Science and Women / Report : Science for Women

Month-long series of events by Vijnana Bharati to highlight the role of women in sciences

New Delhi: The month long event “Women for Science: Science for Women” organised by Vijnana Bharati in association with various institutions concluded on March 8 with the celebration of International Women’s Day at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The month long programme witnessed a series of events including lectures dedicated to the role of women and girls in Sciences, health camps, awareness activities, etc.
The event began on February 9 with a day-long conference on the main theme “Women for Science: Science for Women” at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College (ARSDC) of University of Delhi.  The conference focused specifically on development of knowledge for women in the field of science and entrepreneurship. Eminent speakers included secretary general of Vijnana Bharati Shri A Jayakumar, Principal of ARSD College Dr Gyantosh Jha,  Secretary, Technology Development Board Dr. Bindu Dey, Dr. Rama Jayasundar from AIIMS and Ms Laxmi Menon, an entrepreneur.
On February 21, national organising secretary of Vijnana Bharati Shri Jayant Sahasrabuddhe spoke on ‘Sister Nivedita and Indian Science’ at Laxmibai College.
On March 8, the International Day of Women witnessed a conference on “Access to Justice: The Key to Opportunities for Women in Science” at JNU. Prof. SC Garkoti (Rector II, JNU), Prof. Vibha Tandon (JNU), Shri Omkar Rai (DG, STPI, Ministry of IT), Smt Manvi Dikshit Sharma (Advocate and Consultant), Dr. Rupesh Chaturvedi (Director R&D, JNU) and Dr. Ranjana Arya (Assistant Professor, JNU) shared their views at the inaugural session. Sate president of Vijnana Bharati Shri Omkar Rai spoke about the mission and vision of the Vijnana Bharati. Smt Manvi Dikshit Sharma spoke on sexual harassment of women at workplace.
At the panel discussion on “Access to Justice: The Key to Opportunities for Women in Science” Dr Ranjana Arya, Smt Manvi Dikshit Sharma (advocate), Smt Navnita Gogoi (DG, Statistics, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) and Smt  Pratyush Vatsala, Principal of Lakshmibai College, shared their views.
Then some personalities were felicitated for their innovative work for women empowerment. Founder of “Even Cargo” Shri Yogesh Rao was felicitated for his vision and action to start a social enterprise, which promotes gender equality through employment of women for couriering, traditionally a male preserve in the country. Principal ARSD College Dr. Gyantosh Jha, Principal, Vivekananda College Dr Yuthika Mishra and Principal of Lakshmibai College Dr Pratyush Vatsala were also facilitated. Secretary of VIBHA Shri Praveen Ramdas discussed the future plans.
During the month long event, comprehensive health survey of women was conducted through Health Camps from February 22 to 23 at ARSD College, from February 26 to 27 at Vivekananda College and on March 8 at Lakshmibai College. The Survey revealed that despite plentiful Sun, Vitamin D deficiency is reaching epidemic proportions and corrective steps should be taken forthwith.