THROUGH A PINK TEST TUBE

Women and Girls in Science from Odisha

C.V Raman, Homi Bhaba, Abdul Kalam, J.C. Bose, Vikram Sarabhai: These are all the
names that comes to mind and are a part of general discourse in the category of “Famous
Indian Scientists”. Their contributions have been highlighted through awards,
commemoration, naming universities after them and even Bollywood films but in this long
list of male scientists and their accolades, the name of and the work performed by their
female counterparts or contemporaries often goes missing, unnoticed or ignored. Social
stigma and orthodox patriarchal mind-set has been an ever-looming hindrance to women’s
accessibility to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. The
general stereotype that exists in our society, favours women to take up social science and
humanities and saves the physical and life sciences for men but the recent trends show the
growth of women researchers and students in the field of STEM education especially in the
disciplines of biotechnology and medicine. India has been able to produce many notable
female scientists whose contributions to the field of scientific development has been
impeccable. May it be Janaki Ammal: first Indian scientist to have received the Padma Shri
Award in 1977, whose research in the field of cytogenics or cell behaviour drew global
attention, or Dr. Indira Induja: the scientist behind India’s first test tube baby, India has a
long list of women scientist with multiple accolades to their credit. The worrisome realisation
hits when the list of their male counterparts is even longer and the attention thrown at them
often steals the spotlight from the women. Therefore, it becomes imperative in the 21 st
century, as we break barriers of gender and the glass ceiling in multiple industries and
forums, attempts must be made to do the same in the field of science so as to allow Indian
women, a conducive platform for realising their dreams and making a name for themselves
and their nation, at a global level.

THE ODIA PERSPECTIVE

Talking about female scientists from Odisha, many notable women have taken exemplary
strides in the field of scientific research and exploration. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, a
notable biologist and a fellow at Indian Academy of Sciences who has written multiple
research articles on various emerging fields of science. Sudhira Das, the first female engineer
to have come out of Odisha paving the path for multiple other women to follow. Indulata
Sukla, an astute mathematician who has contributed her life to teaching the sciences to many
as an academician par excellence. The Orissa Mathematical Society (OMS) gave her the
Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in Number Theory, Cryptography and
Analysis. There are many other women from Odisha who have created an impact in the field
of science but the problem arises when these names go missing from the general discourse or
public opinion. When we have such exemplary women of talent, they should be role models
for other women to follow and create a positive influence to draw more women into science
but a huge disservice is done to them when their male counterparts get utmost recognition for
their work, while their work’s credit goes ignored or missing due to their gender. Once we
start recognising and highlighting the contributions of women in the field of science, we
would be able to create an all-inclusive, safe space for women to grow in STEM education
and research.

THE INITIAL MOTIVATION

At a very rudimentary level, schools and family play a huge role in determining our career
choices and decision making abilities. If the perception that “women are more suited to the
field of arts and men are more suited to the field of science” has to be dismantled it must be
done from the very grass-root level by changing perceptions. “I was motivated to take up
science, like several people who go into scientific research, through my early interest in
school. Something as trivial as a kinder teacher in a particular subject motivates you to
spend more time working on it. Though I must add that I’ve had the added fondness much
closer at home as well. I wouldn’t say that my love for research has kept me going like one
would expect. Rather, I have always found opportunities in the field at a time where the said
opportunity (happening to be in scientific research) has appealed more than others; and I
would continue following that principle in the future.” says Priyanka Patra, a PhD candidate
conducting scientific research at France. This initial motivation from school teachers and
parents has to be sustained throughout as one takes a leap towards a higher education level.
Professors and associates have to ensure that they hold the initial interest of their female
students and conjure it to grow into a commitment at university or research level. “The kind
of instruction provided by my professors at undergraduate level and the manner in which
they delivered their lectures was awe-inspiring and intriguing to me. When the opportunity to
work for CRRI came forth, the extent of research carried out by other fellow scientists
inspired me to delve deeper into the folds. The opportunity to work with stalwarts in their
fields like Dr. T.K Adhya, Dr. Vishaka Raina, Prof. Mrutunjay Suar, Prof. Dr. Achyuta
Samanta and Prof. Dr. Sasmita Samanta ensured that the flame of motivation to achieve
success in the field of scientific research kept burning in me. Their dedication towards
creating an inclusive space for women in science and achieving equality created a safe space
for any intellectual willing to grow” says Lopamudra Ray, Assistant Professor and
Researcher, KiiT School of Biotechnology and Law.

