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Sehgal feels that when people think of scientists, they don’t think of women first. Representation pi

When people think of scientists, they somehow don't think of women first," says Snigdha Sehgal, a biologist and a nature educator. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated annually on February 11 was set in place to change this thought process, and tackle the gender gap prevalent across fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Contributing to such efforts is a science-filled online event for children between 12 and 15 years. The event, led by Sehgal from The Learning Forest, is not the typical Zoom session. Expect a mix of storytelling and live experiments where audiences will extract DNA from fruits using everyday kitchen items. The Goa-based biologist will also introduce stories about women pioneers in science. She says, "I want children to experience what being a scientist feels like and for that we extract DNA live!"

Snigdha Sehgal conducting a science experiment with kids

The scientist stresses on the importance of representation in the field. She adds that she notices fewer women in conferences, women not being taken seriously, and even her students being amazed to find out that she is not only an educator, but also a scientist. "This is the case when it shouldn't be, even today," she concludes.

Sehgal's love for science and the natural world led her to start The Learning Forest on Instagram - a place to record her scientific interrogations surrounding biodiversity, and experiences teaching and learning science with children. Sehgal emphasises the importance of questioning everything and following curiosity. "I want to make science simple, visual, and playful for children." The event is helmed by Bookworm, an award-winning library and not-for-profit organisation that promotes reading.

On: February 11, 4 pm
Log on to: @bookwormgoa on Instagram

Also check out

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) will host Decoding Mysteries, where eight women researchers speak about their work. The speakers include Saniya Wagh, Sayali Bhatkar, Geetanjali Dhotre, Dr Archana Patil-Nayak, Saurabhee Huli, Surbhi Sinha, Maneesha N and Kunika Gupta. Mamata Kallianpur, scientific officer at TIFR and researcher in Chemical Sciences, says, "We have an excellent background of scientific research in India. Though there is no gender bias in the field by itself, not many young girls turn towards fundamental research. If you see this year's data of chemistry candidates selected for this year's PhD interviews, girls' representation is just 30 per cent. [In] this programme, women scientists who are doing hands-on work will talk about their career and personal life. Let girl students see the passion with which these scientists work."

On: February 12 (Marathi session at 9.30 am and English session at 11.15 am)
Log on to: main.tifr.res.in