Women in hematology

In recent years, the number of women working in the field of hematology – both in clinical and laboratory hematology – has increased proportionately. Among the award recipients in hematology-oncology, globally, women were under-represented; there were significant disparities seen in disciplines such as basic sciences.^[1] The term “The Matilda Effect” was coined by Rossiter from Cornell University to describe the bias related to the recognition of the contribution of women in science.^[2] A proportionate number of them remain under-represented in the academic and leadership areas also.

The present volume is publishing an honest review by Ghosh K, an eminent hematologist from India with an international reputation, focusing on many such women hematologists from India who in the past dominated the field of hematology – clinical, laboratory, research, and even leadership also. All the lady hematologists mentioned in the paper made significant names as well as contributions to the field. They were recognized nationally; some of them also became president of the Indian society of hematology and blood transfusion. They are the inspirations for the hematologists of the present day and in the future also to act as role models and potential mentors and get inspired to overcome the challenges faced by the women hematologists in practice. There could be quite a few others who are not mentioned here but are recognized for their service in this less traded field in the remote areas of this vast country. The time has come, though late, to recognize their enormous contribution, retaining them in the hematology workforce and positioning them also in the leadership in hematology.

The present time and future seem to be extremely bright for women hematologists in India. At present, they constitute a significant number of hematologists in India and some of them reached the highest position in the specialty.