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Will the SWATI portal break old habits?

Will the SWATI portal break old habits?

  • Recently, a panel representing India’s science academies launched SWATI, a portal aimed at documenting women in science.
  • This initiative marks the latest effort to address the long standing gender gap in Indian science.

Historical Context

  • Initiatives to address gender gap began with a 2004 report by Indian National Science Academy (INSA).
  • The report highlighted discrimination in the workplace based on gender and caste, and proposed solutions.
  • The INSA report spurred further efforts like the Indian Academy of Sciences’ (IASc) compendium and national conference in 2008.
  • The Conference featuring over a thousand women scientists featured promises by then Science Minister Kapil Sibal for women scientists.
    • These included scientists' flexible working hours, in-house creches, work-from-home options, research grants and residential accommodation.

Challenges and Unfulfilled Promises

  • Unfortunately, the standing committee set up to implement Sibal’s promises never took off.
  • A 2010 report examining reasons for women scientists leaving academia, highlighted lack of opportunities and organizational barriers (flexible timings, logistics and infrastructure, discrimination, etc).
    • The men, however, believed that their female peers could also benefit from refresher courses, fellowships, awareness and sensitisation campaigns.
  • There is a need for more inclusive policies addressing multiple marginalities such as caste, transgender identity, and disability.

Progressive Initiatives

  • Newer initiatives like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) charter and the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 adopt a more progressive language and inclusive approach.
    • For instance, they bring up transgender identities and gender-neutral parental leave.
  • Recently, Science For Women: A Technology & Innovation (SWATI) Initiative was launched on International Day for Girls and Women in Science, representing collaboration between INSA, IASc, and NASI.
    • Positive signs include inclusivity of all non-male genders and diverse composition of panel.

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