Women In Statistics Talk Passion For Data, Career Challenges & Breaking Barriers

With a broad range of applications involving interpretation, analysis, and compilation of data, statistics adds clarity. Without it, the world would be driven by assumptions and uncertainty. Statistics is more than just about numbers or data. "It's the story these numbers tell," remarks C. Vijayalakshmi, Professor and Head, Department of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur.

Akanksha Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), adds, "Without statistics, the world would be blind to patterns that shape decisions. There would be no reliable basis for scientific research, policy planning, medical progress or even everyday understanding of trends." 

Professor Vijayalakshmi comments that without statistics, this progress would be blind. She adds that statistical thinking teaches us to question, interpret and validate information.

Gupta from BHU believes that statistics is fascinating because it bridges theory and reality. It allows us to make sense of complex data, uncover hidden patterns and draw meaningful conclusions from uncertainty.  "What excites me most is its universal applicability from health, economics, and education to environmental and social sciences; statistics empowers evidence-based decisions everywhere," she says.

The toughest part

Understanding the abstract nature of probability theory and statistical inference – concepts that go beyond simple calculations – was the toughest part of studying statistics for Vijayalakshmi. She overcame this by relating theory to real-world data problems and by visualising results. Group discussions, coding in R and Python and applying statistics to actual research projects made the concepts much clearer.

Even for Gupta, grasping the abstract mathematical foundations behind statistical inference and probability was the toughest part of studying statistics. She says, "Initially, formulas seemed intimidating, but conceptual understanding grew through real-life applications, visualisations and discussions with teachers and peers."

Women in statistics

During Gupta's graduation, only around 30-35% of the class comprised women. The percentage of women at the postgraduate level even dropped to around 25%. Meanwhile, in Vijayalakshmi's graduation days, women formed about one-third of the class, and during postgraduate studies, the number dropped to one-fifth. Despite the low representation of women in this field, these professors' passion remains undeterred. 

Vijayalakshmi reveals that her motivation to take statistics came from love for both logic and real-world applications. "Statistics is scientific yet creative, technical yet human." Seeing how data can solve problems and improve lives inspired her to pursue this field.

Initially, Vijayalakshmi's parents told her not to pursue statistics because of apprehensions about job security and the limited visibility of women statisticians. But once her family saw how vast applications of statistics were, they became very supportive. 

Gupta's parents valued education over stereotypes and supported her interest wholeheartedly. She points out, "While the scarcity of women in the field was evident, it was also the motivation to break that norm and prove that capability has no gender."

Biases against Women Statisticians

Professors Vijayalakshmi and Gupta spoke about gender bias in statistics. "Fortunately, I did not face overt discrimination, but subtle biases do exist," Gupta admits. "Sometimes women's analytical capabilities are underestimated, or their contributions overlooked. However, I always believed in letting my work speak for itself." 

For Vijayalakshmi, confidence broke barriers. In the early years, she faced subtle forms of bias, such as assumptions that women may not be comfortable with mathematical reasoning or analytical work. However, over time, merit and confidence helped overcome these barriers. She emphasised that supportive mentors and a growing network of women statisticians have also helped create a more inclusive environment today.

To increase the participation of women in statistics

Gupta says, "To increase the participation of women, encouragement must begin early by introducing girls to analytical thinking and data-driven projects in schools. Mentorship programmes, women role models in academia and industry, and creating inclusive academic environments can make a significant difference. Most importantly, we must change the perception that statistics is a tough or male-dominated field; it's a field for thinkers, regardless of gender."

Message to Women Taking Statistics

"Statistics is not just about computation; it is about curiosity, reasoning and insight. Women bring unique perspectives that enrich data interpretation. Stay confident, seek mentorship and know that your presence in the field is valuable and needed" is the message that Gupta would like to give to women entering statistics.

Vijayalakshmi says that statistics is not about memorising formulas – it's about curiosity, logic, and persistence. The world needs more women statisticians to bring diverse perspectives to data-driven decision-making. She adds that she is proud to be a woman statistician.

Authored by Komal Nadig, freelance journalist based in Bengaluru. | Views expressed by the author are their own.