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Introduction

Women in Indian Science & Technology (S&T) have moved from symbolic presence to substantive contributions. The success of women scientists in Chandrayaan-3 (Kalpana Kalahasti, Ritu Karidhal) and Dr. Tessy Thomas (“Missile Woman” of India) in DRDO reflects this transition. However, challenges like the “leaky pipeline” continue to hinder women from reaching leadership positions in STEM.

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Challenges Hindering Women’s Leadership in STEM (Leaky Pipeline)

• Educational–Career Attrition: Despite 43% women in STEM graduation (AISHE 2022), only 14% enter research careers.
• Mid-career Dropouts: Many exit during childbearing years due to a lack of maternity support and flexible options. ISRO’s women scientists have publicly acknowledged challenges in balancing family with high-pressure projects.
• Glass Ceiling in Institutions: Only 15% faculty in IITs are women; no woman has ever led IIT, IISc, or CSIR. Leadership positions in top science councils remain male-dominated despite women excelling in project roles.
• Funding & Recognition Gaps: Women secure less than 10% of extramural R&D grants (DST data).
  Eg: Till 2023, only 16 women out of 600+ awardees had won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.
• Workplace Bias & Culture: Gender stereotyping and subtle bias affect promotions and collaboration opportunities.
  Eg: Indian National Science Academy survey (2017) highlighted pervasive bias in scientific institutions.
• Limited Re-entry Pathways: Career breaks penalize women; re-entry fellowships are small in number.
  Eg: DST’s Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A, B, C) exists but has limited reach.

Why Addressing These Issues is Crucial for India’s Excellence & Innovation

• Maximizing the Talent Pool for National Innovation: Full participation of women ensures optimal utilization of India’s scientific workforce, vital for global competitiveness.
  Eg: World Bank estimates boosting female STEM participation could add up to $700 billion to the Indian economy by 2025.
• Filling Skill Gaps and Ensuring ‘Viksit Bharat’: With India’s demographic dividend, women’s talent is essential to meet ambitious targets in AI, biotech, clean energy, and the digital economy.
  Eg: 50% workforce participation could push India’s GDP growth rate by nearly 1%.
• Strengthening India’s Global Image: Advancing gender equality in STEM aligns with India’s international commitments and global leadership ambitions.
  Eg: At COP summits, Indian representation by women scientists is now seen as a benchmark for policy credibility.
• Creating Future Role Models: Breaking barriers today establishes a culture of aspiration for upcoming generations of girls.
  Eg: ISRO’s outreach after Chandrayaan-3 led to a 15% spike in girls’ applications to engineering colleges.

Steps Taken by Government rectify to challenges/ Way Forward

• Mentoring and Research Fellowships: Programs like DST KIRAN, Inspire Faculty Scheme support early-career women researchers.
• Flexible Work Policies: Premier labs like ISRO and DRDO have introduced flexible hours, extended maternity leave, and work-from-home options.
• Leadership Preparation: SERB POWER fellowships and gender sensitization committees aim to prepare women for leadership positions.
• Dedicated Funding and Recognition: DST Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A, B, C) and special grant allocations for women-led projects attempt to reduce funding gaps.

Conclusion

India’s rise as a knowledge power demands not only women’s participation but also their leadership in STEM. Tackling the “leaky pipeline” through reforms like DST’s GATI initiative, SERB’s POWER fellowships, gender-sensitive workplace policies, and societal mindset change is essential. True scientific excellence and innovation can be achieved only when women lead India’s laboratories, startups, and institutions alongside men.

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