Author: Trisha Gonzales

Women Grow Foundation Launches to Support Women in Cannabis In a significant advancement for women in the cannabis sector, Women Grow has officially unveiled the Women Grow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This initiative aims to provide essential resources—including education, funding, and advocacy—to women-owned and -led businesses within the cannabis industry. The Foundation was officially launched during the Women Grow Leadership Summit held on February 17-18, 2025, in Maryland. Objectives and Focus Areas According to Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, “The Women Grow Foundation is dedicated to empowering women in cannabis through strategic funding, mentorship, and policy advocacy.”…

Assam Women’s University Expands with New Departments Jorhat, Oct 7 — The Assam Women’s University (AWU), a pioneering institution dedicated to women’s education in the Northeastern region, recently marked its 12th anniversary and is looking to enhance its academic offerings. New Academic Programs Unveiled In a significant expansion, AWU plans to introduce two new departments: Petroleum Science and Technology, and Commerce, starting from the 2026-27 academic session. According to Prof Ajanta Borgohain Rajkonwar, the Vice Chancellor of AWU, the school will offer a one-year diploma in Petroleum Science and Technology, along with a six-month certificate program in commerce covering various…

Closing the Gender Gap in STEM: Lessons from Ireland for India India is on an ambitious path toward becoming a global leader in innovation, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration. However, one significant challenge stands in its way: the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The Gender Gap in Indian STEM While India produces the largest number of female STEM graduates globally—approximately 40% of total graduates—this figure doesn’t translate into equal representation in the workforce. Only 14% of scientists, engineers, and technologists in Indian R&D institutions are women, and the drop-off is even…

Challenges Facing Women Scientists in India Amid Fellowship Delays Recent delays in the announcement of results for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) fellowships have left many aspiring female scientists uncertain about their academic futures. The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE-PhD) and the WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowships (WISE-PDF) offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have experienced a notable 15-month wait in their results, causing significant distress among candidates. Impact of Delays on Research Funding Notably, the complications extend beyond just announcements. Some research grants associated with these fellowships have faced delays of up to 18 months,…

Classroom and Faculty Shortages at University Departments Critical operational challenges persist at the Departments of Forestry and Environmental Science, and Tourism and Hospitality Management, as reported by Prothom Alo. The heads of these departments, Nikhil Chakma and Mosammat Habiba respectively, have highlighted the acute inadequacy of classroom space and faculty resources. Classroom Space Constraints Both departments are currently equipped with only two classrooms each, in stark contrast to the six that are necessary for effective learning. In an effort to adapt to this limitation, classes are occasionally held in conference rooms. The absence of dedicated faculty rooms further complicates the…

Empowering Women in Technology: Insights from the Women in Technology Forum 2025 The annual Women in Technology Forum, organized by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), focused on “Future Lifestyles” this year, emphasizing the essential role of women in shaping tomorrow’s technological landscape. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops delved into critical topics such as health technologies, Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, and the future of lifestyle innovations. A Vision for Women’s Role in Technology “Women have always been engines of social progress, shaping health, education, and care systems,” stated a prominent speaker at the event. The call for…

Empowering Women in Technology: Highlights from the Women in Tech Forum An Inclusive Technological Future During a recent forum, a prominent speaker emphasized the necessity of incorporating women into the development of our technological landscape. She stated, “In today’s age of transformation, we must do everything to ensure women are equally central to creating our technological future.” By leveraging women’s inherent strengths and integrating them with emerging technologies, she believes we can forge resilient systems and promote ethical innovation, ultimately leading to enhanced living conditions for future generations. Theme of ‘Future Lifestyles’ The forum, centered on the theme ‘Future Lifestyles,’…

Transformative Women in Latin American Tech In a sector predominantly led by men, female leaders in Latin America are emerging as catalysts for change within the technology landscape. Their roles extend beyond conventional boundaries: they are engaged in analytics, coding, conceptual innovation, and team leadership. However, despite these contributions, women represent less than 23% of the tech workforce in the region. This article aims not only to showcase their achievements but also to highlight the necessity of diverse perspectives in fostering a more equitable tech industry. The Importance of Representation Women today are significant players in the global tech industry,…

Empowering Women in STEM: Australia’s Productivity Challenge The Tech Council of Australia has raised concerns about the nation’s future productivity, suggesting that the increasing participation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and careers is crucial. A recent report highlights that women over 40 are leaving their STEM positions at nearly double the rate of their male counterparts, underscoring a significant gap in workforce retention. The Need for Gender Parity in STEM Research conducted by the Tech Council reveals a troubling statistic: only 20% of students in engineering and technology programs are women. Compared to countries with…

Gender Equality in Education: A Global Priority for UNESCO Progress in Female Education Enrollment Over the last three decades, significant strides have been made in female educational enrollment worldwide. In primary education, the enrollment rate for girls has risen from 92% to nearly universal attendance. For secondary education, this increase is even more substantial, moving from 52% to 77%. Higher education has seen a remarkable tripling of female student numbers, growing from 41 million to 139 million. UNESCO plays a vital role in this progress, providing support to member states in developing dedicated public policies. In 2024 alone, 44 countries…