International Daughter’s Day: Transforming Gender Perceptions
On September 28, India celebrated International Daughter’s Day, challenging traditional biases that viewed daughters as burdens compared to sons. This observance marks a shift from historical constraints towards recognizing the potential and achievements of daughters in modern India.
Historical Context and Evolution
The historical perspective highlights two significant narratives:
- Mathematics and Lilavati: In the 12th century, Bhaskara's treatise, Lilavati, symbolized the potential of daughters in intellectual fields.
- Colonial Influence and Doctrine of Lapse: The colonial Doctrine of Lapse favored male heirs, intensifying the cultural bias towards male lineage, evident in cases like Jhansi.
Women in Indian Science and Technology
The rise of women in science is a story of overcoming social barriers and achieving excellence:
- Pioneering Scientists:
- Kamala Sohonie became the first Indian woman PhD in biochemistry.
- Trailblazers like Janaki Ammal, Asima Chatterjee, and others advanced in various scientific fields.
- Contemporary Leaders:
- Ritu Karidhal and M. Vanitha contributed to India's space missions.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Gagandeep Kang excelled in biotechnology.
- Statistics: Women now constitute nearly 48% of higher education enrolments, with significant presence in R&D roles.
Challenges and Progress
While progress is notable, challenges persist:
- Institutional Barriers: No IIT has had a regular woman director, highlighting gender disparity in leadership roles.
- Representation in Academies: Women make up only 5-10% of Fellows in top science academies.
Government Initiatives and Societal Change
The Indian government supports women's scientific careers through initiatives like the Women Scientists Scheme and KIRAN. Changing societal attitudes now celebrate daughters' achievements in science and technology.
Conclusion
International Daughter’s Day emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to girls, proving that their inclusion leads not just to equity but to excellence. When daughters are empowered, India progresses towards greatness by unlocking the full potential of its human talent.
