The author on meeting the “wonder women” of India’s Mars mission and about the gender gap in science

Documentary filmmaker, author and journalist Minnie Vaid in her new book, Those Magnificent Women and their Flying Machines, profiles the women scientists who spearheaded ISRO's historic mission to Mars. Vaid talks about her stimulating encounters with these "wonder women", how their stories can inspire girls everywhere who dream of taking up the sciences, the critical need to bridge the gender gap in the sciences in India, and the measures that can create a more conducive environment for Indian women to join the work force.

Tell us about the genesis of Those Magnificent Women and their Flying Machines.

I didn’t know much about the women scientists involved in the Mars mission or the others working at ISRO. I was struck by the iconic photograph of a bunch of sari-clad women (with flowers in their hair) congratulating each other when Mangalyaan was a success. Later it was clarified that they were administrative staff, but their pride was valid. Two years later, I was invited for a women achievers conclave by the Indian Women Network, Confederation of Indian Industry, in Mumbai. Among the speakers were three Mangalyaan scientists — Ritu Karidhal, Moumita Datta and Minal Sampath. I listened to them talk about how they ‘balanced’ their work and families and the germ of an idea for a book sprouted in my head. From that to the published book was a long journey but the interactions with the women scientists at ISRO was the most rewarding part for me.

A recent survey found that women account for just 15% of Indian science researchers. Where does the glass ceiling present itself — within the family or at research institutes?

I would imagine the stereotyping begins early enough... though girls often outshine boys at the board exams in class 10 and 12, science is still seen as ‘not for girls’ by a large percentage of families. I’m not talking about the few (less than 10%) who make it to IITs and pursue engineering. For most parents, pursuing a Master’s in science or a Ph.D. represents long years, marriageable years, family years... The book touches upon some of these points.

What measures could help bridge this gender gap?

Apart from the laundry list of measures suggested by various committees on gender equity for women in science, the unspoken biases and patriarchal attitudes of male colleagues in a predominantly male domain would be a major hurdle. That can only change when the imaging begins early, for example in school textbooks, by not showing the doctor as a man and the nurse as a woman, or at home, where girls are not gifted Barbie dolls while boys get Meccano sets — something Minal Sampath, one of the Mangalyaan scientists, mentioned in her interview. This resonated with me.

Did the interviews with women scientists challenge any of your assumptions?

I had an image in my mind, stereotypical no doubt, that the women scientists would be one-dimensional people, totally immersed in their work. I was wrong. They turned out to be regular working women juggling home, family, children and deadlines at work, all in the fiercely male-dominated world of space science. I also assumed they would be facing a lot more ‘mansplaining’ or discrimination from their male colleagues, but they said that in scientific garb, men and women are treated equally.

How important are role models for aspiring women scientists and engineers? Did the ISRO scientists talk about their own role models among women?

Role models are very important for aspiring women scientists and engineers and the primary aim of my book is to present 21 role models working at various levels of the hierarchy at ISRO... There’s a very pertinent quote by N. Valarmathi, a senior scientist profiled in the book, where she says that in every talk or lecture she gives to students she emphasises, “If I can do it why not you?” A few of the ISRO women did mention role models like Marie Curie and Dr. Asima Chatterjee in India, but most rued the fact that there aren’t too many Indian role models. I hope they themselves will be seen as role models for young girls pursuing STEM.

Katie Bouman, a computer scientist who played a significant role in capturing the first ever image of a black hole, was targeted by trolls who tried to downplay her contribution and attribute all credit to male colleagues. Would you say this was the action of a small minority or does it reflect a larger prejudice against women in science?

I am not a science expert or qualified to answer this question except in my personal capacity. I believe Katie Bouman repeatedly reiterated the fact that the achievement was a team one. Her male colleagues also backed her on this. All of the women scientists at ISRO mentioned that space science is always a team effort and it is impossible for any one person to take credit. So I guess that the trolling is the action of a small minority that actually believes any one person could achieve such a feat on their own and then goes on to troll her for it!

Would you recommend Those Magnificent Women and their Flying Machines to readers who are not interested in science?

I have written about the women scientists in an engaging way — using human stories, family members’ comments, male bosses’ interpretation of women scientists’ contribution. These are remarkable stories of grit and determination. They have more to do with gender than pure science. I hope that will be attraction enough.

I am specifically targeting young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM and who are told that ‘science is not for girls’. The ISRO scientists are shining role models for every girl who dreams of becoming a scientist or an astronaut.

Your books have profiled social justice crusaders Irom Sharmila, Dr. Binayak Sen and the women who formed the backbone of the protests against the notorious Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Is your latest book, Those Magnificent Women and their Flying Machines, a departure from that trajectory?

It is a departure from the topics I usually select. My books and documentaries have a running thread of justice being subverted or left undone, especially when it comes to the marginalised or those working for people on the fringes. But I have always wanted to profile unknown, deserving people and causes in India, and the ISRO women scientists fit that category perfectly. They deserve far more attention. I thought that the work they do at ISRO, quietly and efficiently, and the way they lead their lives, was a larger story well worth telling.

The writer is the author of A Happy Place and Other Stories.