Science has always been like the elder sibling who is looked upon in the family, whom the other siblings always feel intimidated by and despise the attention it garners. For several years now, science has been the center of attention for all the parents who have in some way perpetually preferred it over other fields of study. But with the surge in number of career opportunities in various fields, science is slowly but gradually taking a back seat. The most to suffer is the research & development and the sharp outlook for scientific advances.

A major reason for the lack of participation in research is due to the scarcity of funds that are available and then the length of duration that goes about in the actual advancement of research. Then comes the factor of financial stability and social pressures. Most of the candidates complete their higher education and then turn over to teaching as profession. Women are most affected by the burden of societal pressures and hence quit research. The very initial point of interest must be developed in our society towards research and somehow make them understand that this field requires a lot of patience so as to achieve the desired goals. Science is one such field where the gender equality in terms of numbers is highly disturbing.

According to an article published in TOI (Apr 2, 2018), only 14% Indian researchers are women, as science is seen as a male dominated profession. The global average is slightly encouraging at 28.4% but it is still not good enough. India as a country has various social and religious constructs that discourage women from getting into the field of science. Women scientists may even get enrolled in PG or PhD in greater numbers, but eventually they fail to convert their degrees into substantial careers due to the biological clock and family pressure. Also, only 13.7% of inventors who filed patents are women. Another reason contributing to the disappointing numbers is that the institutes offering arts & commerce outnumber those offering science. A majority of women’s colleges don’t offer science as usually they are poorly equipped with the infrastructure related to the field. When it comes to recognitions and peer driven help, a lot of bias and hurdles are encountered by women, hence they are at a loss as they muster less support.

In order to encourage more women lean towards science, we must provide with global level infrastructure, flexible working hours, more companies should be exposed to the research going on so that candidates get absorbed with a stable income source. Organizations should promote women directors and heads to set examples and inspire many more young females to participate and excel at their jobs. The overall infrastructure of colleges should be enhanced and the teaching methods should be adopted keeping in mind to awaken the interest in science in young minds. We at Biotech Testing Services proudly boast that our organization is lighter on the male employee ratio aspect. We are still competent with other labs and even are excelling for the most parts.

Examples ranging from Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin to Jennifer Doudna should be portrayed as heroes of our field and should always be looked up as inspiration for young women scientists. The society is negligent towards the opportunities presented to women. They must get equal opportunities in field of science so that they too can show their metal and contribute to the advancement. As a society we need to get rid of the stereotypes that are cast against science, namely that researchers are obsessed with only work, the field is geeky and not cool to work with, that the researchers can be isolated and self-centered, that the goals are not more altruistic, etc. the shackles of such concepts are a bigger burden to women, which should be immediately be broken. In fact, scientific research enables us to work as a team, have a collaborative effort, makes us a team player as well as a team leader at the same time. Rather than fictional shows we must promote more science-based quiz and TV shows. OTT platforms are a factor in influencing young woman, and rather than filling up their heads with only fictional shows, we must also show them that there is an alternative which can be interesting too and if taken seriously can turn into a great career prospect. We need to create an environment that promotes science right from schools to undergraduate programs, because it is never too late to take up science. We must encourage to maintain a work life balance and make them realize that what they are doing by handling their careers and household at the same time is a big encouragement to their children and can be inspiration to some kids to see their mothers, sisters or even daughters being so passionate about a field they love working at.

Women sometimes find their workplace to be patronising and condescending. Due to the high rate of women parting the field, unfortunately, only certain percentage of women make it to headship positions. In other words, this means that most organisations have mostly men in decision making roles. Gender bias should be taken out while also offering flexibility in mind. Society needs to highlight the role models and inspirational stories of women in leadership posts. Finally, we need to instil confidence in girls and young women so that they can collaborate with the industries and shine through. We should encourage them to follow their dreams but also give them the tools to do so, as without tools no revolution has taken place ever.