Stem Icons

They say women belong in the kitchen, but some women have reached for the stars and beyond. Indian women have historically been underrepresented in Science, Technology, Eng-ineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in the specialised realm of space exploration. Despite the odds, a growing number of Indian women scientists are charting new paths, defying expectations, and shattering stereotypes in STEM fields.

Passion & Perseverance

A drive for discovery and innovation fuels the ambition of Indian women scientists in space exploration. “My passion for research has always driven me to seek out new opportunities and connect with experts in the field. I never hesitate to ask for guidance and am always eager to work on innovative projects,” says Dr. Dipti Patil, a Dean of Student Affairs and Professor at the IT Depart-ment at MKSSS’s Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune.

Patil shares that her interest in using AI and machine learning technology for any space application landed her a project with ISRO. “I connected with Dr. Vinod Kumar, an ISRO scientist who presented me with a problem statement related to Lunar Landing, inspired by the recent Chandrayaan-2 mission and ISRO’s ongoing efforts to address the challenge of hard landings,” she says.

This nudged her to form a team with PhD scholars, BTech, and MTech students, to complete the project and start her journey with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Hailing from a remote place in Akola, Maharashtra is Dr. Madhavi Thakre, an optical designer whose latest achievement was contributing to the development of cameras placed on the Vikram lander, which recorded the landing sequence of Chandrayaan 3.

Thakre was always fascinated by science. “After 12th, pure sciences intrigued me and I wanted to explore beyond the traditional paths of engineering or medicine, so I did a BSc. in Physics,” she adds. Upon building a strong academic foundation, Thakre decided to join ISRO in 2010, mentioning that its logo was always “tempting” to her. “Somewhere, I knew that this was my space,” she says. Thakre has contributed to several revered projects including the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), the Chandrayaan series, and a joint mission with France known as Trishna.

Mind The Gap

“The Matilda Effect” is a bias against acknowledging the achievements of women in science, where their work is often overlooked, undervalued, or attributed to their male colleagues. Named after Matilda Joslyn Gage, a 19th-century women’s rights activist who highlighted this issue, the effect illustrates how women’s contributions in scientific fields have historically been minimized or ignored. They are often subjected to systemic biases, lack of mentorship, and limited resource access.

“At least in India, the majority of women deter/are deterred from joining STEM fields because it takes a lot of education in terms of years and efforts to be a part of the field, and even after rigorous hard work, they are still widely expected to leave their jobs after marriage,” says Akshara Mathure, a BSc. Graduate in Physics.

As per Mathure, mothers are still thought of as the “primary” health provider for children and are expected to leave their careers to raise kids. Patil shares a similar experience stating, “I’ve faced this challenge personally. I am a resident of Pune, but most of my meetings at ISRO’s URSC are held in Bengaluru. This requires me to leave my children and family for several days at a time,” she adds, but having a strong support system helps.

Inclusive Space

To address these challenges, it is crucial to create a more empathetic environment for women in STEM. This includes implementing policies that promote gender equality, providing mentorship and networking opportunities for girls to pursue STEM education from a young age. Organizations like ISRO and DRDO have started taking steps in this direction, but there is still a long way to go.

One significant development is the increase in programs aimed at encouraging young girls to take up careers in science and technology. Initiatives like Vigyan Jyoti, launched by the Department of Science and Technology in India, aim to inspire and empower young women scientists. As per Patil, these initiatives and scholarships have contributed to a noticeable increase in the representation of women in STEM. But this push is not just because of the policies and scholarships, but changing social attitudes that have encouraged more families to support their daughters in pursuing STEM careers.

For Thakre, the support of her loved ones has helped her thrive in her career. “By the time I finished my MSc., I was already eyeing a PhD program, however, I had reached an age where girls were ideally married off,” she says, but mentions that her father never pressured her to succumb to such norms.

The Way Forward

The contributions of Indian women in space exploration and STEM are not just stories of individual success but also narratives of collective progress. They are paving the way for future generations of women scientists and engineers who will continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability.

Patil sees the role of women in STEM fields continuing to grow and evolve, with more women taking on leadership roles, driving innovation, and making significant contributions across various domains. “My message to young women aspirants is to let their imagination soar. Seek the support you need and witness your dreams turn into reality,” says Thakre.

The stories of Indian women in space exploration are not just about reaching the stars; they are about lighting the way for others to follow. Through resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment, they are transforming the landscape of STEM and inspiring a new generation of women scientists aiming for the stars.

Statistics

43% of STEM graduates in India are women (highest in the world)

14% women pursue a career in scientific research and development

Women constitute 15% of total scientific workforce in research positions (DST)

20-25% workforce at ISRO are women scientists

Women have held key roles in high-profile missions (Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan)

Ritu Karidhal and Muthayya Vanitha were among the mission directors and project directors