Empowering Women Through Science: Lessons From The Missile Woman Of India

Dr. Tessy Thomas, famously known as the “Missile Woman of India,” has had an extraordinary journey marked by numerous challenges that she overcame with resilience, determination, and vision. Her groundbreaking achievements in missile technology and leadership in India’s defense sector were not without obstacles. The major challenges she faced:

1. Breaking Gender Stereotypes in a Male-dominated Industry

One of the most significant challenges Tessy faced was entering and excelling in a field traditionally dominated by men. Missile technology and defense research have historically been perceived as male territories, with very few women breaking through the barriers.

Dr. Thomas’s appointment as the first woman to lead a missile project was met with skepticism from some quarters. She had to continuously prove her technical expertise and leadership abilities in an environment that often underestimated women’s potential. Her success in projects like Agni-IV and Agni-V helped dispel many of these biases, but it was a long and difficult journey to earn that recognition.

2. Cultural and Societal Expectations

Growing up in Kerala, Tessy faced societal norms that often discouraged women from pursuing careers in science and engineering. Traditional expectations for women in the family to prioritize family roles over professional ambitions were a constant undercurrent in her early life. Choosing to study electronics and later specialize in missile technology meant defying these cultural norms.It was difficult for the Missile Woman of India to change this thinking.

Additionally, balancing her personal life with the demands of a high-stakes career was another layer of challenge. Tessy often spoke about how the support of her family, particularly her husband, was crucial, but the societal judgment around working women in leadership roles was a hurdle she had to overcome.

3. Navigating Gender Bias in the Workplace

Even after entering the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in 1988, she had to encounter gender bias. Being one of the few women in her field, she had to contend with skepticism regarding her capabilities. Leadership roles in high-stakes projects like missile development were traditionally reserved for men, and her ascension to these roles was not without resistance.

Her ability to excel in this environment required her to work twice as hard to prove her competence and her success became a powerful statement against gender discrimination in the workplace.

4. Handling High-Stakes Responsibilities Under Pressure

Leading India’s long-range missile projects, including the Agni-IV and Agni-V, meant bearing the weight of immense responsibility. Tessy was tasked with overseeing every aspect of these technically complex projects, from conceptualization to testing. The stakes were high, as the success of these programs was critical for India’s national defense.

In addition to the technical challenges, the missile woman of India had to manage large teams and ensure seamless coordination among various departments. All of this had to be done while meeting tight deadlines and facing scrutiny from peers, higher officials, and the public.

5. Lack of Representation and Role Models

When Tessy the missile woman of India began her career, there were very few women in leadership roles in India’s defense and aerospace sectors. The lack of female representation meant Tessy had no immediate role models to look up to or guide her in navigating the challenges of a highly specialized and male-dominated field.

This isolation has been a deterrent for many, but Tessy chose to become the role model she lacked, inspiring a new generation of women to follow in her footsteps.

Conclusion

Dr. Tessy Thomas’s journey as the “Missile Woman of India” is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of numerous challenges. From breaking stereotypes to overcoming workplace bias and handling high-stakes projects, her story is a powerful reminder that with persistence and courage, barriers can be broken. Tessy’s success not only contributed to India’s defense advancements but also paved the way for more women to enter and excel in STEM fields.