Kendi alanımda açık bir ayrımcılıkla karşılaşmamış olsam da aynı takdiri ya da kaynakları elde edebilmek için erkek meslektaşlarımdan çok daha fazla çalışmam gerektiğini hissettiğim durumlar oldu. Bu, akademik sistemin bazı yönlerine hala nüfuz eden altta yatan bir önyargıya işaret ediyor. Buna ek olarak, atmosferin bir ‘erkekler kulübü’ gibi hissedildiği, ince ama gerçek bir bariyer yarattığı durumlar da yaşadım. Bu deneyimler, bilimde gerçekten kapsayıcı ve eşitlikçi çalışma ortamları yaratmaya yönelik sürekli çaba göstermemiz gerektiğinin öneminin altını çiziyor. Mesele sadece açık ayrımcılığı önlemek değil, aynı zamanda bir kadının kariyerini ve çalıştığı ortama ve alana aidiyet duygusunu etkileyebilecek önyargı biçimlerini kabul etmek ve sonrasında da çözüm üretmektir.
Bana kalırsa bireylerin bu konuda sağlayabileceği katkı, cinsiyet eşitliği konusundaki farkındalığı artırmak ve kendi davranışlarında önyargılara karşı duyarlılık göstermek olabilir. Ayrıca, kadın bilim insanlarına destek vermek, onların başarılarını tanıtmak ve rol modeller olarak ortaya çıkmak/çıkartmak da önemli.
Kurumlar ise politika ve uygulamalarını gözden geçirerek cinsiyet eşitliğini teşvik etmeli, herkese eşit fırsatlar sunmalı. Cinsiyet eşitliği konusunda eğitim programları düzenlemek ve cinsiyet eşitliği konusunda açık bir tutum sergilemek, bilim camiasında daha adil ve eşit bir ortamın oluşturulmasına katkı sağlayabilir.
Selin: What does gender equality in science mean to you? Do you think the gender inequalities we observe in education in our country have an impact on this?
Elif: For me, gender equality in science means creating an environment where opportunities and professional perceptions are not influenced by an individual’s gender. This also includes eliminating gender-related stereotypes and unconscious biases. Gender inequality in education in Türkiye significantly affects this situation, often starting from early stages where girls are not as encouraged as boys to pursue science. This inequality often extends to higher education and professional settings, impacting women’s career paths. In our country, where cultural and social norms can play a significant role, addressing these biases is crucial for achieving equality. Efforts to overcome these challenges should focus on raising awareness about gender biases, promoting inclusive policies, and actively supporting girls and women at every stage of their scientific journey. By doing so, we can create an ecosystem where gender equality is not just an ideal but also a lived reality.
Selin: Have you ever faced discrimination or prejudice in your field due to your gender? We have examples of women in science who were overshadowed/ left behind by male colleagues from older generations, like Rosalind Franklin, for instance. Do you think there are differences between the situations encountered by the old and new generations?
Elif: Historical examples like Rosalind Franklin highlight the systemic challenges women have faced in science. Although I believe there has been progress compared to the past, particularly in terms of awareness and policy changes, biases and systemic barriers still persist for women in science today. In my view, inequality is not just a problem of past generations; it is an ongoing issue that constantly requires attention and action.
While I haven’t faced overt discrimination in my field, there have been instances where I felt the need to work much harder than my male colleagues to gain the same recognition or resources. This points to an underlying bias that still permeates some aspects of the academic system. Additionally, I’ve experienced situations where the atmosphere felt like a ‘boys’ club’, creating a subtle but real barrier. These experiences underscore the importance of continuous efforts to create truly inclusive and egalitarian work environments in science. The issue isn’t just about preventing overt discrimination; it’s also about acknowledging and addressing the forms of bias that can affect a woman’s career and her sense of belonging in her workplace and field.
Selin: When we look at our country, we see many successful women scientists. However, when we compare their numbers to the number of female rectors in our universities, a discrepancy becomes apparent. What solutions would you suggest to address this issue?
