Smriti Irani to scientists: Mentor women who want to be part of scientific journey

Mysuru: Union Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani has called on scientists at the ongoing Indian Science Congress (ISC) to mentor women in higher education institutions, who want to become part of the scientific journey so that there is an increase in the number of women scientists in the country.

She also urged scientists to come up with suggestions to make it easier for women to pursue PhD studies anytime anywhere so that there could be more women professionals in science and teaching. She was speaking after inaugurating the Women’s Science Congress, organised as part of the Science Congress here on Monday.

“An all India survey on higher education is encouraging as it shows a predominant increase in the number of girls getting into higher education institutions, If scientists of ISC mentor these women, we can see more and more scientists and mathematicians emerging in the coming days,” Ms Irani said.

“The teaching community is yet to see more women joining its ranks. When we look at the standards set to get a PhD, women have to choose between raising a family or doing a PhD. Scientists should make it easier for women to pursue PhD,” Ms Irani said.

The minister felt a gender bias exists in education, which is not open or visible. Explaining some of the programmes of her ministry, Ms Irani said Rashtreeya Avishkar Abhiyan aimed at encouraging students at government schools to go beyond textbooks and help them learn about scientific applications.