India’s private sector research companies employ a larger proportion of women in core research and development (R&D) activities as compared to government-funded major scientific agencies, according to the Science and Technology Indicators (STI), 2018.
Key Points
In 2018, India had 3,41,818 scientists engaged in R&D, with nearly 2,03,759 being employed by government institutions or higher education sector. Of the 20,351 women employed in private R&D companies, almost three-quarters were involved in R&D activities. Conversely, fewer than half of the 23,008 women in government scientific agencies were involved in the same capacity. The male to female ratio is six to one in private sector R&D establishments and four to one in major scientific agencies. Most scientists were involved in ‘Engineering Technology’, followed by Medical Sciences and Natural Sciences.
Science and Technology Indicators (STI)
The STI is a compendium that periodically reflects the state of scientific research in India. The National Science and Technology Management Information System, a division of the Department of Science Technology, prepares it.
Reasons for Low Women Participation in R&D
Several factors contribute to the low participation of women in R&D. Women face social pressure to prioritize family over professional career which can result in a significant drop in their numbers from doctoral to professional stages. Discriminatory hiring practices, rooted in patriarchal attitudes, may also hinder their career progression. Private firms tend to be more accountable for hiring and promoting female employees than government offices.
Global Scenario: Women in STEM
As per the UNESCO data from 2014-16, approximately 30% of female students opt for STEM-related fields in higher education. Participation is particularly bleak in information technology (3%), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5%) and engineering and allied streams (8%).
Women in Research Profession Globally
UNESCO’s 2018 fact sheet reveals that only 28.8% of researchers globally are women. Moreover, women have only won 20 out of the 616 Nobel Prizes awarded in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine between 1901 and 2019.
National Scenario: Women in STEM
The number of female students enrolling in science streams in India saw an increase from 2010-11 to 2015-16. In the academic year 2015-16, 9.3% of female UG students were enrolled in engineering, compared to 15.6% across genders. Meanwhile, 4.3% of female students enrolled in medical science, against 3.3% across genders.
Research as a Profession in India
In India, merely 13.9% of women work as researchers. Moreover, the enrolment of women at master’s and doctoral levels remains lower than the overall enrolment.
Gender Gap Index
As per the Global Gender Gap Index 2020, India has slipped to 112th spot from the 108th position in 2018. The World Bank ranks India 163rd out of 181 countries in female labor force participation.
Initiatives to Promote Women in Science
Several initiatives have been launched in India to promote women in science, such as the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, GATI Scheme, KIRAN Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme. These schemes aim to create a level playing field for girls, promote gender equality in STEM, and ensure the survival, protection, and empowerment of the girl child.
Conclusion
The gender disparity in science emerges from socio-economic issues. It could be addressed by bringing about behavioral changes and ensuring better political representation of women. Collective efforts from society and people in governance are essential to boost workforce participation among women. Job growth must be inclusive, offering better work conditions, and social security benefits.
