Women in Research

After devoting almost a decade in the field of research, its right to say that science and scientific research remains an extremely male-dominated field. India is no exception to this trend. The total global average of 28.4% of women in research out of which in India only 14% are women scientist. These numbers highlight how divided the scientific community is on the basis of gender.

The systemic bias and cultural conditioning play an important role in women not pursuing a career in research. The familial pressures on women and time they spend on caregiving, prevent women from taking up a research position in reputed Institutes which demand long-term commitment. Still, women made it possible. So many good examples are there in society too. This is because of its slow and steady acceptance of society towards this trend.

There is a huge difference while comparing the work platform and other facilities between developed and developing countries. There is tremendous need to bridge them out. The Indian society unfairly marginalizes women in research. The problem of representation is not specific to India alone but an issue concerning the entire world. Given the fact that women constitute 50% of the human race, their intellectual potential is something that cannot be afforded to ignore.

At the end as concluding remark: “The only way which can promote diversity is by fostering inclusive communities that support women and help them overcome the invisible biases they encounter on daily basis."

By

Dr. Ajita Tiwari

Karlsruhe, Germany