Empowering Women in Science for a Fair Future in India

‘Women in science encounter many challenges that often start early’ | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Women in science face numerous challenges from the outset of their educational journeys. Barriers like inadequate access to quality education and prevailing societal norms can often discourage young girls from embracing interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For those who overcome these initial obstacles, cultural expectations frequently compel them to prioritize family over their professional ambitions, which can severely hinder career progression. Gender stereotypes further limit opportunities across hiring, promotions, and research funding, while harassment and discrimination in academic environments add to the hostility, causing many women to leave the field altogether.

Exploring the STEM Landscape

Worldwide, including in India, the patterns are strikingly similar. A study examining STEM scientists across 38 countries reveals higher dropout rates among women, primarily due to non-inclusive work environments, challenges in achieving work-life balance, and limited access to high-impact research opportunities.

These factors contribute to slower career advancement and reduced access to leadership roles and professional networks, resulting in increased attrition rates. Women particularly struggle during the transition from postdoctoral positions to faculty roles, with familial responsibilities, self-doubt, and a dearth of female role models cited as significant hurdles, as illustrated by findings from the National Institutes of Health.

The importance of retaining women in science cannot be overstated. Diverse teams foster creativity and innovation, leading to significant discoveries that incorporate various perspectives. Furthermore, an increase in women in STEM creates role models for future generations, encouraging more girls to pursue these fields. Promoting equity allows women to participate fully in scientific advancements, thereby enriching our society with a more inclusive workforce.

The conversation surrounding gender inequity in science has remained stagnant for centuries. The “Matilda Effect,” named after 19th-century feminist Matilda Joslyn Gage, reflects the tendency to diminish women’s contributions to science in favor of their male counterparts, underscoring a historical struggle for acknowledgment. Nearly 200 years later, disparities in STEM persist. Jacob Clark Blickenstaff’s “leaky pipeline” metaphor illustrates how women exit the field due to biased educational practices, limited role models, and unwelcoming environments. While this model has faced criticism for its simplicity, a more recent “Chutes and Ladders” framework addresses systemic barriers, emphasizing mentorship, access to essential knowledge, and how career interruptions disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups.

Survey Insights from India

In the Indian context, where conservative societal norms are prevalent, these issues warrant particular attention. An extensive survey conducted across 98 institutions in India during 2020-21 revealed that the percentage of women faculty members across all fields was a mere 17%, ranging from 23% in biology to just 8% in engineering. In higher-ranking institutions, the representation of women was even lower, particularly in senior faculty positions, with significant underrepresentation at conferences and in career-development activities.

Tackling these challenges requires a reimagined approach that promotes diverse career paths, involving policymakers, institutions, and the broader scientific community in cultivating inclusivity, especially for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged women. Early intervention is crucial, engaging parents, educators, and the wider social context to ensure lasting change.

To enhance the retention of women in STEM at early and mid-career levels, we recommend three key strategies. First, implementing institutional changes such as flexible working options, affordable childcare, and family-work balance policies is essential. Second, it is vital to publicly recognize both achievements and challenges. Highlighting successful women in science can challenge stereotypes, inspire new generations, and reinforce the importance of visibility. Additionally, addressing barriers highlighted by initiatives like BiasWatchIndia can catalyze progress by exposing gender inequities within academic settings. Finally, adopting a nuanced approach across career stages is critical, removing age limits on grants, fostering mentorship networks, supporting re-entry into careers after personal breaks, and amplifying senior women’s voices in leadership roles.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has initiated significant measures toward promoting gender equity in science and technology. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) pilot in 2020 to create an inclusive environment for women and gender-diverse individuals in STEM. Initiatives like the Women in Science and Engineering-Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (WISE-KIRAN) program and the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) are designed to increase participation levels. Other notable programs include the Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) initiative, which supports women scientists returning to their research careers after breaks.

Furthermore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is championing various programs aimed at enhancing women’s health and providing training for female scientists. Although these initiatives demonstrate progress, broader reforms are necessary to ensure women scientists are acknowledged, empowered, and appreciated in the field.

As India strives for excellence in scientific and technological sectors, fully including women in this pursuit is a fundamental issue of equity, representing true progress that can serve as a model for others around the world.