Elif: The discrepancy between the number of women scientists and the number of women in leadership positions like deans and rectors in academia highlights a complex issue known as the ‘leaky pipeline’. This metaphor illustrates how women are more likely to leave the academic career path at each successive stage, leading to fewer women in top positions. One solution to this problem could be implementing more transparent and egalitarian processes for promotions and leadership appointments. Additionally, addressing the leaky pipeline requires systemic support for work-life balance. This support could include providing on-campus childcare facilities, offering flexible working arrangements, and implementing policies that recognize the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. By creating an environment where women can succeed at every stage of their careers, we can help more women rise to leadership roles without feeling the need to sacrifice their personal responsibilities. These measures not only support women individually but also contribute to a healthier and more diverse academic ecosystem.
Selin: Considering your achievements, it would be fair to say you are one of Türkiye’s most prestigious cell biology researchers. If you think about one of the proudest moments in your academic career, what contributions do you think this has had to your identity as a woman in science?
Elif: Among the proudest moments of my scientific journey, being selected as the first EMBO Young Investigator from Türkiye and receiving the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant twice in the field of life sciences are particularly significant. These achievements are especially meaningful in Türkiye’s challenging research ecosystem, where establishing a laboratory from scratch and creating a research program recognized at an international level requires tremendous determination, patience, and problem-solving skills. Receiving the EMBO YIP award was not only a personal accomplishment but also an inspirational milestone for many young scientists. Additionally, receiving the ERC starting grant twice is a rare feat, possibly a first in the life sciences field. These successes demonstrate to young scientists in our country that with enough hard work and focusing on solutions rather than complaints in the face of challenges, success is inevitable. Beyond these awards and funds, what I am even prouder of is mentoring the next generation of scientists and witnessing their growth and achievements, often surpassing my own. Mentoring young scientists is immensely gratifying, as it not only allows me to pass on knowledge and experience but also to witness the development of future scientists who will shape the world of science.
Elif: How important do you think role models and mentors are in shaping women’s experiences in the field of science? Can you share your personal experiences about the impact of having (or not having) female mentors and role models on your scientific journey?
Selin: I believe that role models and mentors play a significant role in shaping women’s experiences in science. These figures can provide us with inspiring examples and guide us throughout our careers. Particularly for promoting gender equality and diversity in science, it is crucial for female students to have access to strong role models and mentors. As you mentioned, girls are not as encouraged as boys to pursue science from a young age, and in this context, role models can convince a girl interested in science that she too can succeed. For me, seeing multi-faceted, successful, and strong women like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Hedy Lamarr was inspirational. Now, I am fortunate to have many determined and successful female scientist colleagues from whom I learn new things every day.
Elif: What do you think are the most significant challenges related to gender equality in the scientific community, and how do you believe these challenges can be effectively addressed by both individuals and institutions?
Selin: At the forefront of challenges related to gender equality in the scientific community are biases and stereotypes. These prejudices can influence perceptions of women’s achievements in science and make it more difficult for them to advance. Additionally, inequalities within academic institutions can limit the ascent of women scientists to high positions. Factors such as responsibilities of motherhood, challenges in work-life balance, and gender-based discrimination also complicate the struggle for gender equality.
In my opinion, the contribution individuals can make in this regard is to increase awareness about gender equality and show sensitivity to biases in their own behavior. Supporting women scientists, highlighting their successes, and promoting/identifying them as role models are also crucial.
Institutions should review their policies and practices to promote gender equality, offering equal opportunities to everyone. Organizing training programs on gender equality and demonstrating a clear stance on this issue can contribute to creating a fairer and more equitable environment in the scientific community.
Elif: Balancing a scientific career with personal life can be challenging at different stages of one’s career. As a scientist at the beginning of your career, are you able to allocate enough time for yourself while meeting the demands of a challenging academic environment? What strategies or support systems do you think are important for young women in the scientific community to achieve a healthy work-life integration?
Selin: Balancing a scientific career with personal life can indeed be challenging, especially in the early stages of one’s career. I believe it requires a careful balance to meet the expectations of the academic environment while also finding time for oneself outside of work. In my opinion, this balance is more of a process than a goal that can be achieved overnight. With the confidence that comes from experience gained in our work, it becomes easier to maintain this balance, but of course, that’s not the only factor. It’s important for individuals to make a priority list and respect their own needs in doing so. As a young doctoral student, asking for help from both my colleagues and advisor has always made this process easier for me. Additionally, I think the mentorship support that institutions can provide in this regard could be significant. Since there are always people who have previously traversed the challenging path we are on, their experiences can be helpful to us.