Unfair share
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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