More women role models needed in S&T: Science City Director

Pushpa Gujral Science City celebrated World Telecommunication Day with the theme “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”. Over 150 students and teachers from schools across Punjab took part in the event with great enthusiasm.

Dr Rajesh Grover, Director, Pushpa Gujral Science City, emphasised the need for more women role models in science and technology. He said that when young girls see successful women in these fields, they are more likely to follow the same path. He also talked about the extra challenges many women face, like family responsibilities, especially in smaller towns which can limit their career choices. Dr Grover stressed upon the need to make young women aware of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how they can use these tools to create real-world solutions.

Dr Balwinder Raj from NIT Jalandhar was the keynote speaker and delivered an engaging talk on the role of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) in our daily lives. He illustrated the significance of ECE in powering daily technologies from smartphones and healthcare equipment to global communication systems like mobile networks, fibre optics and satellites. Dr Raj also cautioned that while digital technologies offer immense potential in improving social and economic outcomes for women, they also risk reinforcing existing gender inequalities if not implemented thoughtfully. He highlighted the role of integrated circuits (ICs) in making devices more energy-efficient and cost-effective, thereby enhancing accessibility to digital tools across communities.

The event focused on the need for equal opportunities for everyone in the digital world and highlighted the importance of making technology accessible and inclusive for all.

A caption contest was also held to encourage students to share their ideas about the importance of digital access and gender equality in a creative way.