, like scientists or engineers.

Women in STEM in India

In India, nearly 43% of STEM graduates are women, as opposed to other developed nations like the United States, Canada, and the UK, where there are fewer women – 34%, 31%, and 38%, respectively – studying STEM at the tertiary level.

As per the annual All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, which indicates enrolment in undergraduate, Master, and PhD-level programs, the number of women in India who have opted for STEM courses has increased from 10,02,707 in 2017-18 to 10,56,095 in 2019-2020.

In India, one in three research papers is being written by a female author in over 186 fields, as per the Scopus database.

• Women are almost on par with their male counterparts in subjects such as dentistry, psychology, and humanities, where for every two male authors there is at least one female author.

Yet, the turnaround for women’s participation in STEM-related jobs in the country is currently as low as 14%.

• The reasons for this unfortunate state of affairs include persistent institutional gender biases, strictly defined gender norms, patriarchal culture, etc.

Government initiatives

At the school level, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Vigyan Jyoti scheme in 2020.

• Under the scheme, schools were directed to conduct regular special lectures, classes, and science camps as a way of encouraging female students, especially those in classes 9 to 12, to pursue higher education in STEM.

The Government announced scholarships such as Pragati through the All India Council for Technical Education , making it easier for girls to access technical education at the undergraduate and diploma levels.

To support the development of a gender-equitable ecosystem within higher education and research institutions, the DST launched a pilot project – Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI).

DST also launched the Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE) initiative , which provides support to women universities in improving their Research & Development (R&D) facilities.

For women researchers interested in undertaking R&D activities, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) formulated SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) as a funding framework that aimed at providing financial assistance through grants and fellowships, enabling women to pursue their STEM research projects.

The Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe), was also undertaken by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) as a step forward to encourage women scientists to take up biotechnology research.

DST’s “ Indo-U.S. Fellowship for Women in STEM ” launched in collaboration with the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) in the United States (US).

Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST),  a new I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map) initiative called “ Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST) ” was launched in 2022.

• The WEST program will cater to women with a STEM background and empower them to contribute to the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
• Through the WEST initiative, I-STEM shall provide a separate platform to scientifically inclined women researchers, scientists, and technologists for pursuing research in basic or applied sciences in frontier areas of science and engineering.

Global initiatives for Women in STEM

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to the economic development of the world but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development .

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed on February 11 th each year since 2015.

• The day is observed by the United Nations to promote equal access and participation of women in STEM fields.
• The theme for 2023 is Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain. (I.D.E.A.S.)

IDWGIS aims to connect the International Community to Women and Girls in Science, strengthening the ties between science, policy, and society for strategies oriented toward the future.

Other international days observed by the UN to promote the growth and education of women are:

• International Women’s Day (8 March)
• Girls in ICT Day (22 April)
• International Day of the Girl Child (11 October)
• International Day of Rural Women (15 October)
• World Science Day for Peace and Development (10 November)
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November)

Women scientists shaping history

India’s rich history is replete with examples of several great scientists who have brought immense pride to the nation. Among them are several women scientists who have contributed significantly to various science disciplines.

• Kadambini Ganguly (1861-1923) was India’s first female doctor and practitioner of western medicine.
• Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (1865-1887) was the first Indian woman physician and the first woman to have graduated with a two-year degree in Western Medicine in the United States.
• Janaki Ammal (1897-1984) was the first Indian scientist to have received the Padma Shri Award in 1977, who went on to occupy the reputed post of the director-general of the Botanical Survey of India.
• Kamala Sohonie (1912-1998) was the first Indian woman to have a Ph.D. degree in the scientific discipline. She was the first female student of Prof. CV Raman , who was the then IISc director. She discovered that every cell of a plant tissue contained the enzyme ‘cytochrome C’ which was involved in the oxidation of all plant cells.
• Rajeshwari Chatterjee (1922-2010) was the First woman engineer from the state of Karnataka, who received a government scholarship to study abroad in 1946.
• Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003) was the first astronaut of Indian origin to have forayed into space. She first flew on a Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator.
• Indira Hinduja is an Indian gynecologist, obstetrician, and infertility specialist who pioneered the Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) technique resulting in the birth of India’s first GIFT baby on January 4, 1988.
• Aditi Pant was the first Indian woman to visit Antarctica in 1983 as a part of the Indian expedition to study Geology and Oceanography.
• Tessy Thomas known as the ‘Missile Woman’ of India is the Director General of Aeronautical Systems and the former Project Director for Agni-IV missile in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) . She is the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India.

