Women leaders in science from premiere institutions across India deliberated on a policy framework that can increase the role of women in scientific, engineering and industry leadership to build an inclusive science culture for Viksit Bharat, at a Brainstorming Meeting on Key Challenges of Women Researchers/ Faculties in STEM & Solution

“I am proud to say that India is one of the countries in which women are now taking leadership positions in science and technology. Apart from the grit and determination of women, institutional and programmatic interventions like DST’s women in science schemes and more recently Vigyan Jyoti for girls at the school level have played a critical role in facilitating this journey, ” said Secretary Department of Science and Technoloy (DST) Professor Abhay Karandikar.

However, there is more to be done. The Brainstorming Meeting on Key Challenges of Women Researchers/ Faculties in STEM & Solutions dicussed ways to enhance the role of women in scientific, engineering & industry leadership, Professor Karandikar added.

Senior Advisor Department of Science and Technology, Dr Akhilesh Gupta said that issues like mentorship, networking are important and challenges faced by women like flexible work time, parental leave,work life balance requirments need to addressed. 

Dr Vandana Singh, Head WISE KIRAN Division, DST elaborated about existing programmatic interventions of DST.

The brainstorming session would help develop recommendations about policy interventions to change institutional mindsets, alter existing structural issues and obstacles,  institutional statutes, rules and regulations at Government of India, state Government and industry level as well as societal and family mindsets.