Jammu, Feb 5 (IANS): Union minister Farooq Abdullah Wednesday urged women to work hard to prove their worth and also pointed to the "need to rise beyond gender bias".

"It has always been a man's world, and there has been a bias against women. But women have to work hard to prove to the men that they are better than them," Abdullah said at the inauguration of the Women's Science Congress here.

He added that there are many scientists, including women, who are working hard for the development of the country, but go unnoticed.

"Women are not promoted enough. We need to rise beyond gender bias and move forward. There will be failures, but women should not be deterred by them," Abdullah said in a packed auditorium.

The minister's views were echoed by the other panelists and audience members attending the session, which is part of the ongoing 101st Indian Science Congress.

"Under-representation of women in science has been persistent in our country. Though women have contributed to the field of science and technology, their work goes unnoticed," said Anju Bhasin, a professor at Jammu University.

She added that the event will help participating women scientists interact with other experts from the field and share their knowledge.

"The objective it to make this a forum for experts and enthusiasts to learn and exhibit their creativity," she said.