Globally, numerous women scientists and engineers have helped shape the work we see today. Some of the pioneers in STEM were:

• Marie Curie was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She discovered radium and polonium and won two Nobel prizes .
• Rosalind Franklin , a British chemist contributed to the unraveling of the helical structure of DNA.
• Janet Taylor designed instruments for nautical navigation during the 1800s. She ran a manufacturing business for nautical instruments, many of which she designed herself; and embarked on the business of compass adjusting at the height of the controversies generated by magnetic deviation and distortions on iron ships.
• Beatrice Shilling was a daredevil motorcyclist and engineer who contributed greatly to the repair of Rolls-Royce engines during World War II.
• Dorothy Hodgkin discovered the structure of insulin. In 1964, Dorothy won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for “her determinations by X-ray techniques of the structures of important biochemical substances”. She was only the third woman to have won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry after Marie Curie and her daughter Irène Joliot-Curie , and the fifth woman to win a science Nobel Prize.
• Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who worked on NASA’s early space missions. She was one of the “computers” who solved equations by hand during NASA’s early years and those of its precursor organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
• Payne-Gaposchkin was a woman of many firsts: the first to receive a Ph.D. from Radcliffe College, the first to be a professor at Harvard and the first to discover the composition of stars.

Way forward

Giving women equal opportunities to pursue and thrive in STEM careers helps narrow the gender pay gap, enhances women’s economic security, ensures a diverse and talented STEM workforce, and prevents biases in these fields and the products and services they produce.

Governments and global organizations should ensure the necessities to encourage the involvement of Women in STEM:

• Give girls and women the skills and confidence to succeed in math and science.
• Improve STEM education and support for girls starting in early education.
• Work to attract, recruit and retain women into STEM majors and fields in colleges and universities.
• Improve job hiring, retention, and promotion pathways and intentionally inclusive cultures.
• Small improvements by physics and computer science departments, such as providing a broader overview of the field in introductory courses, can add up to big gains in female student recruitment and retention.

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality , besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

Also read:  Women in Politics and Women in Judiciary

-Article written by Swathi Satish

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India’s Women in Science

  Syllabus: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

  Context: Two books – Lilavati’s Daughters (2008) and Lab Hopping (2023) – highlight the complicated relationship between science and gender in India.

Some notable women scientists of India: Anandibai Joshi (India’s first woman physician), Iravati Karve (India’s first woman anthropologist),  Anna Mani (India’s first woman meteorologist), Dr N Kalaiselvi (currently, at the helm of CSIR), V R Lalithambika (leading the Gaganyaan mission)

Data on women in science in India: As per the latest “Research and Development Statistics 2019-20” of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India has 16.6% of women researchers directly engaged in R&D activities.

The obstacles that hold women back include:

• Lack of representation, deeply entrenched patriarchy
• Institutional apathy
• Poor working conditions, sexual harassment
• Familial issues like marriage, family responsibility (twin burden of home and the workplace), relocation due to transferable job of the spouse, etc.

Impact: Dropout from higher studies, career break, overage for scientific jobs and prolonged absence from place of work or even resignation from the job.

The government has taken several corrective steps:

• Women Scientist Scheme (WOS) under KIRAN provides career opportunities, especially for those who had a break in their career.
• The Mobility Scheme under KIRAN addresses relocation issues of working women scientists and provides support in project mode for 2-5 years.
• Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) Programme .
• Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) encourages Indian women scientists to undertake international collaborative research.
• Vigyan Jyoti Scheme: Encourages girl students of Class 9 to 12 to pursue education and career in S&T.
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• National Award for woman scientist: To recognize the contribution of women scientists in the field of Earth System Sciences.
• Multifaceted initiatives (like Women Entrepreneur’s Quest (WEQ) Programme) have been launched by DST to encourage women’s entrepreneurship under Start-up India-Stand up India.

Conclusion:

STEMM is the prime engines that have steered national growth and created a self-reliant India. Hence, equal participation of both men and women in STEMM will help India realise ‘ Amrit Kaal ’ in the true sense.

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Breaking Barriers: 11 Trailblazing Indian Women in Tech—An In-Depth Look

Celebrating the incredible women in the tech industry, here we get a glimpse of their inspiring journey, how they are making an incredible change in the AI sector and paving the way for women to excel in the industry.

