THE International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, a global initiative led by UNESCO and UN Women to promote full and equal participation of women in science and technology, was observed across the world on February 11. This day is not merely symbolic, it is a reminder that inclusion in science must extend beyond classrooms into leadership, recognition and sustained opportunity.
In Northeast India, enrollment of girls in education is often higher than that of boys. Many young women actively choose science streams, pursue postgraduate studies and complete doctoral research in significant numbers. The region does not lack talent or academic excellence. What it often lacks is continuity, visibility, structural support, and proportional recognition.
A telling example appears in Lilavati’s Daughters: The Women Scientists of India, a landmark collection highlighting Indian women scientists. From the entire Northeast region, only one scientist, Prof. Joyanti Chutia of Assam, a distinguished theoretical physicist, is prominently represented. While her achievements are deeply inspiring, the limited representation from a region rich in intellectual potential reflects a broader challenge: visibility and recognition remain uneven.
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Gender inequality in science is not new. Even in the early twentieth century, women pursuing scientific careers faced significant barriers. Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein’s first wife, was a trained physicist and mathematician who studied alongside Einstein at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich. She was the only woman in her cohort and studied in the same physics–mathematics program as Einstein. Their surviving letters show that they discussed physics problems together during their student years.
However, historians remain divided on the extent of her contribution to Einstein’s early work. There is no definitive documentary evidence proving that she co-authored or formally contributed to the 1905 papers (including the theory of relativity). Most scholars agree that while she was intellectually capable and deeply engaged in physics discussions, the published work was solely credited to Einstein, whose scientific aspirations were curtailed by personal circumstances and societal expectations. Her story reflects a broader historical pattern in which women’s scientific identities were often overshadowed or under-recognized.
Yet, history also offers powerful examples of women who broke barriers. Marie Curie remains one of the most inspiring figures in science. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry. Her legacy extended beyond her own achievements: her daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, also went on to win a Nobel Prize.
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In a scientific world dominated by men, Marie Curie’s perseverance, brilliance and dedication earned her global recognition, often described as “Scientist of the Millenium”. Her story demonstrates that when given opportunity and support, women not only contribute to science, they redefine it. The contrast between invisibility and recognition underscores an important truth: talent exists everywhere, but acknowledgment does not.
In Northeast India, many women pursue advanced research, yet after doctoral studies, they often face social expectations surrounding marriage, family responsibilities, relocation challenges, limited infrastructure and fewer leadership pathways.
Entry into science has improved dramatically, but retention, incentives and representation at high-level decision-making platforms remains a concern. Scientific advisory boards, funding committees, research councils, university leadership positions and policy-making bodies must reflect both gender and regional diversity. Women must not only participate in science, they must shape its direction.
There is a pressing need for region-oriented policies that respond to the unique realities of the Northeast. Such policies must focus on strengthening advanced research infrastructure within the region so that talented scholars do not have to migrate elsewhere to pursue quality scientific work.
Targeted fellowships, research grants and financial incentives specifically designed for women scientists are essential to sustain their careers and encourage long-term engagement in research. Equally important is promoting greater visibility through awards, leadership opportunities and meaningful media recognition that highlights regional scientific achievements.
Establishing strong mentorship networks and regional innovation platforms can provide guidance, collaboration and professional continuity. Above all, ensuring women’s representation in high-level scientific decision-making bodies is crucial so that policy directions, funding priorities and institutional strategies reflect inclusive and regionally relevant perspectives.
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 observed yesterday, the conversation needed to move beyond mere enrollment statistics. The Northeast already has capable, qualified and deeply committed women scientists.
What was, and continues to be, essential is the creation of an enabling ecosystem one that actively supports, recognizes, and elevates them into meaningful leadership roles.
Science thrives on diversity of thought. But diversity must also be visible, valued and empowered. Recognition fuels aspiration, incentives sustain commitment, and representation transforms systems, these are not optional ideals but essential requirements for building an equitable and progressive scientific community.
When we create more Joyanti Chutias, when we support more Mileva Marićs to complete their journeys and when we encourage the next generation of Marie Curies from every region, we do more than promote equality, we strengthen the very foundation of scientific progress.
(The author, Dr. Rameshori Yumnam, is Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Manipur University. The views expressed are personal. The author can be reached at rameshori.yumnam@gmail.com)