The Women Scientists Conclave, a major session of the India International Science Festival (IISF) discussed the need for a holistic action plan to overcome challenges specially of mindset that need to be overcome to ensure equal participation of women in science.
“The two-day conclave would deliberate on ways in which hurdles that still exist in the form of subtle discriminations can be overcome and would formulate an implementable action plan for it. We could think of schemes to address these issues and take stock of the progress at the IISF next year,” said DST Secretary Professor Abhay Karandikar at the inaugural session of the conclave. He added that along with schemes for women scientists in R&D, there should be programmes to encourage and promote women scientists in the industry.
Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General CSIR pointed out that women who are a combination of energy and power, should recognise their potential, develop tolerance and a strong nerve to gracefully shoulder the increasing responsibilities that are coming their way as leaders specially in different scientific disciplines.
Several women entrepreneurs from different parts of the country joined the discussions speaking about their inspiring journey and the challenges they have faced.
Padma Shri Moirangthem Muktamani Devi, an entrepreneur with a well-recognised business of innovative woollen shoes elaborated on her journey as an entrepreneur. She said that she started shoe making due to financial constraints, innovating a solution for her daughter’s worn-out school shoes. Impressed with the innovative woollen shoes of her daughter, the teachers started ordering them and this encouraged her to set up a business of her own under the name ‘Mukta Shoe’.
Her initial challenges of getting bulk orders were overcome with time as people recognised the quality of her products and she started getting orders from the army and the police department. Till date, she has trained more than 2000 people for making woollen shoes.
The conclave brought together women leaders in S&T from premier departments and reflected the spirit in which women are rapidly overcoming their challenges & contributing to transforming science.
Dr Alka Sharma, Scientist H, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Tripta Thakur Director General, National Power Training Institute (NPTI) and several officials from different departments participated in the discussions.
