In recognition of the critical role of women and girls in the fields of science and technology, the UN General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Gender equality in the pursuit of science is vital for the advancement of humanity. However, long-standing biases and gender stereotypes continue to steer girls and women away from science-related fields. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. This day serves as a reminder that women and girls play an essential role in science and technology, and that their participation must be actively supported and strengthened. 

Vinita, (a young girl from Lalitpur, Gujarat), was only 17 when her parents decided to get her married. She had always dreamed of going to college, but her parents did not share the same aspiration. Her mother had never been to school, and her father had dropped out in the 8th standard. Vinita appeared destined to follow in her parents’ footsteps, married off early and resigned to a lifetime of labouring in the paddy fields, like most people in her village. 

According to the District Report Cards 2015–16, the female literacy rate in Lalitpur is 52.3%, while the male literacy rate stands at 76.4%. Women and girls continue to be marginalised and deprived of their rights due to deeply ingrained traditions and practices. In Vinita’s community, girls’ education was discouraged, as it was believed that educated girls would struggle to find suitable grooms. Education was not seen as a benefit. 

But destiny had other plans. Instead of getting married, Vinita went to Lucknow and enrolled in a two-year Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) course. “Before the training, my parents were planning to get me married. I was 17 years old at the time. That’s when World Vision staff spoke to my parents and told them they would send me for nurse training,” said Vinita. 

Vinita had been a sponsored child for 14 years, but the two years she spent in Lucknow turned out to be the most transformative period of her sponsorship. After completing her course, she returned to Lalitpur and began working at a children’s hospital. 

Vinita’s heart remains in Karmara village. She has always wanted to serve her community and be of help. She received an opportunity when she least expected it, and now she wants to give back. “Today, I’ve become a nurse. World Vision has helped me a great deal, spending generously on my education, and for that I am truly grateful,” she says. 

In Lalitpur, many young women like Vinita are paving the way to self-reliance. World Vision India has provided financial assistance for courses such as Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM), General Nurse Midwife (GNM), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Master of Science (MSc). Of the 11 young women trained in ANM, 10 are now employed; and of the 21 trained in GNM, 20 have found employment. 

Just as it did for Vinita, World Vision India has supported many other girls in pursuing higher education in science, engineering, and related fields. 

Oviya, from Chennai, completed her Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a reputed college and is now employed at a leading IT firm. 

World Vision India, in collaboration with Vodafone, has also equipped schools in Agra, Kanpur, Siliguri and Pauri with smart classrooms for teaching mathematics and science. As a result of this initiative, students in these schools have reported an improved understanding of both subjects. 

As John F. Kennedy once said, “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.” 

Labels: #worldvisionindia #worldvision #women #girls #science #stem #engineering #mathematics #smartclass #internationaldayofwomenandgirlsinscience