Gender Equality Progress at Indian Institutes of Technology

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have witnessed progress in gender equality over the last six years. The introduction of a 20% supernumerary quota for women in 2018 has transformed the demographic landscape of these prestigious institutions. This initiative aimed to increase female representation in engineering and technology fields, which have historically been male-dominated.

Implementation of Supernumerary Quota

In 2018, a committee led by Timothy Gonsalves recommended a 20% supernumerary quota for women at IITs. This quota created additional seats rather than reserving existing ones. By the 2021-2022 academic year, most IITs had successfully implemented this quota, leading to a notable increase in female enrolment.

Statistics of Female Enrolment

Data from 21 IITs show a steady rise in female students. For instance, IIT-Kanpur’s female enrolment increased by 133% from 908 in 2017 to 2,124 in 2024. Similarly, IIT-Roorkee’s female student count rose from 1,489 in 2019-20 to 2,626 in 2024, marking a 76.36% increase. Other IITs also reported gains, with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay surpassing the 20% threshold even before the quota was established.

Changes in Campus Culture

The increasing number of female students has led to a shift in campus culture. IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay have introduced various initiatives, including open houses and orientation sessions for female students. These programmes aim to encourage a welcoming environment and encourage more women to pursue engineering.

Gender Sensitisation and Safety Measures

With the rise in female enrolment, gender sensitisation has become integral to campus life. IIT Roorkee has implemented safety measures, including the installation of security cameras and hiring female guards. Professors have also adapted their teaching styles to create a more supportive environment for female students.

Emergence of Women’s Sports Teams

The growing female presence has led to the establishment of women’s sports teams at various IITs. Both IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay now have women’s football teams, promoting inclusivity in sports and encouraging female students to participate in physical activities.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite progress, challenges remain. Issues such as mentorship gaps, stereotypes, and inadequate infrastructure persist. Some female students still hesitate to report harassment. Additionally, housing shortages and limited facilities for women highlight the need for further improvements in campus infrastructure.

Future Directions

While the supernumerary quota is important first step, ongoing efforts are necessary to address remaining challenges. Institutions are urged to enhance physical infrastructure, including more dedicated spaces for women. Continued focus on gender sensitisation and support systems will be vital for sustaining this positive trend.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the supernumerary quota for women in IITs on gender representation in STEM fields.
2. What are the changes observed in the campus culture of IITs since the implementation of the 20% women quota? Explain.
3. With suitable examples, comment on the role of gender sensitisation in educational institutions.
4. What are the key challenges faced by women in higher education, particularly in technical fields? Discuss with reference to current trends.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the supernumerary quota for women in IITs on gender representation in STEM fields.

1. Introduced in 2018, the 20% supernumerary quota aimed to increase female representation in IITs.
2. Data shows increases in female enrolment, e.g., IIT-Kanpur saw a 133% rise from 2017 to 2024.
3. Before the quota, female representation was low; the quota has shifted the demographic landscape positively.
4. The initiative has encouraged more women to pursue engineering, challenging traditional gender norms in STEM.
5. Despite progress, the gender ratio remains skewed, indicating that further efforts are needed to sustain this change.

2. What are the changes observed in the campus culture of IITs since the implementation of the 20% women quota? Explain.

1. Increased female enrolment has led to a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.
2. Initiatives like open houses and orientation sessions specifically for women have been introduced.
3. Gender sensitisation workshops have become part of institutional life, promoting awareness among students and staff.
4. Women’s sports teams have emerged, enhancing participation and representation in athletics.
5. Professors have adapted their teaching methods to create a more supportive and comfortable learning atmosphere for female students.

3. With suitable examples, comment on the role of gender sensitisation in educational institutions.

1. Gender sensitisation workshops at IIT Bombay and IIT Roorkee aim to raise awareness about women’s issues and harassment.
2. Such workshops have led to a more supportive environment, where complaints are taken seriously rather than dismissed.
3. Professors are adopting sensitive teaching styles, such as keeping doors open for discussions with female students.
4. Implementing safety measures, like security cameras and female guards, reflects a commitment to creating safer spaces.
5. Gender sensitisation has encouraged a cultural shift, promoting equality and reducing male-centric approaches in classrooms.

4. What are the key challenges faced by women in higher education, particularly in technical fields? Discuss with reference to current trends.

1. Despite increased enrolment, stereotypes persist, leading to a lack of confidence among female students in technical fields.
2. Mentorship gaps exist, with fewer female role models in STEM to guide and support young women.
3. Women often feel isolated in male-dominated departments, impacting their academic experience and retention rates.
4. Infrastructure issues, such as inadequate housing and facilities for women, hinder their full participation.
5. Despite progress in gender sensitisation, some women still hesitate to report harassment, indicating a need for stronger support systems.