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Gertrude Belle Elion, co-winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her groundbreaking achievements in drug discovery, including the development of the first antiviral drug, was given a paid research position because she is a woman. I was once refused a job. Early in her Elion’s career, she had to work as a secretary and a high school teacher before taking her unpaid role in a chemistry lab. Despite facing gender bias and economic hardship, she pursued her passion for science and medicine.
Elion once said: “I didn’t realize the door was closed until I started knocking. … I was shocked.” [to hear] “You are qualified, but we have never had a woman in our lab, so I think you will be a distracting influence.”
Elion encountered gender-based discrimination in a largely male-dominated scientific field nearly a century ago. Unfortunately, challenges and disparities remain for women in science today.
women’s challenge
Recent decades have seen significant changes for women in science and research, including increased participation and narrowing income inequality. Women make up less than 30% of researchers worldwide, and institutional barriers still exist. They are often passed over for promotions, paid less than their male colleagues in the same role, and experience microaggressions and sexual harassment. Many people even leave their career path due to the prevalence of gender discrimination in the scientific field and the disempowering environment at work.
Women scientists and researchers face unique challenges, including undervaluing their scientific contributions, lower wages, and a lower sense of belonging. Additionally, many science and research roles require intense dedication and long working hours, further increasing professional challenges. This commitment often extends beyond the workplace and impacts physical health.
Scientific fields such as social science and ecology require intensive fieldwork, making the hurdles even higher for women. Significant challenges include safety concerns, logistical difficulties, and limited access to amenities. The situation is even worse in countries like Nepal, where deep-rooted gender bias and patriarchal attitudes exist.
Nepali female researcher
Factors such as age, organizational status, marital status, caste, and ethnicity shape the challenges and difficulties of women researchers in Nepal. However, what these factors have in common is that women are expected to follow the traditional caregiving role within the family. Marriage increases the burden of household chores, imposes time constraints and emotional strain, and prevents one from devoting equal energy to scientific pursuits. A recent example is how female professionals faced increased remote work and household responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown period, they saw their productivity drop by as much as 50%, resulting in fewer publications, which could impact career trajectories, especially for early-career female researchers.
Furthermore, women who challenge these traditional roles often face judgment and, in severe cases, severe consequences in both family and social relationships. Cases like this cause anxiety among young female researchers, including myself, and discourage them from considering marriage. Given that, they try to advance their career as far as possible before “giving up on it” or “taking a risk.” Regardless of their perseverance, rebelliousness, and level of support they receive, they realize that equality is unattainable and that getting married and having children reduces freedom and increases familial and social responsibilities. I know. While women scientists now have the “freedom” to pursue their careers, their uncompromising role as caregivers places a double burden on them. There is a pressing lack of institutional mechanisms to address the specific barriers that women face in science.
Advancement of women in science
Nepal has several policy mechanisms to encourage women’s representation in federal, provincial, local government and civil servants. Legal instruments such as the Civil Service Act (2007), Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act at Workplaces (2015), Safe Maternity and Reproductive Health Act (2018) and the National Commission for Women Act (2017) It aims to ensure equality and women’s rights. Empowerment. Production-related industries can receive an 80% income tax rebate if they provide direct employment to 33% of women and other marginalized groups. Quotas for female students and marginalized groups are also implemented at academic institutions in STEM fields, including science, medicine, and engineering.
Although it remains difficult to achieve full gender equality in all fields, this measure will make a significant contribution to ensuring women’s participation in science and research. According to 2019 data, 23.7 percent of civil servants and 46.9 percent of health professionals in Nepal are women. But in our efforts to help women enter and excel in the sciences, we ask ourselves, “Are we making their journey easier and really providing them with something worth pursuing? ” is important to ask yourself.
Institutional role
Achieving gender equality in science requires a broader commitment from states that goes beyond simply promoting representation. Addressing systemic barriers and promoting true inclusivity is essential. Balancing personal and professional life is one of the main challenges faced by female researchers. Therefore, educational institutions should prioritize implementing remote work, flexible working hours, and on-site childcare centers. These initiatives help women balance their personal and professional lives, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. In addition to gender equality and social inclusion policies, institutions should critically examine the effectiveness of these policies by collecting and analyzing data on recruitment, retention, promotion, funding, awards, publications, and authorship. must be evaluated.
To empower women researchers, it is essential to establish support systems and challenge traditional gender stereotypes within families and wider society. Appropriate sharing of housework, childcare, and emotional support can greatly reduce the double burden. In the long term, changing society’s ‘gender roles’ is essential if women are to achieve true gender equality in their careers. Men, whether as family members, spouses, or colleagues, should promote the reduction of women’s double burden and be champions of gender equality in science.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held annually on February 11, is dedicated to commemorating the achievements of women in science and advocating for gender equality in science. Founded by the United Nations, it emphasizes the need for inclusion and equal opportunity to foster diversity and innovation. As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Girls and Women in Science, we remind women in science that the sole burden of balance and excellence cannot be achieved through the collective efforts of families, institutions, and society. You have to realize that you can’t.
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