An open forum discussion in BHU to mark International Women’s Day

Varanasi. To mark International Women’s Day 2023, The National Academy of Sciences India (NASI)

Varanasi chapter in collaboration with Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions
(GATI), organized an open forum interactive discussion on Women in STEM: challenges and
the way forward with Prof. Chandrima Shaha, J.C.Bose Chair and Distinguished Professor,
Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata. She was also the first woman president of Indian
National Science Academy. The event, held on March 3rd at ISLS, BHU, brought together an
esteemed group of scientists, researchers, educators, and policymakers to discuss the
challenges faced by women in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics). 98 participants including faculties and PhD students from Institute of Science,
IMS, IIT-BHU, Mahila Maha Vidyalaya and Institute of Agricultural Sciences attended the event.
During her keynote address, Prof. Shaha shared her career journey and provided suggestions
for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM. She shared how
a small microscope gifted from her father has instilled her quest in science. She also stressed
on the importance of leading a holistic approach towards life and her experiences of life were
later useful to her in her career journey. For example, being vice-captain of a state cricket team
taught her virtues of team building and leadership.
The interactive discussion provided an opportunity for the participants to share their views and
experiences and engage in a fruitful dialogue on the topic. The participants also highlighted the
importance of increasing the representation of women in STEM leadership roles, providing
access to education and training, and addressing the issues of work-life balance and gender-
based discrimination.
The event was held under the aegis of GATI and NASI's ongoing efforts to promote gender
equity and inclusivity in STEM fields and create a more diverse and equitable scientific
community and was led by Prof. Madhoolika Agrawal and a team of young scientists of BHU- Dr
Chandana Basu, Dr Garima Jain and Dr Archana Tiwari.
Quote by guest speaker Prof Chandrima Saha, Distinguished Professor, IICB Kolkata told –
“One should be internally driven and self motivated and that will make you unstoppable”
Quote by Prof. Madhoolika Agrawal, Nodal Officer GATI Pilot BHU and Dean, Faculty of
Science – “It was very heartening to see participation from various fields and events like these
bring forward ideas that can be then be implemented and we hope to continue these
discussions”