• Aparna Sharma
• Updated - 2024-09-11, 20:19 IST

Inspiring Women Who Made A Significant Impact In The Tech Industry

1. roshni nadar malhotra - chairperson, hcl technologies, 2. debjani ghosh - president, nasscom, 3. neha narkhede - co-founder and former cto, confluent.

4. Padmasree Warrior - Former CEO, NIO U.S.

5. geetha kannan - founder and ceo, wequity, 6. deepa madhavan - senior director, enterprise data services, paypal, 7. ashni dwarkadas - co-founder, hackberry, 8. nandini piramal - executive director, piramal enterprises.

9. Shilpa Vij - Head of Artificial Intelligence, HDFC Bank

10. vidya laxman - director of technology, tesco, 11. shobana radhakrishnan.

Shobana Radhakrishnan is the Senior Director of Engineering at Google TV. She has made her mark in some of the world's most influential technology and media giants, including Google, Roku, Netflix, and Yahoo. Impact: Her tenure at Google TV is focused on using AI to enhance user experiences and optimise content recommendations. Shobana Radhakrishnan supports SAWiT.AI’s initiative to empower women in the AI sector and wholeheartedly believes that it will open new career paths for women. Expertise: Currently at Google TV, Shobana brings strategic foresight and technical acumen to one of the world’s most innovative media platforms. From artificial intelligence to data analytics, from education technology to healthcare innovation, these Women's role in information technology in India is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technology. They're solving complex problems, mentoring the next generation, and challenging the status quo in their respective fields. Their stories remind us that with determination, skill, and vision, it's possible to overcome challenges and make significant impacts in the world of technology. As we celebrate their achievements, we look forward to seeing more Indian women rise to prominence in the tech industry, continuing to inspire and lead the way for future generations. At HerZindagi, our mission has always been to empower, educate, and inspire women with the knowledge and tools that help them thrive. And we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with SAWiT.AI for the largest women-only Generative AI event! The registration also includes access to GUVI's Zero To Hero Python Course amongst other things.

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Essay on Women in Science and Technology

The era of globalization and rapid technological development has changed people’s lives dramatically. Science and technology play an extremely important role in the contemporary society. Government in developed and developing countries recognize the importance of the development of S&T sphere. The roles of men and women have changed dramatically in the contemporary society.  Women have got more freedom to express themselves and take active part in the development of technologies, despite the fact that there are still problems in this sphere.  As stated in the report  by the United Nations(2011) called  Applying a Gender Lens to Science, Technology and Innovation , : “There is also need for recognition of the importance of applying a “gender lens” to STI for development. Indeed, STI policies and programmes will not be effective, equitable and sustainable unless the gender lens is applied so as to reflect the aims, concerns, situation and abilities of both women and men” (11). People realize the gender equality is one of the components of healthy society and true development is impossible without it.  Only understanding of contribution women can make to the development of science and technology can bring positive impact on the development of this sphere.

At the present moment all over the world, with small exceptions, women take an active social role and demonstrate their abilities in a lot of spheres. Nowadays women are active in good production industry, natural-resources management, educational sphere, community management. Women occupy different positions in these spheres and professions in the spheres mentioned above are mostly considered to be female ones . Big percentage of women work in the medical industry, as well. In the developing countries women are also often involved in agricultural sphere and take part in the production of food, selling it and farming.  In addition, most of women have additional burden, such as home work and care about the members of the family.

 Despite the growing temps of technological development and  popularity of feminism, women  do not still possess equal position in the society.  “Although women and girls make up approximately 50 per cent of the global population, they have access to much less than half of the resources in terms of technology, financing, land, training and education, and information” (Applying a Gender Lens to Science, Technology and Innovation, 12). A lot specialists believe that true progress and development are not possible without women’s active participation in these processes.  The gender lens would be an essential contribution to the development of STI sphere and would enable people to meet the global changes.  “UNESCO figures reveal that in 121 countries with available data, women comprise 29 percent of  researchers but there were big disparities among regions. For example, in Latin America and the Caribbean, 46 percent of researchers are female and Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela have achieved gender parity. In Asia, women constitute only 18 percent of researchers overall. India and Japan have 13 percent female researchers and South Korea has 15 percent. In Africa women comprised about 33 percent of researchers” (UNESCO 2009). These numbers show that women’s participation in STI is very low.  Even in the countries with comparatively high rates, women’s participation does not make even 50 per cent.  These results show that gender inequality still exists in this sphere and it is necessary to pay scrupulous attention to this problem. The Baltic countries show the best results in this sphere. Women’s engagement in STI is comparatively high and is often higher than 50 percents. Among such countries are Lithuania (68.3 %), Estonia, Estonia (63.9%),  Bulgaria (63.8 %), and Latvia (63.2 %) (Human Resources in Science and Technology). The experience of these countries can become a valuable help for other countries which want to establish gender equality in the sphere of science and technology.

