International Women’s Day is celebrated to honour the role of women in society. The day is celebrated to observe women’s part in cultural, political, social and economic development. It is also acknowledged to make people aware of women’s rights and gender equality.
In 1977 United Nations recognised the day started celebrating it as International Women’s Day. Since then it is celebrated across the globe. Men, women, and children all over the globe observe women’s Day. It is to celebrate and appreciate their mothers, sisters, daughters, and the women around them.
The colours of International Women’s Day are Purple, green and white. If Purple signifies justice and dignity then Green symbolizes hope. White as we all know represents purity.
The World has been brought to a standstill due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Countries across the globe have been imposing lockdowns to curb its spread. The new virus swept across the world and left a trail of death in its wake. The virus soon put a spotlight on the scientists who started working round the clock to develop a vaccine that could tackle the deadly virus.
Women also are a force to be reckoned with behind developing the vaccines for COVID-19. Many women around the world were at the forefront of research, development and trials of the vaccines. Finally, the various vaccines that have passed the test are the work of these exemplary women. We share with you some of these women scientists who have given their all to help the world fight this virus.
Here are 7 Female Scientists Instrumental In Developing COVID-19 Vaccines:
1. K Sumathy-Bharat Biotech:
Dr K Sumathy is an Indian scientist who leads the research and development wing of Bharat Biotech. The company that is situated in Hyderabad has developed India’s first indigenous vaccine Covaxin. Sumathy is a member of the core team that has developed the vaccine. Not only coronavirus she was also instrumental in developing vaccines against Zika and Chikungunya too.
2. Dr Anna Blakney-London:
An American doctor Dr Anna Blakney is working at Imperial College London on its COVID-19 vaccine. Her work on the COVID-19 vaccine has been closely followed by people from both scientific communities, and those closer to home. Dr Blakeney is also a TikTok star and has 190,000 followers to her account. She shares some superfun and informative videos from her lab on her profile.
3. Dr Ruby Raphael-Hyderabad:
Dr Ruby Raphael is part of the vaccine trials team at the Nizam’s Institute in Hyderabad. She has also been making TikTok videos and baking during the long process of vaccine development.
4. Dr Kizzmekia Corbett-America:
Dr Kizzmekia Corbett is an African-American viral immunologist. She has also worked with Moderna for two COVID-19 vaccines. She works at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Kizzmekia is currently the leading scientist of the VRC’s Coronavirus Team. They are researching and developing myriad coronavirus vaccines. She is also part of a team that worked with the biotechnology company Moderna for two COVID-19 vaccines.
5. Nita Patel-America:
Nita Patel is the leading molecular scientist of Novavax. This vaccine development company is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Her vaccine team is identified as an ‘all-female’ one. Although the vaccine is still in its final trial stages, the word is out that it looks promising.
6. Hanneke Schuitmaker-Amsterdam:
Hanneke Schuitemaker is a Dutch virologist at the Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam. The 57-year old scientist led the Covid-19 vaccine development trials from the Netherlands. In an interview with Johnson and Johnson, she had said that she hopes we all have learned a lesson from this period. in terms of how we choose to live our lives.
7. Elena Smolyarchuk-Russia:
Elena Smolyarchuk is a Russian scientist and has led the study for the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. She was the chief researcher in the development of the vaccine in Russia.
Wishing all the Gorgeous, talented and versatile women a Happy International Women’s Day.
Also Read: International Women’s Day 2021: 10 inspiring quotes by successful women