A Conversation Framing Systemic Barriers
We were thrilled to have Dr. Gili Freedman, Associate Professor of Psychology at St. Mary’s College in Maryland, and Aashima Dogra, science communicator and author of the book 'Lab Hopping,' as key speakers in this pilot discussion. Dogra’s investigative reporting on India’s science institutions and Freedman’s research-driven insights into combatting biases against women in STEM brought a fresh and valuable perspective to our conversation.
In this conversation, Dogra emphasized how women often face unique challenges when balancing multiple societal roles. These challenges are compounded by traditional academic systems that fail to provide adequate support. She highlighted the need for measures such as childcare support, gender-neutral policies and other inclusive initiatives to create a more supportive environment for women in science.
“We need to show systemic support and encouragement to retain women in science, not just condescendingly celebrate them, but listen to them and make space to allow these individuals to change the face of science,” said Dogra during our webinar.
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Featured Speakers
Meet the speakers who guide us through a conversation on gender bias in science and the creative solutions that help shift mindsets.
Associate Professor
Dr. Gili Freedman
A social psychologist at St. Mary's College of Maryland whose research explores social rejection, belonging and interventions to reduce interpersonal and gender biases, particularly in STEM fields.
Science Communicator & Author
Aashima Dogra
A freelance science writer, editor and co-founder of the feminist science media project TheLifeofScience.com, known for engaging science communication and co-authoring Lab Hopping: A Journey to Find India’s Women in Science.
"As educators and science communicators, our job is to communicate and illustrate the gaps that exist to help scientists make their work more accessible to people of diverse backgrounds through an equity lens."
