From: nikhil.kamath
Starting a career in biotechnology, particularly for women, has historically presented unique hurdles in India [00:00:14].
Perceptions and Resistance
When Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s father suggested she pursue brewing, a field he was involved in, her immediate reaction was, “Are you nuts? I’m a woman, how will I do it?” [00:00:12]. This highlights the inherent societal perceptions and gender roles that can act as a barrier to women entering certain industries.
Navigating a Nascent Industry
Biotechnology itself was a “strange business” that “nobody understood” when Biocon was founded [00:00:17]. Bankers were hesitant to engage with such an unfamiliar venture [00:00:19]. Starting Biocon required “foolish courage” due to the uncertainty and lack of understanding surrounding the field [00:00:23]. These challenges were compounded for a woman pioneering in an unknown sector.
Underrepresentation of Women in the Workforce
In India, the number of women in the workforce is notably low [00:01:15]. This statistic indicates a broader systemic issue that impacts women in tech and biotech, suggesting that women face obstacles not just in starting a business, but in gaining entry and progression within professional environments.