US envoy emphasised the need for ensuring increased women participation in science and technology

Updated on: Monday, December 10, 2012

With the United States and India prioritising 'women in science' as an area of bilateral engagement, US envoy Nancy Powell today emphasised the need for creating opportunities to empower women and ensuring their increased participation in science and technology.

Inaugurating a workshop here, she said, "Both India and the US agree on the importance of creating opportunities to empower women. Women will play a vital role in the future of both our countries. We must ensure their increased participation in science and technology areas."

Noting that both the countries are working to promote women in science and technology education and careers, she stressed on addressing the challenges in this area.

"Our workshop today can identify challenges, highlight best practices for enabling women in science that already exist in the US and India, and determine potential solutions to address the difficulties women encounter in the science field," Powell said.

The US Ambassador said that the difficulties range from education and empowerment of women to promoting retention and development of women scientists, engineers, and academic and industry leaders.

The workshop also featured a video message for Indian- American astronaut Sunita Williams wishing the workshop every success.

The message was recorded during Willams longest stay at the International Space Station sometime back.

Lauding the US Embassy and Department of Science and Technology for conducting the workshop, she said, "In order to meet the challenges that our fragile planet faces, it is essential that we make full use of the brain power and talents of women scientists in the US, India and around the world."

Applauding the achievements of Williams, Powell said, "Today we also celebrate the success stories of women in science achievers like NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams.

"Sunita's roots on her father's side go back to Gujarat in India...Sunita is the first female astronaut to hold three records of longest spaceflight, total time spent on spacewalks, longest stretch spent in space," she said.

Powell said that there is a lot of potential for achievements when people from the US and India work together towards a common goal.

US envoy emphasised the need for ensuring increased women participation in science and technology

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