International Conference on Women In Physics (ICWIP)

Context- The eighth edition of the International Conference on Women In Physics (ICWIP) will be organised in India next week on July 10-14.

Key Highlights About ICWIP

• The meeting is an occasion of The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP).
• In order to address the gender gap in physics education and research worldwide, it was first held in 2002 in France.
• Edition 2023: It is being coordinated jointly by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, and the Gender in Physics Working Group of the Indian Physics Association.
• Focus : “Strongly focused on promoting quality and equity in science and mathematics education from primary school to introductory college levels,” according to the publication’s mission statement.
• The Relevance: India has a unique opportunity to strengthen its commitment to the cause of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science in general by organizing ICWIP 2023 in India.

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) 

• • The only international physics organization that is run and organized by the physics community itself is the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP).
  • In countries or regions all over the world, physics communities identify its members.
  • With 13 member nations, the IUPAP was founded in Brussels in 1922, and the first General Assembly was held in Paris in 1923.
  •  60 nations are currently members.

• Aims Of The Union Are

• • to promote physics as an essential tool for development and sustainability and to aid in the global development of physics;
  • Boost the participation and recognition of women and people from under-represented groups in physics by increasing diversity and inclusion;
  • Sponsor appropriate international physics meetings and encourage international cooperation;

Indian Government’s Initiatives for Promoting Science Among Women 

• STEM: In order to support women’s professional development and advancement, the government has established programs and initiatives to provide them with access to STEM-related education and training.
• WISE-KIRAN: Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) aims to promote gender parity in science and technology (S&T) by promoting women’s participation in a variety of programs.
• STEMM: The Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) encourages women technologists to collaborate on international research at prestigious American institutions. 
• Program CURIE: Under the “Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence (CURIE) Programme,” DST also supports the creation of cutting-edge research laboratories and research infrastructure in women’s institutions to increase women’s participation in science and technology.
• Vigyan Jyoti: In addition, DST has launched a brand-new program called “Vigyan Jyoti” for deserving girls in grades 9-12 to encourage them to pursue careers in science and technology, particularly those fields in which women are underrepresented. 
• GATI: Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) aims to change institutions so they are more gender-sensitive and inclusive, with the ultimate goal of increasing gender equity in science and technology. 
• “SERB-POWER”: The Science and Engineering Research Board of DST has a plan to reduce gender disparity in science and engineering and address the lower participation of women scientists in research activities.
• BioCARe: In addition, the “Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe)” is being implemented by DBT to increase the number of women scientists participating in biotechnology research 
• WEST: Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST) – On September 5, 2022, the Government of India launched a brand-new I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map) initiative dubbed “Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST).”

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