THROUGH A PINK TEST TUBE: Women and Girls in Science from Odisha

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 come 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 favors 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 have 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 cytogenetics 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 realization 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,” says Priyanka Patra, a PhD candidate conducting scientific research in France. Sharing what motivated her in her pursuit, she says, “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,” she added. 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. Lopamudra Ray, Assistant Professor and Researcher, KiiT School of Biotechnology and Law says, “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,” added Lopamudra.

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 researchers. 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. Kruttika Mohapatra, a Geology PhD candidate at IISER, Pune, says while sharing her experience, “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,” she adds.

In most cases, the perception towards women in science in foreign countries has evolved and the result has been extremely positive allowing women scientists 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 experience, 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 the societal mind-set, says Dr. Priyanka Mohanty, a medical professional and social activist. She says, “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,” opines Dr. Priyanka.

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 legislations like the Sexual Harassment 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.