AN EQUITABLE FUTURE FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA

• GS-1: Society (Gender Disparities, Women Empowerment)
• GS-2: Governance (Education & Research Policies, Gender Inclusion)
• GS-3: Science & Tech (STEM Workforce, Gender Bias in Research)

Key Highlights

Challenges for Women in STEM:

• Gendered social norms, limited access to quality education, and non-inclusive workplaces hinder women’s participation in STEM.
• Harassment, discrimination, and work-life balance struggles reduce career progression.
• Women in research often face lower funding, fewer leadership opportunities, and isolation from professional networks.

Gender Gaps in Science & Engineering:

• Global STEM study across 38 countries: Higher attrition rates for women due to structural barriers.
• Survey in India (2020-21):
  • Women faculty in STEM fields – 17% in biology, 8% in engineering.
  • Women underrepresented at conferences and leadership positions despite equal talent.

Interventions & Policy Initiatives:

• Department of Science & Technology (DST) launched GATI (2020) to create inclusive research environments.
• WISE-KIRAN, Women Scientists Scheme (WOS), and BioCARe programs support career re-entry and mentoring.
• BiasWatchIndia tracks gender bias in research to promote accountability.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Eliminate gender-based career restrictions, improve mentorship, and ensure funding parity.
• Encourage early intervention at school and university levels to retain women in STEM.
• Recognizing women’s contributions in science fosters innovation, representation, and a more inclusive research ecosystem.

Mains Mock Question:

“Despite increasing female enrollment in higher education, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers. Identify key barriers and suggest measures to bridge this gender gap.”