The history shows a lot of examples of great input made by women to the development of STI. It is hard to overestimate the role of women in the development of different sphere. Scientific and industrial field, as well as other technological industries are influenced and dominated by men. Despite the fact that there are women who have played an important role in the development of STI industry, their names are rarely mentioned.  For example, Ada Byron King, the daughter of the famous Lord Byron, became the first computer programmer. She also was a prominent mathematician. Unfortunately, her name is rarely mentioned in the history of the development of the computer industry and when people speak about this sphere they remember the names of famous male specialists. Earlier history also contains data about the famous female specialists in science and technology, but their names are even less remembered than Ada Byron King’s name. Hypatia, a Egyptian mathematician who lived in 400s made great contribution to the development of science. Maria Gaetana Agnesi made a great contribution to the science by her work in differential calculus in 1700s. Sofia Kovalevskaya worked in 1800s in Russia. Her contribution to the development of astronomy and mathematics is hard to overestimate. From recent history, it is worth to mention Grace Hopper, a PhD in mathematics. She became one of leaders on the field of software development and made a great contribution to the development of new programming techniques. “A true visionary, Dr. Hopper received many awards for her work, including — ironically — the Data Processing Management Association’s “Man-of-the-Year” award” (Abrams). Grace Hopper became the first to recognize possible profits people could have from the use of computers and she did a lot to put her ideas into practice. She realized that making the computers easier in use would increase their popularity among ordinary people. In this way she made her contribution to the computer revolution and made computers more available.  This case illustrates not only women’s ability to achieve high results in the sphere of science and technologies. It also demonstrates the way female brain works. In contrast to men, who think about complicated schemas and complex technologies, women take into account the sphere of application and use technology more available for people. “Recent research has found that men are seduced by the technology itself. They tend to get into the faster-race-car syndrome, bragging about the size of their ‘discs’ or the speed of their microprocessors. Women tend to take a more practical approach. They generally think that machines are meant to be used, and don’t really care about what’s inside the box. They just want it to work, and to get things done” (Abrams).

In the interesting study performed by the Center for Children and Technology specialists tried to find the difference between male and female approaches to technological advances. The participants of the experiment, both – men and women – were asked to described the perfect machine of the future. Results showed that machines proposed by men were designed in order to get their owners to expand control and to become more powerful. The machines designed by women had an intention to help people and to make their life easier.

These differences in approaches to technological innovations show basic difference between male and female approaches in life. Men want to expand their influence and women are ready to adapt technologies and make their use easier and more comfortable for people. That is the reason men are more likely to invent new things and women are more likely to improve things which already exist. This division does not make men superior to women nor vice versa. It means that men and women possess different types of knowledge and skills and best results can be achieved in their combination. Until present moment women were underestimated in the computer industry. Little female IT specialists took part in the development of the hardware and software. “On the business side, a recent US Department of Labor study reports that women are not successfully moving beyond mid-management boundaries in this industry– in fact, there’s been only a 3% gain in the past 10 years “ (Abrams).  Women are not presented in major CEOs and in the biggest companies which produce computers.

The National Assessments on Gender and STI report states that women still have worse access to information and technologies in comparison to men.  Women’s role in the technological development is still badly defined. Technological resources are scantly used to support women’s activities and occupation. In addition, the percentage of women in science and technology is very low (Gender Equality in the Knowledge Society).  “Women remain severely under-represented in engineering, physics and computer science — less than 30% in most countries – while the numbers of women working in these fields are also declining” (Gender Equality in the Knowledge Society).  In addition, women have less access to different resources, which would help them to take leadership position and have active influence on social processes. Women usually have lower access to finances, property, education and technology. This is very true from the developing countries, but in the  developed counties this tendency is also actual.  This can be explained by several reasons. Generally, women who try to enter technology profession experience same difficulties as women trying to enter other fields.  These difficulties include gender prejudgments, lack of female role models, difficulties in brining into line professional and personal responsibilities.   Gender prejudgments assume common belief that women have less talents and inclinations when it comes to technologies and science.   In addition, economic status and political power also play an important role in female parity in science and technology. Men occupy high position in the society and politics and have access to the distribution of resources. They influence the distribution of social roles, as well, and, naturally, they try to save status quo with male dominance in different spheres, and science and technology are not an exception. What is notable, women in the countries with good health care and childcare have more chances to enter the sphere of science and technology. In addition, countries where gender equality is considered to be the necessary component of the healthy society women also have more chances for normal self-expression in different fields.   Gender equality usually assumes “the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men” (OSAGI, 2001).  This equality should result in “equal conditions for realizing their full human rights and for contributing to, and benefiting from, economic, social, cultural and political development” (ILO, 2007). This equality assumes not only shared duties, but also equal access to resources and participation in their distribution.  Nowadays, access to property is not enough for the equality .In the era of information, access to information can be even more important than access to property. Property distribution is important but it will not resolve the problem completely till women do not have equal access to information and technological resources.

