Women’s Equality Day is commemorated on 26th August to mark the progress made towards gender equality, acknowledge the challenges that exist, and promote efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women. On this occassion this year, we spoke with some of the Researcher.Life Ambassadors to understand what women’s equality in academia means to them and what changes they would like to see to support women researchers in academia.
Let’s see what they had to say.
Have you noticed any disparities in the recognition of women’s contributions in your field, and what steps can be taken to ensure that women researchers receive equitable recognition for their work?
There is a great disparity in recognition of women’s contribution to research in education. While so many women researchers have contributed significantly through research and publication, very few have received in terms of promotions and other forms of recognition as compared to men researchers. Affirmative action should be put in place to promote research career growth among women in both public and private universities.
Has there been any instance where a supervisor or colleague supported you or another woman researcher by career opportunities, mentorship, resources, or any other way?
There is limited support from supervisors and female colleagues in terms of career mentorship and opportunities. There is need for senior women researchers to provide research mentorship and opportunities to promote research career advancement among young women researchers in Kenya.
How important do you think mentorship is for women researchers, and how can institutions foster effective mentorship?
In my observations, researchers in general are deprived of professional-personal life balance. Under such a scenario, women in particular face questions based on their gender-related physical abilities and concern over their marital status (although, I believe, the same exists beyond academia) compared to their male counterparts because gender disparity is an openly normalized secret and the organizational system lacks initiatives to nurture equal cerebral opportunity. It is crystal clear that women researchers, for specific reasons, require academic mentorship. Government-ordered gender inclusivity policies or institutions on an individualistic level can foster utilizing the cerebral potential of women researchers in academia via mentoring academic mentors.
Have you noticed any disparities in the recognition of women’s contributions in your field?
I’m unsure of women in particular but the higher academic division, till today, is influenced by favouritism. Frequently, hard smart-working, credible academics do not receive enough recommendation, opportunity, or recognition. And sadly, often, a female mentor deprives a female mentee of deserved academic credits.
Have you noticed any disparities in the recognition of women’s contributions in your field, and what steps can be taken to ensure that women researchers receive equitable recognition for their work?
The gender gap in the Engineering profession has been increasing since my early career days. We have few females in class a ratio of about 1:20. Pressing further at the PhD level, I noticed that the gap was still visible, but the acceptance rate was increased. The recognition of women in academia has increased significantly over the past five years:
- We now have women as Vice chancellors
- Women now deans, directors and HoD.
- More women are topping the class and being the best graduating student.
- More women having PhDs, etc.
Some steps that can be taken to ensure women researchers receive equitable recognition is for us women:
- To first encourage the young women in academia. Support the women who are having challenges in research.
- Grants should be given to women.
- Education should be brought to the grassroots.
- Catch them young from the secondary school or college, by organizing science competitions, workshops and visiting the schools.
Recognition for women researchers is actually increasing now.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the next generation of women researchers?
The next generation of women researchers will actually have more opportunities for research in their fields and make world records. There are transformative opportunities that women are diving into, creating a unique niche in the academic field now.
My professional path has been an awe-inspiring odyssey, filled with challenges and captivating moments. But amidst it all, I am thrilled to share that my mentors and the visionary leadership of Covenant University have consistently uplifted and supported me in every facet of my role.
Knowledge and innovation are born of diversity: diversity of people, ideas, thoughts, culture and perspectives. In science and health — where knowledge can change a life or the destiny of our planet — diversity is essential. Women are gaining grounds in the health sector and technology sector.
What changes could be made within academia to better accommodate work-life balance for women researchers?
It is important to create flexible arrangements for women researchers. Many students and researchers leave degrees and positions due to family and childcare responsibilities. Employers and supervisors should consider these situations and develop schedules that work for both parties.
Blind reviews of CVs for academic positions are necessary. Sometimes applications are declined not based on experience but because of gender.
Has there been any instance where a supervisor or colleague supported you or another woman researcher by career opportunities, mentorship, resources, or any other way?
I have been working with female led research groups for most of my research career. My master’s project supervisor offered me my first job opportunity as a research assistant across various projects. She also connected me with my current PhD supervisor and encouraged me to pursue a higher degree and advance my skills. My PhD supervisor is well renowned in her field of microbial genomics and ensures I have every tool for carrying out independent research and maintaining industry relations.
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