Such awareness must form the frame on which strategies to achieve gender equality in science and technology, must be formulated. While in countries like Venezuela the gap in numbers between men and women in science is not large, it is a matter of concern that there are so few women at the scientific leadership level of academic and research institutions - where policies that guide the practice of science are formulated. In order to get to the top many pioneer women scientists overcame numerous hurdles, ranging from outright rejection in scientific institutions, to open discrimination in appointments. Women were seen as potential liabilities who could withdraw anytime from teaching, research and other scientific activities in order to get married and raise children. For many women the scientific career has meant a choice between marriage, motherhood and science.
Women show definite strength in the life sciences in almost all parts of the world.
This female inclination towards the life sciences must be considered a strength in the context of many developing country concerns. The use of natural resources, health, food production, nutrition and education are all areas in which women from all walks of life have been intimately engaged over centuries. Women, the traditional educators and transmitters of cultural values, must be in the vanguard of the integration of science and culture, of science education, of research and development policy making and in the creation of a vision for the 21st century in which human needs will form the focus for the scientific and technological development endeavors. There must be strong advocates driven by conviction, advancing well reasoned arguments for change. Such shifts must acknowledge that women perform social roles fundamental to human development yet have a potential to use these roles to infuse a humane character into science and technology making them more responsive to human needs.