The problems with gender inequality and lack of professional opportunities for women in STI sphere are especially evident in the developing countries. There are different steps which may help to resolve the problem. Informational policy is very important. Giving men and women necessary information concerning the problem can help to resolve it. Education should become another strong factor which influences the distribution of social roles and positions. It is necessary to make sure that women in the developing countries have equal with men access to quality education.  Boys and girls have usually equal access to primary and secondary education, but the situation changes when it comes to higher education. Some changes in the curriculum would be useful to help girls and women to get more information about the STI sphere and create necessary conditions for their further employment in this sphere. In a lot of developing countries women have less access to higher education and it is necessary to  put all possible effort to change the situation for better. As mentioned above, good healthcare and mother care become those factors which help to create better career opportunities for women. So, the development of healthcare and mother care systems will also contribute to the creating of better career opportunities for women.

Better informing and collecting precise statistics data can also make a contribution to the development of gender equality in science and technology. Information and statistical data will show areas where the problems still exist and specialists will have an opportunity to pay more attention to these spheres. After distinguishing problematic zones, it will be possible to find out possible reasons of low female participation and think about possible means to resolve these problems.  Popularization of the women who make an important contribution to STI would also help to reduce the gender gap in this sphere.  Mass media can help to pursue this goal.

Women play an important role in a lot of spheres in  the contemporary society. They make great contribution to the development and improvement of life in a lot of spheres. Unfortunately, science and technology are the spheres where women do not have equal possibilities with men. There are a lot of possible explanations of this inequality, but gender bios, prejudices and unequal distribution of resources are among the main ones. Gender inequality in STI is more common in the developing countries. There are different ways to deal with the problem. Proper monitoring, proper informing and creating necessary work conditions should improve the situation in this field.  Gender equality and normal work conditions for both, men and women are the characteristics of any normal society and it is necessary to pay attention to the problem of gender inequality in science and technology because this can be beneficial for the development of these spheres.

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The Impact of Groundnut Processing on Women's Economic Empowerment: A Qualitative Study

23 Pages Posted: 10 Sep 2024 Publication Status: Under Review

Bernice Wadei

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Ebenezer Owusu-Addo

National Ageing and Research Institute, Australia

Isaac Bonuedi

Thomas yeboah, independent, richard oblitei tetteh, ernestina antoh fredua, nathaniel mensah-odum.

There is currently a growing recognition of the vital role that women play as the backbone of agricultural and small-scale processing activities. The empowerment of women has also become a central focus of international development efforts, driven by the understanding that gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also a catalyst for broader economic growth and sustainable development. Using a phenomenological research approach, with 42 qualitative interviews and 20 focus group discussions involving 161 respondents, this paper explores the multifaceted relationship between groundnut processing infrastructure and women's economic empowerment (WEE). Groundnut processing, a pivotal element of livelihoods in Northern Ghana, offers a unique lens through which to examine the transformative potential of economic activities on women's lives. Through a comprehensive data collection and analysis of qualitative interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), this study unveils the nuanced dimensions of the lived experiences of the impact of processing infrastructure on WEE. The key themes that emerged from the study were access to income, input into decision-making processes, the ability to save, asset acquisition, enhanced freedom of movement, social recognition and improved self-worth, formation of group associations, and the overall improvement in general economic well-being. This research underscores the critical role of groundnut processing infrastructure in fostering WEE.

Keywords: Women's Economic Empowerment, Groundnut processing, Gender equality, Livelihoods

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Bernice Wadei (Contact Author)

Kwame nkrumah university of science and technology ( email ), national ageing and research institute, australia ( email ).

Faculty of Law Faculty of Law Kumasi, AK Ashanti Region +233 Ghana

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