A notable gender gap persists within Indian STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) faculties, as highlighted by a BiasWatchIndia study revealing that only 13.5% of faculty members across 98 universities and institutes are women. This underrepresentation is more pronounced in India compared to countries like the US and UK.
Several factors contribute to this gender gap. Firstly, societal biases against women in certain STEM fields play a significant role. Fields such as Biology, often perceived as "soft sciences," tend to have higher female representation compared to the more traditionally male-dominated areas like Engineering and Physics. Societal stereotypes and biases discourage women from pursuing fields deemed less feminine, impacting their choices in higher education and research.
Moreover, the transition from postdoctoral research to faculty positions poses a challenge, particularly for women. This critical career transition often coincides with family planning, leading to difficult choices. Societal pressures prioritizing family over career ambitions, coupled with a lack of adequate support structures, further exacerbate the challenge for women in STEM academia.
Additionally, a toxic workplace environment within STEM academia contributes to the gender gap. Many women exit the field due to factors such as disrespect, inadequate access to resources, and limited advancement opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
Furthermore, the absence of a centralized database tracking women faculty in STEM across India hinders efforts to understand the extent of the gender gap and monitor progress towards gender equality.
To address these challenges and promote gender diversity in STEM faculties, the Indian government has initiated various programs and initiatives. The Women in STEMM (WiS) Program, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), provides scholarships, fellowships, research grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women in STEM fields. Similarly, the Vigyan Jyoti program aims to encourage meritorious girl students in classes 9-12 to pursue higher education and careers in STEM through workshops, mentoring, and resources.
Moreover, the Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) initiative supports women scientists to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering. It offers opportunities for women scientists and technologists who have taken a career break to return to mainstream work, addressing challenges associated with career breaks due to motherhood and family responsibilities.
These Government initiatives are crucial steps towards addressing the gender gap in Indian STEM faculties and fostering a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. However, sustained efforts and collaborative actions from all stakeholders are essential to achieve gender equality in STEM fields.
