Innovation: The Spark That Ignites Change

Innovation is the driving force behind human progress. It has the power to transform societies, disrupt industries, and significantly improve the quality of life for people across the globe. At its core, innovation is about finding new solutions to old problems, improving processes, and creating novel products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. From the invention of the needle to the advent of the internet, each breakthrough has had a profound effect on how we live, work, and interact with the world.

Innovation is more than just the development of new technologies; it’s the spark that ignites change. It has the ability to create opportunities which never existed before, making things faster, easier, and more efficient. Consider how smartphones have revolutionized communication, which no one ever thought about 200 years back. What was once a luxury reserved for a few has become an essential tool in nearly every person’s daily life. It has altered the way we work, shop, learn, and connect with others.

Women and Innovation: The Progress Made

In a patriarchal society, fields like science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and corporate sectors have long been dominated by men. However, today, women are making their mark as researchers, innovators, and leaders within these domains. While it is true that women have made significant strides with their groundbreaking research and innovations, much of their contributions have often gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

For years, society has overlooked the valuable contributions of women in these fields. Despite the remarkable advances they have made, their work has frequently been overshadowed or underrecognized. As the world slowly transitions from patriarchal thinking to a more inclusive mindset, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the innovations and research led by women that have always been present around us. Only now are we beginning to truly acknowledge their impact, which has been quietly shaping our world for generations.

Momentous Innovations by Women

With the world changing at a rapid pace, women have made significant contributions across every field, from technology and academia to household management. Looking back through history, we can uncover many remarkable innovations by women—innovations that are often overlooked or unknown. Below is a list of such groundbreaking achievements by women:

The Fire Escape: Invented by Anna Connelly in 1887.

Wi-Fi and GPS Precursor: Hedy Lamarr, a world-famous film star, invented a secret communications system during World War II for radio-controlling torpedoes. This technology also paved the way for everything from Wi-Fi to GPS.

Kevlar: This life-saving material, which is five times stronger than steel and used to make bulletproof vests, was invented in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek.

COBOL: Dr. Grace Murray Hopper, a computer scientist, invented COBOL, the first user-friendly business computer software system, in the 1940s.

CCTV: Marie Van Brittan Brown invented CCTV in 1969 to help people ensure their own security due to the slow response of police officers.

Does Every Woman Get the Equal Right to Innovate and Create?

As we speak of innovations and research that have significantly impacted the world, it is important to note that historically, many of these changes have been brought about by women. However, if we examine the ratio of innovations and advancements made by men compared to those made by women, there is a noticeable disparity. The question that inevitably arises is: Why?

For centuries, women were discouraged from pursuing careers, often relegated to roles that were seen as more "appropriate" for their gender, typically considering them just for household chores. The lack of female role models and systemic biases in academics and industry kept many women from reaching their full potential. The challenges ranged from gender-based discrimination in hiring to limited access to funding and opportunities for career advancement.

Studies have shown that women researchers are often less likely to receive research grants than their male counterparts, and when they do, the funding is often smaller. As individuals, we often unintentionally create barriers in the lives of women by placing the responsibility of managing the household, raising children, and overseeing domestic duties solely on them. These expectations can limit their time, energy, and opportunities, ultimately creating impediments in their ability to create, innovate, and pursue their passions. By doing so, we contribute to the challenges women face in balancing their personal and professional lives, stifling their potential for groundbreaking achievements.

Women: An Essence to Reshaping the Future

Encouraging women in innovation and research is not just a matter of gender equality but also brings about a different mindset and a broader spectrum of ideas and needs. One of the most compelling examples is the development of the Cochlear implant. While the technology was initially being developed by male engineers, it was a female researcher, Dr. Ingeborg Hochmair, who played a crucial role in refining the device. Her insights helped improve the device to better address the needs of individuals with hearing impairments. This highlights how diversity in the team contributed to a solution that changed lives.

When women are supported in their careers, they can become role models for the next generation of researchers and innovators. These mentors provide inspiration and guidance, helping other women to break through barriers and succeed in challenging fields. Jayaram Jayalalithaa (24 February 1948 – 5 December 2016) was an Indian politician and actress who served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for more than fourteen years over six terms between 1991 and 2016. Throughout her career, Jayalalithaa has been a trailblazer for women in India. She has inspired countless women to pursue careers in politics, film, and other fields. Her leadership and vision have earned her numerous accolades, including the title "Amma" (meaning "mother" in Tamil). As a role model, Jayalalithaa's legacy continues to inspire women to break through barriers and achieve their goals. Her story is a testament to the power of supporting women in their careers and providing them with opportunities to succeed.

Women often focus on research with societal benefits, driving innovation that addresses real-world challenges. This is not just a statement but also a proven fact. Women's research has a significant impact on healthcare, education, environment, social justice, and economic development. For instance, Dr. Patricia Bath created a new procedure for cataract removal, restoring vision to millions. Further, Dr. Ayanna Howard designed assistive technologies, enhancing lives for people with disabilities.

India's iconic IT services company, Infosys, has received significant contributions from a woman, Mrs. Sudha Murty, the first woman in India to study mechanical engineering. Mrs. Murty, despite being 73 years old, has become a youth icon who rules TV and social media with her honest, down-to-earth, and inspiring takes on life. In 1996, she founded the Infosys Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing critical social issues, especially in healthcare, education, and rural development. Under Sudha Murthy's leadership, the Infosys Foundation has made a profound impact on various sectors, including education, healthcare, rural development, and art and culture.

Conclusion

The world of research and innovation is richer and more dynamic because of the contributions of women. With continued support, women will continue to shape the future of science and technology for years to come. To encourage more women in innovation and research, we must:

Mentorship Programs: Pair women with experienced professionals.

Education and Training: Offer programs that develop skills and confidence in innovation and research.

Inclusive Work Environments: Foster cultures that support and empower women.

Networking Events: Organize conferences and workshops promoting women in innovation.

As Mrs. Sudha Murty aptly said, “Women contribute significantly to the functioning of society and the economy. If they were to stop working, it would create a major imbalance and affect various aspects of daily life.”