Since the early 1900s, International Women’s Day has been observed to honour women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Women, today, have risen to shatter the glass ceiling to break barriers in the field of science and medicine. This year’s United Nations’ theme, “#Break the bias,” focuses on “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Let us take a look at a those women who have revolutionized the field with their path breaking discoveries and contributions.
Dr. Anandibai Joshi
A victim of child marriage, at the age of 14, Anandibai Joshi had given birth to a child who passed away shortly after birth. The reason: Inadequate availability of medical services in the country. This was a defining moment in Joshi’s life, inspiring her to pursue a career as a doctor.
After graduating from Women’s Medical College in Pennsylvania (now known as Drexel University in the United States), she went on to become Dr. Anandibai Joshi, the country’s first female Indian physician and the first Indian woman to have gained a degree in western medicine.
Her studies overseas, however, drew a lot of criticism from 19th-century Indian culture. But an undeterred Anandi addressed a speech to the community at Serampore College Hall, West Bengal explaining the need for female doctors in India. Her speech drew a lot of support from all over the country.
Dr. Joshi worked as a doctor-in-charge at Albert Edward Hospital, Kolhapur after her graduation, however, her practice was short-lived when she had contracted tuberculosis which led to her death at the tender age of 22.
Dr Ketayun Ardeshir Dinshaw
Born in 1943 in Kolkata to a Parsi family, Ketayun Ardeshir Dinshaw went to Christian Medical College, Vellore where she pursued her degree in medicine. Dr. Dinshaw later went on for post-graduation to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where she specialized in radiation therapy and oncology.
She later started her career as an assistant radiotherapist at Tata Memorial Hospital in 1974, and went on to work with the organisation for 35 years, including 13 years as director. She played a significant role in the evolution of modern cancer care and the development of effective radiation therapy in India with the President conferring her with a Padma Shri in 2001.
Dr. Indira Hinduja
Dr. Indira Hinduja was one of the pioneers who brought In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique to India. She is often credited to carrying out the delivery of the first test-tube baby in India in 1986, as well as the first Gamete intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) child in 1988.
She received her training as a gynaecologist and infertility expert at King Edward Memorial hospital in Mumbai. She now continues to help couples with infertility issues at her practice at Hinduja hospital in Mumbai.
Dr. Manjula Anagani
At a time when minimally invasive surgery was a field dominated by male doctors, Gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Anagani tried her hand at the technique, which later on, helped several women avail themselves better treatment options.
Dr Anagani has been primarily recognized for her contributions to the field of laparoscopic surgery, especially for primary amenorrhea wherein autologous stem cells were used to regenerate the endometrium and also for a technique that created a Neovagina for women with absent vaginas.
Her health campaign, ‘Suyosha-A Perfect Woman’ aims to address all aspects of woman’s health, child abuse and health education of adolescent girls. She is also said to have co-founded an NGO called ‘Pratyusha Support’ that works for the empowerment of women.
Dr. Gagandeep Kang
Dr Kang was the first Indian woman scientist to be elected as a fellow of the Royal Society. This leading virologist is credited with conducting tremendous research on viral infections in children. She has also conducted extensive research on the rotavirus and was the key scientist behind the development of Rotovac, a vaccine from Bharat Biotech International that targets diarrhoea.
She was presented with the Infosys Prize for her research and discoveries. Dr Kang is also known for combining her scientific discoveries with policy-making to deliver holistic results on many vaccines. Her work has led to her being hailed as the “vaccine godmother” of India.