Presence of women techies in R

Kochi, Jun 11: Despite joining the rarefied field of scientific research in increasing numbers, women technocrats' presence in the top echelons of the leading research and development institutions in the country is reported to be negligible.

Describing the presence of women in the top posts in these institutions as ''shockingly poor,'' Dr Ashalatha, secretary of 'Shakti', the women's wing of 'Vijnana Bharati,' said even meritorious women, who have been rank-holders, find their careers stagnating after a certain level.

While a larger national survey on the subject is underway at present, a pilot study done on the fisheries sector some time back by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had shown that none of the ten institutions covered had a woman director though there were several women scientists and research officers working in them, she said.

Talking to UNI here, Dr Ashalatha, a scientist with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), said on the flip side, it was also seen that women scientists' work did not focus much on improving the working conditions of their less fortunate sisters.

In fields such as fish processing, agriculture, coir indsutry and plantations, where women workers have a sizeable presence, not enough scientific inputs are coming in to make their work easier.

To highlight these and other issues, Shakti is organising a three-day national conference here from June 23, focusing on the opportunities and challenges faced by women scientists and technocrats.

Nearly 150 delegates from all over the country, including institutions such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ICAR are expected to take part in the conference.

More than 30 papers would be presented besides keynote address by speakers, she said.

From studies on extra-terrestrial beings to constraints on women technocrats in space sciences, the papers would cover a large number of themes.

In a first initiative of its kind, the conference would also provide a platform to women workers from the organised and unorganised sectors to highlight their technological needs and give a grassroots input for scientific research, Dr Ashalatha said.

The 'Shakti National Women Scientist Award' will be given to the best paper presentation in the seminar. The award consists of Rs 10,000 and a plaque.

Among the delegates expected for the meet are Dr Mina Swaminathan from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Ms Vineeta Sharma, Director, Science and Technology Division, DST and Dr Saroja Prabhakar, Vice Chancellor Avinashilingam Institute for Home Sciences and Higher Education for Women (Deemed University).

The co-organisers of the conference include Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kerala Agricultural University, Regional Research Laboratory and Sugarcane Breeding Institute.

UNI