UNESCO photo exhibition celebrates women in science

The month-long Punjab Art Summit at VR Ambarsar has impressed art enthusiasts with its innovative initiatives, but one of the standout exhibits is the UNESCO photo exhibition, A Braided River: Universe of Indian Women in Science.

This unique exhibition, which features 60 women scientists and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from India, provides an insightful look into their emotions, achievements, and work. It also highlights the gender inequality and challenges women face daily in the scientific field.

Derived from the 2022 UNESCO publication A Braided River, the photo exhibition introduces the featured women through striking visuals that offer a glimpse into their lives and professional contributions. Sumi Gupta, curator of the Punjab Art Summit, explains, "A Braided River is a UNESCO publication that explores gender inequality in the sciences in India, aiming to inspire action toward greater inclusivity. Through powerful narratives and striking visuals, the book has been transformed into a compelling photo exhibition."

Gupta adds that the exhibition not only emphasizes the contributions of these women but also advocates for increasing women's participation in STEM.

She stresses that boosting women's presence in science is not just about fairness but also about driving innovation and finding solutions to global challenges. "By advocating for equal respect, pay, and opportunities, the exhibition underscores the critical role women play in shaping the future of science and technology," she says.

This exhibition has already been showcased in several cities across India and internationally. It was first inaugurated in New York and later displayed in cities like Chennai and Surat, among others.

Tim Curtis, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, remarked at the inauguration, "Women scientists and engineers bring invaluable creativity and expertise to the table.

Increasing their participation is not just about equity-it's about unlocking solutions that are essential for the future of our planet." Curtis also spoke about the Climate Science Literacy exhibition, which aims to make climate science accessible. He emphasized that building climate literacy is crucial for communities to understand the root causes of climate change and to take actions to mitigate its impact.

The A Braided River exhibition at the Punjab Art Summit continues until March 21, providing an invaluable opportunity to celebrate and support the work of Indian women in science while raising awareness about the gender disparities that persist in the field.