Women make up more than half of the workforce at Ingham Institute

Women in science are seen as the less likely candidate for jobs because they are choosing family over a career. One research institute is levelling the playing field, with 65 per cent of its workforce female.

Women in science are seen as less likely candidates for jobs because they are choosing family over a career.

Minoti Apte knows too well the challenges, having been there herself. Now as the director of the Ingham Institute’s pancreatic research group, she is excited about the future of science and medical research.

With a desire to level the playing field, women make up 65 per cent of the workforce at the Institute.

“Women bring a lot of skills to any workplace. They offer a different perspective, too,” she said.

“Especially women who juggle family and career. They have a level of lateral thinking.

Some of the women at Ingham Institute, from left, Mila Sajinovic, Nicole Caixeiro, Afaf Girgis, Martha Gerges, Annie Walsh, Ivana Durcinoska, Minoti Apte and Grace Micali. Picture: ROBERT POZO

“They can look at problems from a different angle.”

Professor Apte said when she arrived in Australia one of the first things she noticed was the low number of women consulting in health.

“Groundbreaking” cancer treatment project surges ahead at Liverpool Hospital.

“My grandmother, back in India, was a gynaecologist. It is normal for women to be in the health and medical field,” she said.

Two weeks of radiation in just a few minutes at Liverpool Hospital.

“There was a change in the 1990s. There were more women getting into medical school, but when you’re finished your post graduate study, you’re at the point of wanting a family.

“And I don’t think there are enough systems in place for workplaces to be more flexible.”

Time for south west Sydney residents to tighten their belts and improve their health.

Professor Apte said staying at home for two years when her child was born impacted her career.

“I consciously didn’t have a second child. It would have been too difficult,” she said.

Women are ready

The Ingham Institute wants more women to get “test tube-ready” and pursue a career in science

■ The Liverpool institute has 65 per cent women in its workforce

■ The institute’s third annual luncheon being held on Friday, March 4, will focus on women in the industry. Tickets to the event are sold out

■ Details: inghaminstitute.org.au