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.