Page 49 - IFIA Magazine 7

IFIA Mag azine Se p t ember 2018 IFIA Mag azine Se p t ember 2018
Invention and innovation is not a gender differ-
entiated issue, the creative talent is inherent in
people of every age, nation, sex, class or color. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY:
It is a neutral potential waiting to be identified,
unleashed, nurtured, and developed. However, EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND ERADICATION
throughout the centuries, values have been as-
cribed to it and right into the 19th century wom- OF DISPARITIES
en were deprived of the right to gain patent
for their innovative creations under their own
names since patent was considered an intellec-
tual property of which women were denied.

Other discouraging factors included lack of
equal educational opportunities, shortage of
economic resources, and inappropriate tags for
women inventors. In addition, cultural norms fur-
ther perpetuated such disparities and inequali-
ties; Women were not urged to pursue scientific
and technologic opportunities. By contrast, they
were expected to do domestic chores, care for
the kids, or focus on the social traditions and
customs by being involved in daily issues. While
men participated in various classes of science,
philosophy, and business, women were permit-
ted to take part in art-related courses. Those
who acted against the norms were considered
social outcasts.

Today, despite all the barriers imposed on wom-
en, most of our everyday ease and comfort is
brought about by them. Invention is no more
a male-dominant field and women of different
nations are coming up with cutting-edge inno-
vations which are radically changing our world.
However, women inventors are not well-repre-
sented.

Henceforth, International Federation of Inven-
tors’ Associations (IFIA), as the only non-profit
organization aiming to disseminate invention
and innovation, is committed to promote wom-
en accomplishments and creative endeavors
through organizing women-oriented invention
exhibitions, publishing their success stories and
encouraging them to get involved in innovative
activities.

47 48