Increase in the number of women scientists: report
According to the recent Department of Science and Technology (DST) data, the number of women scientists has increased in the last two decades.
Key findings of DST data-
- The participation of women in researchers had increased to 7% in 2018. It was 13.9% in the year 2015.
- However, there were fewer female researchers in engineering and technology (5%) than in natural sciences and agriculture (22.5%) and health sciences (24.5%).
- In the year 2018-19, 28% female participants were involved in R&D projects involving external students (who are not regularly studying in university etc.)
- Whereas this share was 13% in the year 2000-01.
- Women’s participation has been better up to the post-doctoral level, but has been on a decline in the post-doctoral stages.
Barriers faced by women:
- Social status: gender discrimination against women, early marriage etc.
- Institutional Practices: Gender discrimination in rules and practices, certain areas restricted to women, etc.
Steps taken by the Government-
- KIRAN (Knowledge Development in Research Advancement through Nurturing): It is a scheme of DST to encourage women scientists.
- CURIE (University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women’s University): This is a sub-component of the KIRAN scheme. Its objective is to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure in women’s universities.
- Vigyan Jyoti Yojana: It aims to provide equal opportunities to meritorious girls in high school to choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in higher education.
- Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) Project: It is based on the Athena Swan Charter of the United Kingdom.
Source – The Hindu
