Despite substantial progress in recent decades, India’s female workforce participation rates continue to remain low at around 25%. The gap is particularly glaring in scientific fields with women forming less than 15% of researchers in STEMM disciplines.
- To highlight the accomplishments of Indian women scientists and provide tailwinds for policy initiatives that boost their participation, the government has launched the SWATI portal.
- This unique database maps the work of Indian women across the streams of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
The Need for Visibility
India aspires to transition into a global STEMM talent and innovation hub over the coming decade. However, achieving this vision remains constrained owing to limited participation of women in expert domains.
Women in Scientific Pursuits – A Trickle Rather Than a Flood
- As of 2018, only 13-15% of researchers in STEMM fields were women as per UNESCO data. This compares poorly to shares ranging from 28% to 33% across G20 nations barring China.
- The 2021 Economic Survey also highlighted a disproportionate clustering in junior scientist designations indicative of barriers to career advancement.
Lack of Visibility Further Marginalizes Contributions
- Biases in mainstream media coverage largely celebrates male scientists as pioneers while limiting focus on breakthrough research by women.
- Consequently, a ‘role model effect’ fails to take shape that normally encourages more girls to embark on scientific career paths.
Ripple Effects on Innovation Ecosystems
- Diversity in scientific thought leadership, problem solving and solution ideation suffers, leading to suboptimal knowledge creation.
- Venture capital funding flows as well remain aligned to male entrepreneur networks constraining commercialization.
The SWATI portal directly addresses the visibility gap to spotlight women STEMM talent.
Salient Features of the SWATI Portal
The SWATI platform constitutes a unique government database providing aggregated discovery and analytics on Indian women driving advancements in scientific disciplines.
Comprehensive Profiles Repository
- Self-registration profiles of women scientists, faculty and students across hierarchical levels – from scholars to directors.
- Captures expertise domains, qualifications, publications, research summaries, awards etc.
Interactive Visual Dashboard
- Dynamic reports on state and institution-wise distribution of women in STEMM roles.
- Trackers for real-time user and profile updates enabling data-based policy insights.
Collaboration Avenues
– Direct outreach with listed domain experts for research partnerships, knowledge sharing.
- Discussion forums for members to interact, exchange ideas and access opportunities.
Ease of Use and Access
- Bilingual interface allowing profile creation and portal navigation in English and Hindi.
- Open access database with responsive UI optimized for mobile usage.
Privacy Controls
- Multi-level privacy settings allowing members to control information visibility.
By centralizing discovery and analytics on Indian women pursuing scientific careers, SWATI portal addresses a key data gap while creating tailwinds for participation.
Tackling Challenges for Women in STEMM
Collating profiles on the SWATI portal constitutes the vital first step. Its true impact lies in informing policies targeting barriers that constrain females from entering and advancing in scientific fields.
Key Inclusion Challenges
- Gender biases in early exposure to sciences
- Lack of flexibility around career breaks
- Restricted professional networks and visibility
- Limited funding and commercialization
- Absence of counselling and violation redressal channels
Portal Data Allows Custom Interventions
- Location-based analysis guiding state-level counseling and returnship programs.
- Domain-specific polls enabling targeted opportunity initiatives.
- Automated alerts for upcoming scholarships, grants etc.
By spotlighting real-world challenges, SWATI portal can trigger customized interventions for enabling India’s women scientific talent to maximize their potential.
Realizing the Vision for Women in Indian Science
As the world’s third largest R&D ecosystem, India cannot afford gender imbalances that blunt its competitive edge in STEMM advancements. By mapping accomplishments and opportunities, the SWATI portal lays the foundation for transformative action in line with national vision.
Formative Impact Expected
- Raised visibility attracting more girls to embark on STEMM careers.
- Connecting corporates and investors to aid commercialization.
- Counselling channels for early guidance and growth in scientific pursuits.
Long-term Goals
- Women in STEMM roles crossing 25% threshold by 2030.
- India producing its first female Nobel laureate in Physics, Chemistry or Medicine.
By lifting the veil of invisibility that has hidden women’s contributions, the SWATI portal could catalyze a watershed movement ushering gender parity in Indian science.