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• About IYA 2009

Visibility of women in science and engineering has increased since last couple of decades. However, the overall representation of women in research and academic establishments remains abysmally low compared to their male counterparts. Often, institutional biases and social taboos prevent most women from going to higher studies and seeking a profession of their choice. "She is an astronomer" is one of the prime themes of the IYA2009 cornerstone projects to address the issue of gender equality and promote women's participation in astronomy and science professions.

This cornerstone project of the IYA09 aims to aid the UN millennium development goal of promoting gender equality. This requires attention to be focused on two fronts. Firstly, the democratizing the functioning of scientific institutions, giving greater space to the question of gender equality. Secondly, enhancing the rational outlook amongst the people. This cornerstone program will aim to sensitize citizens on the issue of obstacles faced by women in science. Parents should be influenced to allow their daughters to take up careers in science. Contributions by noted scientists like Caroline Herschel and Henrietta Leavitt will also form an important subjects for presentation.