Kerala - Kochi   

`Women lag behind in research field'

Staff Reporter

Institutions told to give more opportunities for women

KOCHI: Women require a level playing ground to come up in the field of research and development so that their talents get recognised, said Minnie Mathew, Chairperson of Coconut Development Board.

Delivering the keynote address during at a three-day national conference on Women Scientists, technocrats — Opportunities and Challenges on Friday, Mrs. Mathew said that in spite of a good number of women scientists, there was no one recognised nationally among the scientific community.

Women had created a niche in so many fields and many women were national icons for being one of best in their respective fields, but there was no one comparable to M.S. Swaminathan, said Mrs. Mathew.

She said that the early stages of a woman, when she can contribute substantially in her chosen career, coincided with her child bearing and child rearing responsibilities.

Hence, institutions should provide women opportunities to facilitate their work later, she said. It was not asking for concessions but an environment to work and grow and get recognised, she said.

Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams inaugurated the conference, organised by Shakti, Women's Wing of Vijnana Bharati.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Williams said that women should come out of the shell. They should shed their shyness and come upfront with their talents, she added.

The conference aims to highlight the problems faced by women technocrats in varied fields of research. Scientists from various research institutions are participating in the event.

During the inaugural ceremony, C.P. Tara, adviser, Shakti, welcomed the participants.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

`Women lag behind in research field'
Government view sought
Vegetable gardens planned in schools
Couple attacked, ornaments stolen
Traders oppose new tax proposals
Pre-counselling Guidance Programme today
INS Venduruthy celebrates anniversary
Around the City
In Kochi Today

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu