Why India needs political change to retain women in STEM
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Education policy· Mains·
Why in news
An analysis highlights that systemic biases and lack of secure employment hinder women and marginalized groups from sustaining long-term careers in STEM despite high enrollment.
Background
The Department of Science and Technology is implementing initiatives like Project GATI and WISE-KIRAN to address barriers in science. Barriers include unequal access to mentorship, funding, and discrimination based on caste, religion, and disability.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyDepartment of Science and Technology (DST) is the nodal body for science initiatives in India
- SchemeProject GATI and WISE-KIRAN are specific initiatives by DST to support women in STEM
- FactBarriers to STEM careers include unequal access to internships and funding opportunities
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the systemic barriers preventing women and marginalized groups from achieving long-term career sustainability in India's STEM sector.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional bias: Lack of inclusive mentorship and funding structures for marginalized identities
- Labor market friction: Absence of secure job opportunities for women science graduates
- Intersectionality: Compounded discrimination based on caste, religion, and disability in scientific research
Keywords: systemic bias · inclusive science · STEM sustainability · marginalized groups · institutional accountability
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