Biju Dharmapalan
The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Apart from societal bias towards women opting for careers in Science and Technology, lack of support from the peer professional group in their workplace is also a severe issue. It is challenging for women to venture into scientific research without the support of the peer community dominated by their male counterparts. In such a scenario, special schemes or initiatives targeting women in scientific research can be beneficial in addressing systemic barriers and inequalities that women may face in STEM fields. These schemes can provide targeted support to increase the participation and advancement of women in these fields.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in driving scientific innovation and progress. To address the underrepresentation of women in the field of Science and Technology (S&T), DST has initiated the ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ scheme. This program aims to empower women from various backgrounds and walks of life, providing them with opportunities to participate and excel actively in S&T domains. WISE-KIRAN is designed to be a holistic initiative addressing a wide range of challenges women encounter in their scientific journeys. These challenges may include societal stereotypes and biases, limited access to resources and opportunities, lack of mentorship and networking, and work-life balance issues. The scheme offers diverse programs and interventions to support women at different stages of their scientific careers. These programs may include:
1. Educational and training initiatives to encourage girls and young women to pursue S&T subjects and careers.
2. Scholarships, fellowships, and research grants to support women in higher education and research; e.g., WISE-PhD and WISE-PDF.
3. Mentorship programs to connect aspiring female scientists with established professionals in their field.
4. Capacity-building workshops and skill development programs to enhance women’s scientific expertise and leadership abilities; e.g., WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) .
5. Networking events and conferences to facilitate collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and career advancement opportunities for women in S&T, e.g., Women International Grant Support (WINGS).
Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI) is a unique initiative from the government of India to support women scientists on the verge of retirement and also the women scientists who are not in permanent positions but are active researchers and continuously excelling in the research field.
Through the Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE) programme, the DST also supports infrastructure development in Women’s Institutions, especially women’s universities and post-graduate colleges. It assists women’s institutions in setting up cutting-edge research infrastructure to enhance their research capabilities and elevate their research and development (R&D) efforts, ultimately striving for excellence in the Science & Technology (S&T) domain. The primary aim of CURIE is to concentrate on bolstering research infrastructure, cultivating research capacity, and nurturing a supportive environment within women’s institutions nationwide.
The DST also supports young girls in igniting interest in STEM disciplines. The Vigyan Jyoti program presents a crucial avenue for young girls to explore and excel in Science and technology. Its overarching goal is to ignite and nurture the passion for STEM disciplines among girls, paving the way for their higher education and future careers. Implemented across 250 districts in 34 States/Union Territories of India, the School Component of Vigyan Jyoti has already been significantly impacted by enrolling approximately 25,000 talented girls from grades IX to XII. These girls benefit from various interventions and support mechanisms tailored to their educational and career aspirations in STEM. The program’s diverse and comprehensive activities encompass educational and career development facets. Student-parent counselling sessions provide crucial guidance and support to navigate the academic and career pathways in STEM. Interactions with role models are pivotal in inspiring and motivating girls to pursue their passions in STEM. These interactions provide first hand insights into the experiences and achievements of women who have succeeded in various STEM domains, serving as beacons of inspiration and sources of guidance. Supplementary academic support classes and hands-on tinkering activities foster a conducive learning environment, allowing girls to explore and experiment with scientific concepts practically and engagingly. Specialized lectures, visits to scientific institutions/laboratories/industries, science camps, and workshops further enrich the learning experience, exposing girls to real-world applications and exciting possibilities inherent in STEM disciplines.
By initiating such schemes and bringing policy interventions like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) to support the female gender, the DST aims to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a supportive ecosystem that empowers girls to thrive and excel in STEM fields. Through these concerted efforts of the Government of India, a new generation of skilled and empowered women scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators can be generated who will contribute significantly to India’s scientific and technological advancement and global Science at large.
(The author is an adjunct faculty at the
National Institute of Advanced Studies)
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