Atya Kapley

Vision statement

Sustainable living and quality of life are based on two pillars: men and women. If one pillar is weak, it is not possible for anyone to lead a balanced life. If I get the opportunity to work as Vice President of OWSD for the Asia Pacific region, I will work towards the goal of strengthening this pillar, specifically with reference to women in science. OWSD is already doing a very good job in this arena, and I can contribute in this mission via the following means:

• I will work to increase the visibility of OWSD. It is important that women from developing countries see and experience that it is possible to follow their dreams without compromising other important aspects of life, like family.
• Increase interaction. Young women need to see role models in their vicinity and relate to them. 
• Midcareer and senior women in science need to evolve as leaders. Gender parity in leadership roles is a stark reality and I will work to bridge this gap. 
• Define different mentoring strategies based on goals; viz., different themes for young scientists and seniors
• Create online linkages with National Chapters of the region for closer networks.

As a past Vice President, I have had the honor of learning how OWSD functions and I look forward to the opportunity of continuing the good work. I have already established links and dialogue with the policy makers in my country, and changes are taking place. As Vice President, I would like to pursue these policy changes and demonstrate how other member countries can take up the challenge.

Candidate’s bio

Dr. Atya Kapley currently works as a Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Environment Biotechnology and Genomics Division at the National Environmental Enineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur, INDIA. Kapley has worked in the area of environmental sciences and bacterial genomics for the past 23 years and specializes in bioremediation solutions for contaminated soil and water while solving problems of environmental contamination and treatment of industrial effluents. As improving water quality has been her main objective, she believes women play a key role in providing a clean and healthy environment for family and society. Kapley is a member of a number of committees amongst these, the Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, India.

As a National Chapter Treasurer with a strong focus on gender issues, Dr. Atya Kapley has served as an OWSD member since 2002 and was elected Vice-President for the Asia & Pacific region in 2016.  Motivated by a strong interest to support women and girls in achieving their desired goals, she has organized workshops and conferences to create a discussion platform for gender discrimination as well as to sensitize women scientists and other professionals for these issues.