We recently celebrated International Women’s Day 2024, and this year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress,” highlights the importance of funding and supporting women across various domains. In particular, it emphasizes leadership development, health, education, and economic empowerment. Notably, these efforts extend beyond STEM to include other crucial fields as well.
The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality and drive sustainable development. Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, they continue to face numerous obstacles in pursuing and advancing their careers in these fields. Gender equality in STEM is not only essential for human rights and social justice but also serves as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development.
Moreover, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize that supporting women and girls in STEM is vital. In fact, this support plays a critical role in achieving gender equality while simultaneously addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, health, climate change, and peace. Nevertheless, gender disparities and inequalities persist in STEM fields worldwide, including in India.
According to a 2021 UNESCO report, women accounted for only 29.2% of STEM researchers.
Therefore, investing in women, particularly in STEM, is imperative. By fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities, societies can harness the full potential of women’s contributions, thereby accelerating progress toward a more just and sustainable future.
Women in STEM: Current Scenario
In India, 43% of STEM graduates were women in 2018. However, there are still fewer women in STEM jobs and leadership roles. While more women graduate in STEM in this country compared to many developed nations, they still struggle to secure long-term careers in the field, particularly at the leadership level. Women face numerous challenges, including gender stereotypes, social expectations, and family pressures. Moreover, they often lack mentors and role models. In addition, they experience discrimination and harassment, which further discourages their participation. Furthermore, women have limited access to essential resources, ultimately affecting their motivation, confidence, and performance in STEM. As a result, many choose to leave the field. To address these issues, the Indian government has launched several programs and initiatives aimed at supporting women in STEM.
SCHEMES AND INITIATIVES BY GOVERNEMT OF INDIA AND OTHERS FOR WOMEN IN STEM
A. Educational Initiatives
Vigyan Jyoti Scheme
The Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), specifically targets schools. Moreover, the scheme organizes special lectures, interactive classes, and engaging science camps on a regular basis. In addition, its primary aim is to inspire and motivate women to pursue education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Pragati Scholarship
The Pragati Scholarship, offered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to support and empower deserving girl students. More specifically, it provides financial assistance to help them pursue and continue their higher education in technical fields. By easing financial constraints, this scholarship not only encourages young women to enter technical education but also fosters greater gender inclusivity in these fields. Ultimately, initiatives like the Pragati Scholarship play a crucial role in promoting education, enhancing career opportunities, and contributing to the overall advancement of women in STEM and other technical disciplines.
L’Oréal India Science Scholarship
The L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship offers financial help. It targets young women from poor backgrounds. They can use this support to study science at a higher level.
Indo-U.S. Fellowship
The Indo-U.S. Fellowship for Women in STEM is a program by the DST and the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). It provides opportunities for Indian women scientists, engineers, and technologists. They can do collaborative research at top institutions in the U.S.A.
B. Research Initiatives
KIRAN
The KIRAN scheme is run by the DST. It offers fellowships, travel grants, and awards. These are for women scientists and technologists.
WOS
The Women Scientist Scheme (WOS) is organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). It supports women scientists. These women paused their careers for family or social reasons. The program allows them to return to biotechnology research.
SERB Women Excellence Award
The SERB Women Excellence Award is given by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). It honors exceptional women scientists. These scientists are aged 27 to 45 years. They have achieved excellence in science and engineering.
SERB – POWER
The SERB offers the SERB – POWER Fellowship and Research Grant. It is for women
researchers. It focuses on the science and engineering fields. The goal is to give these
researchers more support.
SheRNI
The SheRNI initiative is made by the UGC for women scientists and faculty in India. It helps these women connect and supports them. The goal is equal representation and recognition for women in Stem, science and research. The initiative wants women to work together, mentor each other, and share knowledge. The SheRNI website has profiles for over 81,000 women. These profiles show their publications and patents. The aim is to boost gender equality and diversity in science and innovation.
C. Entrepreneurial Initiatives
TechSaksham
The TechSaksham Program (TSP), created by the AICTE, is a top-up program designed to enhance learning through practical experiences. More specifically, it focuses on experiential learning, ensuring that students gain hands-on knowledge that can be directly applied in real-world scenarios.
The primary aim of the program is to develop employability skills, thereby bridging the gap between education and industry requirements. In particular, it targets underserved female students who are currently pursuing higher education. Notably, the program is specifically designed for women in STEM fields, empowering them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers. By providing access to quality training and skill development.
TechSaksham not only fosters gender inclusion but also contributes to a more diverse and equitable STEM workforce.
Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment
The Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment (WEE) program is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IIT Delhi. Notably, it is the nation’s first program of its kind. Its primary objective is to enhance and strengthen support systems for women across the country. By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities, the program aims to empower women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in their respective fields.
Women Technology Park
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) created the Women Technology Park (WTP) to connect women with technologies, institutions, and markets. In particular, it aims to boost their social and economic empowerment through a variety of science and technology initiatives. Furthermore, the WTP serves as a platform for women to gain access to essential resources and training, empowering them to thrive in technology-driven environments. As a result, this initiative not only strengthens women’s roles in STEM fields but also provides the tools they need to succeed and make significant contributions to society. By doing so, it supports the larger goal of bridging gender gaps in technology and fostering sustainable development.
Women Bio-tech Incubator
The Women Bio-tech Incubator (WBI), which is backed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), plays a crucial role in supporting female entrepreneurs in the biotech field. In particular, the incubator offers a range of services, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert guidance, and valuable networking opportunities. As a result, it helps women navigate the challenges of the biotech industry, empowering them to launch and scale their businesses effectively. Furthermore, by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the WBI contributes significantly to enhancing gender diversity within the biotech sector, ultimately driving innovation and growth in this vital field.
The plans and projects primarily focus on making it easier for women to enter and thrive in STEM fields. They aim not only to improve their skills and career opportunities but also to recognize their achievements and contributions. Supporting women in STEM is essential because it allows India to fully utilize its human talent. Moreover, it fosters a more diverse and inclusive culture in science and technology. Furthermore, the article highlights several ways to enhance STEM education and encourage greater involvement among women and girls.
