As a woman researcher, I’ve always felt that carving out our niche in science is arduous. How do women pursue careers in science? How do they cope with societal biases? Do they receive family support? Do they have to choose between a career in science and starting a family? Do they have equal opportunities compared to their male colleagues? These questions frequently arise in my mind when I think about women in science.

In reality, navigating any field as a woman poses challenges, and field biology presents its unique set. When I stumbled upon the book ​‘Women in the Wild: Stories of India’s Most Brilliant Women Wildlife Biologists,’ edited by Anita Mani, I uncovered the profound legacy of women biologists in conservation history. These notable women didn’t just choose wildlife conservation as a career; it was ingrained in their very essence. Fuelled by excitement, I was eager to delve deeper into the origins of this compilation, driven by the powerful stories of women field biologists. 

Women in the Wild

This book highlights the accomplishments of women field biologists in India, spanning from the early 1970s to the present times. It features remarkable women across various specialities: ornithologists like Jamal Ara, herpetologists such as J. Vijaya and Ayushi Jain, fisheries conservationists like Divya Karnad and Tiasa Adhya, field biologists specialising in big cats, like Vidya Athreya, and wildlife geneticists like Uma Ramakrishnan.

The work of these conservationists spans diverse landscapes, encompassing efforts such as Nandini Velho and Usha Lachungpa’s work in the eastern Himalayas, biodiversity conservation by Ghazala Shahabuddin in the western Himalayas, and Divya Mudappa​’s work on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.

The book also introduces young field biologists, including Dhanusha Kawalkar studying cave habitats, Pooja Choksi using bioacoustics for ecological restoration, and Gabriella D’Cruz harnessing native seaweed species to empower communities and oceans. Pritha Dey assesses moth distribution and diversity in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, while Vishnupriya Sankaraman studies microhabitats of amphibians in commodity agroforests in the Western Ghats.

These women have significantly impacted conservation outcomes, explored uncharted territories in field biology, and left a lasting impact on their landscapes, showcasing their unyielding determination and passion for ecological conservation. Mani eloquently writes, 

In the broader world, wildlife is like a narrow stream, not a wide river of opportunities. This compilation isn’t a historical archive of past achievements, but rather a jubilant herald of the future possibilities for women in the wild.

Overcoming challenges

Isn’t it striking how women researchers are often prodded about ​‘balancing’ between their career and family, while no such expectation exists for their male counterparts? Nevertheless, these women encounter unique situations, yet refuse to draw attention to their distinctiveness. Ara left a toxic and unhappy marriage, following her passion without a support system or formal education. Ramakrishnan delivered a presentation, masking her agony with a smile, at a conference just a day after experiencing a miscarriage. 

Karnad ventured into a village during her field research where women were usually confined to their homes or allowed to leave only in the company of male family members. Conversely, Lachungpa chose not to disclose her pregnancy to her trekking team, determined not to miss the opportunity to be part of the expedition. 

Questioning stereotypes

Trailblazing women scientists have faced ridicule for prioritising their scientific work over emotions. Rachel Carson, who alerted the world about the pesticide dangers in her book ​‘Silent Springs,’ was derided as ​‘hysterically over-empathetic’. Similarly, Jane Goodall, a primate scientist, was accused of anthropomorphism in naming animals and attributing personalities to chimps. Why was emotional connection criticism uniquely directed at gender? Are male biologists devoid of passion? 

Gender biases present an everyday battle for many women researchers, encountering sexism in their careers. Despite this, they proudly wear emotion and empathy as badges of honour. Ramakrishnan reveals, ​“Conservation biology is an old boys club, and she has been kept on the fringes.” She daringly questions, 

Who dictates these rules? Why do we comply? Science demands objectivity, but why suppress our excitement at a new discovery?

Sexist jokes, such as, ​‘Not bad for a girl’ or ​‘You got it because you’re a woman,’ have evolved into ugly and distasteful experiences. Mudappa was shockingly asked, ​“Do you want to be raped?” during her coastal fieldwork. Many women in this book faced nerve-wracking incidents, responding with assertive actions like slapping, scratching, and issuing stern warnings. The pressing question remains — ​“How many of us can confront these situations at the moment?”

In field biology, all biologists face challenges, yet gender-specific safety issues persist. Many landscapes are deemed inaccessible for fieldwork due to safety concerns for women. Regrettably, this has often led organisations to unapologetically refrain from hiring women for field positions based solely on their gender, disregarding their skills and expertise.

Building hope in the chaos

Women field biologists have resiliently defied systemic beliefs, demonstrating exceptional skills that bring invaluable qualities and sensitivities associated with gender to the field. Velho, for instance, spearheads efforts for greater equity – beyond gender – in teamwork and scientific cooperation. The women featured in this book have proven that their contributions are far too important to be overshadowed by gender discrimination.

These women have also fostered a supportive environment for young girls, serving as inspirations for future conservationists. Ananda Banerjee, an environmental journalist who featured Athreya, proudly notes, 

I am unaware of any other book celebrating the work of women field biologists in India. This is a first of its kind.

He hopes it inspires the younger generation to pursue careers in this field and follow their passion for natural history.

These women field biologists have revolutionised field research, significantly advancing the understanding of natural history, species, and ecology. Velho advocates actively integrating scientific findings into policy and conservation decision-making, while wholeheartedly embodying passion for scientific exploration and dedication to preservation.

Is the future bleak or bright?

When I asked about his perspective on the representation of women in field-biology, Raza Kazmi, who featured Ara’s story, underscored the vital importance of strong female representation in this field. He stated that women consistently exhibit brilliance and a pioneering spirit, surpassing their male counterparts despite facing discrimination.

I firmly believe that field-research is transcending the traditional confines of both science and gender. Yet, what we need is a greater presence of individuals beyond the male spectrum in field-research. This isn’t merely for the sake of parity but to infuse diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives stemming from different socio-cultural, economic, and political backgrounds. 

‘Women in the Wild’ stands as a 270-page testament to this diversity. 

I believe books like these carry profound societal significance as they not only illuminate the experiences of women wildlife researchers but also challenge prevailing narratives. Many of these women conducted their research in far-flung, challenging environments, navigating ecosystems vastly different from their upbringing. This book meticulously chronicles the odysseys of female field biologists, capturing the essence of their work and the intellectual pathways that shaped their remarkable contributions. I earnestly desire and wholeheartedly applaud these remarkable women in science, urging them to continue their intrepid journey with even more vigour and success.