Context- The Government has recently launched the SWATI Portal on the occasion of the International Day For Girls and Women in Science.
About
- “Science for Women-A science & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal is aimed toward growing a single online portal representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM (Science, science, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
- The database of SWATI Portal will serve in coverage making to address the challenges of Gender-gap.
- The Portal is a complete interactive database; and the first-of-its-kind in India that’s developed, hosted and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR).
International Day For Girls and Women in Science
- On 22nd December 2015, the Gentechnologyl Assembly decided to set up an annual International Day to understand the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.
- It is well known on eleven February, and is applied via UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.
Gender Disparity in Science
- Women are normally given smaller research offers than their male colleagues and, at the same time as they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
- In cutting edge fields inclusive of artificial intelligence, the most effective one in five specialists (22%) is a woman.
- Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in laptop science and informatics.
- Scenario in India: As per modern “Research and Development Statistics, 2019-20” of DST, India has 16.6% women researchers immediately engaged in R&D activities.
- Reasons for Low Participation: This includes familial problems like marriage, own family duty, relocation because of transferable due to transferable job of spouse etc.
- These reasons are attributed to dropout from higher study, career break, overage for scientific jobs and prolonged absence from place of work or even resignation from the job.
Government Initiatives to counter Gender Disparity in Science
- KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) Scheme: Launched by the Department of Science and science (DST), KIRAN targets to offer various career opportunities to women scientists and technologists, together with fellowships, presents, and education packages.
- Women Scientists Scheme (WOS): Under DST, the WOS offers opportunities for women scientists to pursue studies in rising regions of science and technology, permitting them to re-enter the workforce after a career break.
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): This application specializes in enhancing the quality of education in secondary schools, including promoting the participation of girls in STEM subjects and providing them with relevant skills and opportunities.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM, under the NITI Aayog, pursuits to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
- Bioscience Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Program: Under the Department of Bioscience (DBT), this software targets to assist women scientists by supplying profession improvement possibilities, mentoring, and economic assistance for research initiatives.
- Women Start-up Program (WSP): It was launched by DST in partnership with Goldman Sachs and targets to guide bold and modern women entrepreneurs by enabling them to transform their idea into a business venture.
- WSP reached out to 6200 women across the country through the Massive Open Online Course program.
- Vigyan Jyoti application ambitions to offer publicity and mentorship to women in STEM.
- SERB-POWER: DST has launched the Scheme titled “SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)”.
- It provides structured support in studies to make sure equal access and weighted opportunities for Indian women scientists engaged in R&D sports.
- The R&D aid to women scientists is provided through two components, namely: SERB POWER Fellowships & SERB POWER Research Grants.
Conclusion
- These tasks replicate the Government of India’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in science and promoting the participation and leadership of women in STEM fields, thereby contributing to the overall development of science and technology within the country.
Source: Indian Express
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