India, May 24 -- What does it take to lead like a woman, in a heavily male-dominated field such as public health? It takes a lot of resilience, says Dr Soumya Swaminathan, and it takes confidence. It also helps to remember, she adds, that "as lonely as it might seem at the top, you are never really alone".

"Women are fighting the same fight in every country. The top women scientists and researchers around the world are navigating the common challenges of confronting inflated male egos and fighting for the recognition they deserve. It is one more thing that ties us all together and keeps us going."

Other things to keep one going, she says, laughing, can be as simple as a WhatsApp group. During her years as deputy director-general for pro...