Speaker
Sumathi Rao
Description
I will discuss the under-representation of women in physics in India, over the years, particularly in senior positions. Drawing on my own experience, I will reflect on how the recognition of the problem and efforts to address it have changed over the last few decades. Although policies have evolved to support women in physice, they are still not sufficient to overcome structural discrimination and unconscious biases. I will conclude with my own suggestions, ranging from more systematic data collection, mentoring and gender sensitisation programmes, and changes in mind-set for spousal hirings, for more genuine equity. This is needed not just for women or for fairness, but
for progress in science.