'Women not represented in scientific research'

Women do not make it to top posts in an organisation in spite of their brilliance. Progress in science and technology have to be harnessed in a gender sensitive manner.

This does not mean giving reservations alone, said Dr Manju Sharma, Former Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Biotechnology said.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural of a three-day conference on “Women in Science” at Indian Institute of Science, Dr Manjula called upon heads of academic institutions to nurture women in their careers.

Not sole criterion

“Women constitute half the humanity, yet the number of women in mathematics, physics, engineering etc is low. We must identify them by their talent. Reservation is not the sole criterion. We have to go by merit and excellence and we can find so many such women” she said.

Dr Sharma said that to increase representation of women in scientific research, there had to be transparency in appointments of posts.

“There is an urgent need for confidence building amongst women scientists. We also have to provide suitable support systems to reduce their drudgery and strain as women have dual role of managing work and family. Networking amongst women scientists and technologists has to improve,” she opined.

Focused efforts

Director of Indian Institute of Science, Prof Anurag Kumar, said there would also be focused efforts to have more women faculty in the institute.

The event is jointly organised by the Science Department of the French Embassy in India, Indian Academy Panel for Women in Sciences and the Indian Institute of Science