International Day of Women and Girls in Science GK
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| International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
Introduction
Every year on 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated all over the world. This day was declared in 2015 by the initiative of the United Nations. The main objective of this day is to increase the participation of women in the field of science and technology, provide them with opportunities and create equality in scientific research.
History of this day
The United Nations General Assembly officially declared this day by passing a resolution in 2015.
The main objective of this decision is to provide better opportunities for women in the field of science and research. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Division for the Rights of Women (UN-Women) have supported this decision.
Participation of women in science – Reality and Challenges
Women have made significant contributions in the field of science and research. However, even today, a male-dominated culture is visible in this field. The following statistics are an example of this:
– According to a UNESCO report, only 30% of scientific researchers worldwide are women.
– Only 4% of Nobel Prize winners are women.
– There is still a huge gap in the number of women in most scientific disciplines.
Contributions of women to science
1. Marie Curie
– Marie Curie was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. She discovered the elements radium and polonium and revolutionized cancer treatment.
2. Rosalind Franklin
– Rosalind Franklin made a significant contribution to discovering the structure of DNA.
3. Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams
– Indian-origin Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams have made remarkable achievements in space exploration.
4. Tessy Thomas
– Known as India’s “Missile Woman”, Tessy Thomas has made a great contribution to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
India and women’s participation in science
The presence of women in science and research is gradually increasing in India. The Government of India has launched various schemes to provide opportunities to women in the field of science.
Government schemes launched for women:
– Vigyan Jyoti Yojana – a scheme to encourage women students to pursue a career in the field of science.
– Central Women Science Fellowship Scheme – a scheme to provide financial assistance to women doing research.
– INSPIRE Programme – a scheme launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology (DST) that helps attract young women students to the field of science.
Measures to increase women’s participation in science
– Girls need to be encouraged in science subjects from the school level itself.
– Opportunities for scholarships, research fellowships, and other financial assistance need to be created for women to pursue careers in science disciplines.
2. Efforts for gender equality
– Government and private sector need to formulate policies to provide equal opportunities for women in science and technology institutions.
– Mandatory rules need to be implemented to eliminate gender bias in the workplace.
3. Motivating women researchers
– Biographies and contributions of successful women researchers and scientists in the field of science need to be published.
– More research centers and laboratories need to be established for women.
Activities on the occasion of International Women and Girls Day in Science
– Research conferences and seminars – Symposiums based on the contribution of women in the field of science.
– STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) workshops – Special science workshops for women students.
– Social media campaigns – An attempt to motivate women in science by sharing their success stories.
Conclusion
This day is celebrated all over the world to ensure greater participation of women and girls in the field of science. Women can be more active in science through education, equal opportunities and encouragement. Increasing women’s participation in science and research is essential not only for women, but for the progress of all mankind.