Rise in Female Enrollments in STEM Field

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals a substantial rise in female enrollment across various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater inclusivity and gender equity in India’s premier institutions of higher education.

About

• The introduction of a 20% quota for women in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has proven to be a significant step towards gender inclusivity in India’s premier engineering institutions.
• It has led to a remarkable increase in the number of female students at IITs, demonstrating that affirmative action can effectively bridge gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated fields.
• According to the data, IITs Delhi and Bombay crossed the 20% threshold as early as 2017 — even before the quota was implemented.

Beyond Numbers: Cultural and Infrastructural Shifts

• The quota has not only increased the number of women in IITs but has also led to essential infrastructural and cultural changes.
• Many IITs have expanded hostel facilities, constructed more washrooms for female students, and introduced women’s sports teams, creating a more inclusive environment.
• These changes challenge the traditional narrative that STEM fields are predominantly for men and signal a future where women’s voices and innovations are integral to India’s technological advancement.

Concerns & Challenges

• Gender Gap: Women s cientists may find it challenging to secure permanent positions or promotions, as seen in the case of Uma, a molecular biologist who faced career setbacks after taking maternity leave.
• Low Participation in the Labour Market: Women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers.
• India has a high percentage of women enrolling in STEM fields (approx 40%), but their representation is significantly lower (around 14%).
• The numbers on the integration of STEM university graduates into the labour market show that the retention of women in STEM even one year after graduating sees a significant drop.
• Other concerns are work life balance, cultural and social factors, lack of mentorship and support networks, and low representation in leadership roles etc.

Key Government Initiatives

• Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN): The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched several programs under the WISE-KIRAN scheme with the aim to enhance women’s participation in STEM through various support mechanisms, including fellowships and leadership programs.
  • It has benefited over 340 women scientists, providing them with opportunities to advance their careers.
• Vigyan Jyoti: It has been instrumental in encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education, and has impacted over 29,000 girls, promoting STEM fields as viable career options.
• Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG): It supports young researchers, including women, with flexible budgets for impactful projects.
• Women Scientist Scheme (WOS):
  • WOS-A: Research in Basic/Applied Science.
  • WOS-B: Societal programs through science and technology interventions.
  • WOS-C: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) training.
• Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) – POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research):
  • SERB-POWER Fellowship: Supports women researchers.
  • SERB-POWER Research Grants: Provides funding for research projects led by women.
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (Bio-CARe): Supports women scientists in biotechnology.
• INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research):
• SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education): Provides scholarships to girls pursuing higher education in science.

Road Ahead

• According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for 2021-22, women comprise only 11.3 lakh of the total enrolled students in engineering and technology, compared to 27.6 lakh men.
• Bridging this gap requires continued efforts to ensure that gender-neutral policies, mentorship, and a culture of inclusivity allow women to realize their full potential.

Conclusion

• The quota for women at IITs is a testament to the effectiveness of inclusion policies. It has not only increased female representation but also fostered a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM.
• As more women enter these prestigious institutions, they will undoubtedly contribute to shaping India’s intellectual and technological future.