By Dr. Srimathy Kesan
India’s STEM landscape hums with potential, yet a harsh reality plays counterpoint – the underrepresentation of women. Imagine esteemed research institutions like solitary instruments, yearning for the harmonizing melody of female brilliance.
From the hallowed halls of IITs to the cutting-edge facilities of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a powerful narrative beckons – one where women in STEM India not only shatter the glass ceiling, but orchestrate a symphony of innovation that propels the nation towards a brighter future. However, the reality unfolds like a complex composition, with both harmonious notes and discordant ones demanding attention.
Beyond Statistics: A Tapestry Woven with Challenges and Triumphs:
While statistics paint a stark picture of underrepresentation (hovering around 27percent in the STEM workforce), the true story lies in the intricate tapestry woven with societal expectations, family pressures, and limited resources. For many young girls, marriage timelines clash with research aspirations, forcing agonizing choices. In rural areas, financial constraints and lack of awareness act as formidable roadblocks, silencing countless potential melodies.
But amidst the discord, melodies of resilience and triumph still rise:
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, and Mitra Jyothi, Ritu Kardiyal, Vanitha Muthaiah, the woman behind India’s Chandrayaan missions, Nigar Shaji of Adithya L1 mission are powerful testaments. Engineers like Tessy Thomas, who led the Agni-IV missile development, and entrepreneurs like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who built a biopharmaceutical giant, showcase the transformative power of their contributions. They are the powerful crescendos in this complex composition but they are not featured in an Ad film, no documentaries made of them, nothing flashy for girl children to take them as role models. It is sad that “Women” like them just come and go and never create a lasting impact on the society or impression on any youngster.
Building an Ecosystem in Harmony: Tuning the Instruments, Acknowledging the Static:
The path to a truly inclusive STEM ecosystem in India needs a well-orchestrated composition, but acknowledging the static and tuning the instruments is crucial. Shattering Stereotypes, dismantling ingrained societal biases is the opening melody, but it remains a work in progress.
Fostering an Inclusive Space:
Educational institutions and research bodies must be the conductors, championing gender diversity. Scholarships like DST’s INSPIRE program offer a promising start, but concerns linger about accessibility, affordability, and timely disbursement, especially in rural areas. Flexible work arrangements, childcare facilities, and safe spaces are crucial notes, yet their implementation remains uneven, creating disharmony.
Unlocking Rural Potential:
Bridging the digital divide and raising awareness in rural areas is the bridge between sections, but current initiatives like NeGP and ‘Vigyan Ashram’ face challenges in reaching every talented voice. Infrastructure limitations and lack of local language support create static, hindering true inclusivity. Celebrating Trailblazers, but, amplifying All Voices.
Highlighting achievements of women scientists like Dr. Rohini Pande, Director of IISER Pune, and Dr Annapurni Subramanian, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is vital. However, amplifying these voices shouldn’t drown out the struggles faced by many. Celebrating needs to be coupled with addressing systemic issues like gender discrimination within research institutions and the lack of women in leadership positions.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration a Chorus of Achievements, yet Incomplete:
Tessy Thomas and Dr Priya Abraham, the virologist who worked on COVID-19 vaccine. The “AzaadiSAT” mission by Space Kidz India is a powerful symbol, of 750 young rural girls battling the social stigma that had joined hands in creating history.
These are just a few achievements, this shouldn’t distract from the fact that the percentage of women in STEM fields, especially space research, remains low. Research by organizations like the World Economic Forum highlights the persistent gender gap and the need for targeted interventions.
The percentage of women in STEM varies across different fields in India:
Overall STEM Workforce of women in India is around 27percent, significantly lower than the global average of 30percent. Science approximately 28percent, with variations across sub-fields like physics (13percent) and biology (34percent). Technology is about 21percent with engineering at 15percent and information technology (IT) at 28percent. Engineering as mentioned above, at 15percent representing one of the lowest figures among STEM fields.
Mathematics slightly higher than engineering at 18 percent but still indicating significant underrepresentation. It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on the source and methodology used. However, they paint a clear picture of the gender gap in Indian STEM fields, particularly pronounced in rural areas and leadership positions.
India’s Initiatives: Joining the Orchestra, But Are All Instruments Heard?
The government’s initiatives like KIRAN and Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award are commendable first steps, but their reach and effectiveness need scrutiny. Schemes like WIAN aim to empower women scientists, but concerns exist about their ability to address deeper issues like gender bias. Funding for women-led scientific startups also needs further attention. Of course, initiatives like ‘SheTheCode’ and ‘WISE’ connect young girls with role models, and educational programs challenge stereotypes.
Beyond Empowerment
A Shared Symphony, Every Instrument Matters:
Closing the gender gap in STEM India is not just about empowering women, but about creating a symphony where every instrument is heard and valued. Dismantling barriers, fostering true inclusion, addressing systemic issues, and promoting STEAM, which integrates arts into STEM education, are crucial for unlocking India’s true potential. We must move beyond the celebratory narrative and acknowledge the discordant notes.
Addressing societal pressures:
Open dialogues about outdated notions surrounding marriage and career choices for women are crucial. Community engagement programs can challenge ingrained biases and promote STEM education for girls from an early age. Targeted interventions for rural areas, initiatives focused on bridging the digital divide, offering local language support in STEM education, and providing scholarships specifically for rural girls are essential. Programs like Vigyan Ashram can be expanded and replicated to reach wider communities.
Inclusive funding and support:
Streamlining access to existing scholarships and grants, like KIRAN and Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award, while ensuring timely disbursement and wider awareness, is crucial. Establishing dedicated funding avenues for women-led scientific startups can further accelerate their growth. Mentorship and networking opportunities, connecting young girls with established women in STEM fields through mentorship programs can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration. Platforms like WISE can be further strengthened to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing.
Promoting STEAM education:
“STEAM” is the buzz word now across the globe Integrating arts into STEM education (STEAM) can foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, attracting a wider range of girls to STEM fields. Initiatives like `SheTheCode’ can incorporate STEAM projects to showcase the diverse applications of STEM knowledge.
Moving forward let us Conduct the Symphony of Progress, the journey towards a truly inclusive and harmonious STEM ecosystem in India with a multi-pronged approach. From dismantling societal biases and fostering inclusive spaces to promoting diverse voices and addressing leadership imbalances, each note played contributes to the symphony of progress.
Let’s acknowledge the discordant notes, celebrate the achievements, and actively work towards a future where every woman in STEM/ STEAM in India can confidently take the stage and play their melody, enriching the nation’s scientific and innovative landscape. 43percent Women in STEM, the dream of our finance minister be achieved.
The author is Founder, and CEO Space Kidz India.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
