Hindu Editorial Analysis : 8-January-2025

Recent data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act highlights a significant rise in female enrollment across various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This surge represents a crucial step towards greater gender equity in India’s prestigious educational institutions, marking a turning point in the journey toward inclusivity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The 20% Quota for Women

A key driver behind this change has been the introduction of a 20% quota for female students in IITs. This initiative has been instrumental in increasing female representation in these traditionally male-dominated institutions.

Key highlights of this move:

  • The quota has directly led to more women enrolling in IITs.
  • It addresses the gender gap in fields that were once considered predominantly male.
  • It demonstrates that affirmative action can help bridge such gaps effectively.
Cultural and Infrastructural Shifts

The increase in female students at IITs has triggered important cultural and infrastructural changes within these institutions. Some of the most notable shifts include:

  • Expansion of Hostel Facilities: More hostels dedicated to female students.
  • Additional Washrooms: Increased provision of washrooms for women on campus.
  • Women’s Sports Teams: Introduction of female sports teams to foster inclusion.

These changes contribute to creating a more inclusive environment where women can thrive academically and socially. This shift challenges the conventional idea that STEM is a male-dominated space and paves the way for women to contribute significantly to technological advancements.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite these positive developments, there are still several challenges that women in STEM fields face:

  • Gender Gap in Career Progression: Women scientists often struggle to secure permanent positions or face setbacks, such as in the case of Uma, a molecular biologist who faced career difficulties after taking maternity leave.
  • Low Participation in STEM Employment: Although around 40% of women enroll in STEM fields, their representation in the STEM workforce is much lower, at just 14%.
  • Retention Issues: The retention rate of women in STEM careers drops significantly after graduation, with many women leaving the field within a year.
  • Work-Life Balance: Balancing career and personal life remains a significant hurdle.
  • Cultural and Social Factors: Societal expectations and a lack of mentorship can further hinder women’s progress in STEM.
Government Initiatives Supporting Women in STEM

To address these challenges, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives to support women in STEM:

  • WISE-KIRAN Scheme: Offers fellowships and leadership programs to women scientists, benefiting over 340 women.
  • Vigyan Jyoti Program: Encourages young girls to pursue STEM education, reaching over 29,000 girls.
  • PM ECRG: A flexible funding program to support young researchers, including women.
  • Women Scientist Scheme (WOS): Offers different sub-programs to support women in basic and applied sciences, societal programs, and intellectual property rights.
  • SERB-POWER Fellowship: Provides funding and support for women researchers.
  • INSPIRE SHE Program: Offers scholarships to girls pursuing higher education in science.
The Road Ahead

According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for 2021-22, women make up just 11.3 lakh of the total enrolled students in engineering and technology, compared to 27.6 lakh men. This significant gap requires continued efforts to bridge it.

To foster greater gender equity in STEM, it is essential to:

  • Ensure gender-neutral policies across educational institutions.
  • Provide strong mentorship and support networks.
  • Promote a culture of inclusivity that helps women realize their full potential.

By continuing these efforts, India can work toward a future where women play a crucial role in driving innovation and technological progress.

Why In News

Data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals a substantial rise in female enrollment across various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward greater inclusivity and gender equity in India’s premier institutions of higher education. This shift reflects the growing recognition of the need for diversity in STEM fields and sets a positive precedent for other educational institutions to follow.

MCQs about Gender Inclusivity in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
  1. What was the key initiative introduced to increase female enrollment in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)?
    A. A reservation for women in IIT faculty
    B. A 20% quota for women in IITs
    C. Scholarships for female students
    D. More online courses for women
    Correct Answer: B. A 20% quota for women in IITs
    Explanation: The 20% quota for women was introduced as a significant initiative to increase female representation in IITs. This policy aims to address gender gaps in these prestigious institutions and encourage more women to pursue engineering and technology education.
  2. Which of the following infrastructural changes were made in IITs to support female students?
    A. Introduction of virtual classrooms
    B. Expansion of hostel facilities for women
    C. Reduced tuition fees for female students
    D. More internships for female students
    Correct Answer: B. Expansion of hostel facilities for women
    Explanation: To create a more inclusive environment, IITs expanded hostel facilities for female students, constructed additional washrooms, and introduced women’s sports teams. These infrastructural changes were made to accommodate and support the growing number of female students.
  3. What is one of the key challenges faced by women in STEM fields, according to the essay?
    A. Lack of online learning resources
    B. Gender gap in career progression and promotions
    C. Excessive funding for women’s research projects
    D. Too many mentorship programs for women
    Correct Answer: B. Gender gap in career progression and promotions
    Explanation: The essay highlights that despite the increase in female enrollment, women in STEM fields often face challenges in career progression. For example, women scientists may find it difficult to secure permanent positions or promotions, especially after taking maternity leave, as seen in the case of Uma, a molecular biologist.
  4. Which government initiative focuses on providing fellowships and leadership programs to women scientists?
    A. Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG)
    B. Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)
    C. INSPIRE SHE Program
    D. SERB-POWER Fellowship
    Correct Answer: B. Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)
    Explanation: The Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) scheme provides fellowships and leadership programs to women scientists. It is one of the key government initiatives designed to enhance women’s participation and leadership in STEM fields.

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