On February 11, the International Day For Girls and Women in Science, a panel representing India's science academies established SWATI or Science for Women marking a significant development. The goal of this creative project is to compile a comprehensive database that includes all Indian women who work in science and technology. Although the future appears bright, efforts to close the gender gap in STEM have historically encountered obstacles.

Thoughts on Former Projects: From Reports to Conferences ~

Two decades ago, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) released a ground-breaking study that marked the beginning of the effort to address gender inequality in science. In addition to receiving government funding, this investigation explored other subtle forms of prejudice, such as biases based on caste. Subsequent projects encountered obstacles and in spite of various efforts; in 2008, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) made pledges that were never kept. The women in STEM roadmap suggests making information more accessible for young women who want to pursue careers in science. This is because, in spite of several government initiatives, information about science is not readily available in semi-urban and collegiate settings. It also suggests that more women should hold important positions in government and research organizations, academies, and the corporate sector, as well as establish grievance cells and institutional gender audits, allocate funds for the corporate sector, and provide more scholarships and programs for women to pursue at any stage of their careers. The government has conducted several diagnostic studies to look at the various types of barriers that keep women out of STEM fields. Based on these findings, programs and policies that address structural concerns are developed with support from the scientific community.  In order to support women in STEM and encourage their involvement in the nation's scientific research and development efforts, three significant national science academies—the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc) in Bangalore, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in Delhi, and the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI) in Allahabad—joined forces to form an inter-academy panel. 

Cultural Views: Dissecting the Gender Dynamics in STEM

What causes women scientists to quit academia was clarified by a 2010 paper supported by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc). The results showed that men and women had somewhat different impressions of one other, with women attributing their departure to organizational difficulties and a lack of chances. The study correctly pointed out that the scientific community has to move its attention from "fixing" women to dealing with structural problems.

Beyond Proposals: The Need for Legislation and Regulations ~

While awareness efforts and mentorship programs are important, the focus should also shift to the need for legislation and regulations that specifically address the difficulties experienced by women from various disenfranchised groups. Gender-neutral parental leave and transgender identities are two examples of initiatives that move toward inclusion. Other examples are the GATI charter and the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020. However, SWATI's success depends on its capacity to convert these characteristics into concrete results, moving beyond symbolic gestures. In order to guarantee that the experiences and difficulties encountered by people of all genders are taken into account during the course of the project, inclusivity must go beyond the first phase of form-filling. 

A Novel Approach: Broadcasting, Openness, and Effectiveness

An inclusive form that acknowledges all non-male genders and a panel of men and women scientists, imply a dedication to admitting that gender equality is not just a women's problem. The capacity of SWATI to outperform its forerunners in terms of inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency will determine its success. In addition to breaking past patterns, SWATI has the ability to establish a standard for upcoming programs aiming at promoting gender equity in science and technology by fulfilling its obligations.

''When I was young I was very interested in science and technology, and my dad brought home the first computer. I played pac man and I was hooked! By learning to create technology, girls learn to speak up.'' – Regina Agyare, Founder of Software Company Soronko Solutions