THE theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, was gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, and particularly focussed on the role women can play in terms of climate change. This highly scientific theme reminded me of an amazing book, Has Feminism Changed Science, by Londa Schiebinger.

In the book, the author has made a wonderful attempt to elucidate significant questions pertaining to the role of gender

in science. It presents a concise idea of feminism and enables one to get rid of the misconceptions related to the notion.

A very brief history of women scientists rooted in their sociopolitical circumstances has been furnished. The concept of quantitative measurement of equality has been discussed.

The author, by introducing the idea of a pipeline model (more girls in, more scientists out), has critically analysed the causes of women across societies being deprived so far as current practices are concerned, thus resulting in the leakage from pipeline.

Schiebinger has also discussed the structure of scientific institutions that needs to adapt itself in order to welcome women. There are two competing issues. The professionalisation of science and the privatisation of the family women scientists, as per the author, live in a sort of paradox.

The importance as well as survival strategies have also been discussed so that the culture may be altered and made more accommodative for women scientists.

A gender bias is a stimulus when we choose to examine any domain of life. I regret that the physical sciences, with which a part of this year’s theme is concerned has not really been gender-neutral; not with respect to contents, but with reference to participation.

There is still a strong need to welcome women by emphasising that neither there is anything like men science nor it is impossible to carry on career and children together, as has been highlighted by the author.

The book must, therefore, be a part of all university libraries so that students may have a chance to reflect more closely about the issues discussed therein.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi

P.T.C.L. REGRETS: This is with reference to the letter ‘Pathetic service’ (March 27). The management of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL) has investigated the complaint and technical fault has been removed. PTCL sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused to the customer.

Spokesperson, PTCL
Karachi

RAMAZAN TRANSMISSION: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) ought to take measures to ensure the sanctity of the fasting month of Ramazan on various television channels. For the last few years, much objectionable content has been routinely aired on these channels. The fact is that inappropriate advertisements and programmes must be banned during the month.

Raza ul Haq
Lahore

GALLANTRY AWARDS: It was heartening to watch the investiture ceremony on March 23 at the Aiwan-i-Sadar where people were awarded medals in various disciplines and categories for their outstanding contributions. A lot of brave individuals were awarded gallantry award of Tamgha-i-Shujaat. The citation read out in such cases, however, was not appropriate as there is no such category or profession as ‘bravery’ and ‘gallantry’. These are qualities. The announcer kept referring to Shujaat (bravery) as a sho’ba (profession) which didn’t seem correct.

Sheikh Taimur Nawaz
Islamabad

DEADLY HIGHWAY: The Mehran Highway has become a curse for the local residents. Despite having been built at a huge cost of Rs4 billion, it cannot be considered a highway because of its poor condition and facilities. Hundreds of accidents take place on the highway every year. Heavy traffic, including huge trucks and coaches, use the highway to avoid toll tax on the motorway. They violate traffic rules and drive recklessly. The authorities concerned should ensure public safety. Also, they should convert the project into a dual carriageway.

Abdul Razzaq
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2022