Context: With India continuing to push the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement, it must ensure the full inclusion of women in this journey.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Essay: Women in Science- Opportunities, Challenges
Challenges faced by Women in Science
- Limited access to quality education: In many regions, girls have limited access to quality education, especially in rural and marginalised areas.
- Gendered societal norms: Social expectations often discourage girls from pursuing STEM education, reinforcing stereotypes about science being a male-dominated field.
- Hiring and promotion bias: Women often face biased hiring practices. Access to high-impact research and leadership roles are often restricted, limiting career progression.
- Matilda Effect: This concept highlights the tendency to downplay or overshadow women's scientific contributions in favour of their male colleagues.
- Lack of role models: The absence of successful women in senior leadership roles further discourages younger women from pursuing STEM careers.
- Harassment and discrimination: Academic and professional environments are often hostile, pushing women out of STEM fields.
- High attrition rates: Studies show that women have higher dropout rates in STEM fields due to work-life balance issues, non-inclusive workplaces and limited institutional support.
Scenario of Indian Women in Science
- A survey conducted across 98 institutions in India (2020-21) showed that women faculty memberscomprised only 17% of the total, with:
- 23% in Biology
- 8% in Engineering
- Women’s representation in higher-ranked institutions and senior faculty positions is alarmingly low.
- Women are often excluded from career-enhancing opportunities like conferences, funding, and leadership roles.
Significance of retaining Women in Science:
- Driving innovation: Diverse teams bring multiple perspectives, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions.
- Promoting role models: Women in leadership roles can inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Visible role models can help break gender stereotypes and reduce dropout rates.
- Increase Female Labour force Participation Rate (FLFPR) and contribute in achieving the ambitious target of 70% women in economic activities by 2047.
Government Initiatives to promote Women in Science:
- Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI):
- Launched in 2020 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to promote gender inclusivity in STEM fields.
- Focuses on creating an equitable academic and professional environment for women.
- Women in Science and Engineering - Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (WISE-KIRAN):
- Provides funding, mentorship, and career support to women scientists.
- Aims to increase women’s participation in STEM through research advancement.
- Women Scientists Scheme (WOS):
- Offers financial support and research opportunities for women re-entering the workforce after career breaks.
- Encourages women’s participation in academic research.
- Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe):
- Launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to support women scientists returning to research after career breaks.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Initiatives:
- Promotes women’s health research and training opportunities for women scientists.
- Ensures gender-sensitive approaches in scientific research and health-related studies.
Policy Recommendations for retaining Women in Science:
Institutional changes:
- Introduce flexible work hours, remote working, and part-time employment options for women.
- Provide affordable daycare facilities within institutions to support working mothers.
- Formulate policies that help women balance work and family responsibilities.
- Increasing visibility and representation:
- Promote the achievements of women scientists through awards, public platforms, and media.
- Monitor gender discrimination in hiring, funding, and promotions, ensuring equal opportunities.
- Create pathways for women to occupy leadership and decision-making roles.
- Supporting career re-entry:
- Eliminate age-restrictions on research grants to accommodate women who have taken career breaks.
- Offer fellowship programs for women returning to research after family or personal breaks.
- Establish strong mentorship networks for women at all career stages.
Ensuring the retention of women in science will not only shape a more inclusive future but also inspire the next generation of women scientists, ultimately propelling India's scientific growth on a global scale.