ACCORDING to the World Science Report
released recently by the UNESCO, only
one per cent of women who take up science at higher levels in India complete
their Ph D, with almost three-quarters
leaving after their first degree. Women
scientists in research and development
in India comprise a low three per cent.
Nearly two-third of women scientists
are engaged in teaching and one-third
do administrative work. just 5.4 per
cent women are employed in the
public sector agencies and laboratories,
which are the largest and the most
prestigious employers of the scientists
and engineers in India.
Surprisingly, despite the long hours
and the demanding nature of work, it is
only in medicine that Indian women
continue graduate studies. In totality,
the report says that Indian women
are making some progress in scientific
and technological careers but they
still have a long way to go. The report
emphasises a fairer deal for women. In
the words of Federico Mayor, director
g6eral, UNESCO, "Women are the future
of science. We urgently need more
women in research. For us, science has
no sex."
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