CREATING A SAFE SPACE AT SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND

ORGANISATIONS

Scientific research and exploration requires ultimate dedication of time, long hours of work,
extensive energy and eventually takes a physical as well as psychological toll on the
researches. In such setups, discriminatory behaviour or lack of adequate facilities like
menstrual sanitation, female bathrooms and restrooms, maternity breaks, crèche for newly
born babies of women and a wage gap can lead to creating a barrier for women to stick to
their field for a longer interval. On paper, laws and policies exist for preventing sexual
harassment at workplace, for ensuring adequate period leaves, maternity leaves, crèche
facilities at industrial set-ups, equal remuneration opportunities etc. but their implementation
must be ensured by the stakeholders.

Experiences vary from woman to woman when it comes to their ease of working at a
scientific establishment. “There has always been a notion that a subject like Geology is not
meant for women but in IISER, Pune, I have experienced a completely different scenario
where everyone is exposed to the extremities of their respective research. In fact, I have been
provided with optimum care during my menstrual cycle both on campus and on field by my
colleagues and guide. Even if I am the only female student in my lab, I never felt
uncomfortable expressing myself both professionally and personally to my team. A healthy
conversation is what drives our team together over frequent cafeteria meets where the team
leader or our research supervisor renders equal attention to all and caters to each member's
needs in order to keep the productive spirit within the team. However, I wouldn't say that this
is the case for all my female counterparts in STEM. It is saddening to hear that sexism exists
till date in higher education, even in reputed institutions.” Says Kruttika Mohapatra, a
Geology PhD candidate at IISER, Pune.

In most cases, the perception towards women in science in foreign countries has evolved and
the result has been extremely positive allowing women scientist to take the forefront and
attain recognition. On being asked about the difference between working as a scientist in
India and Paris, Priyanka Patra said: “There’s a tremendous difference. I feel in our
community; women are still seen in specific gender roles. Sure, there is talk of equality and
modernity but, in my experience, I feel it comes with a footnote subject to terms and
conditions. If we do not overcome that, we will not reach the representation of women in
science as we see on the international platform, which also isn’t perfect but is evolving and
progressing. To that end, I will quote a poster I saw many years ago: One asks a male
professor about his science; one asks a female professor about her children.”

THE PERCEPTION, ASSUMPTION AND IGNORANCE:

Patriarchy is so ingrained in our system that whenever we tend to hear the word “Dr.” we
imagine a man. Usually in the medical profession, there’s this inherent assumption that
women are well suited to the Gynaecology or Obstetrics departments. Such assumptions
often limit the expansion of the scope for women in medical as well as other scientific fields.
It hinders their growth to a very large level.

“Talking about gender bias, in my personal experiences, there have been so many instances
during my OPD visits where the patients would greet me as “Sir” in spite of me being a
woman. It sounds funny at first but it’s deep rooted in societal mind-set. There have been
doubts on the cerebral capability of women doctors many a times when patients come forth
and ask for male doctors. There has been a lot of progress in terms of equality as compared
to previous generations but there’s still a long way to go. People would question almost
instantly a woman’s success in any field and reduce their achievement without thinking once.
That needs to change” said Dr. Priyanka Mohanty, General Physician and social activist.

THE WAY FORWARD

After having identified the roadblocks or the obstacles, it is essential to address the solutions.
At a family level, many women have to go through “second shifts” as they complete
household chores after returning from their place of work. In such a situation, other family
members must extend collective help to take the burden off of the woman. At an institutional
level there already exists many legsilations like the Sexual Harrasment at Workplace Act,
Maternity Benefit Act, Equal Remuneration Act etc. which create a set of policies which
must be followed by employers employing women. Women scientists must be made aware of
their rights and the obligations that their employer owes to them so as to ensure a
discrimination free environment at research institutes or academic establishments. It is also
essential to highlight the achievement or contributions of other women who have faced
multiple hindrances yet succeeded in creating an impact. Such stories will motivate more and
more young women to join the field of sciences.

Lastly, one must have the question that while so many career options exist, why should we
focus on women in the field of science. The answer to that fact lies in the statement:
“necessity is the mother of invention and only a woman can be a mother”. We must
understand that there are multiple girls dreaming of becoming scientists, yet they are devoid
of the right information, right role models, right kind of support or the right path. It becomes
imperative for us as a society to promote the aspirations of our women to reach the sky, so
that every person in the world cheers their name, as they cheered “Kalpana Chawla” once.