Overcoming obstacles: Women's role in India's STEM landscape

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are rapidly growing and offer opportunities for women in India and in Bengaluru.

Women in STEM can make significant contributions to solving some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, healthcare, and poverty. However, women in STEM in India face a number of challenges, including societal discrimination, a lack of role models, and a male-dominated industry.

Male-dominated industry

STEM fields in India are also predomi - nantly male-dominated. This can make it difficult for women to feel included and supported in STEM careers.

Jyotsna Bapat, a professor at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT) with over 35 years in the STEM field opines that the discrimination and challenges women face in STEM are not very different from other fields where women face the same challenges.

Opportunities for women in STEM in India have increased since she was a student, but it still has to go a long way.

Assumed responsibilities

Jeena Jacob, Professor in the Department of CSE at GITAM (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru, opines that one of the biggest hurdles that every woman faces is the assumed responsibilities associated with being a woman.

She said, “The denial of decision-making privileges leads to a gender gap and hinders opportunities. Cultural and societal expectations also pose a major constraint, as in some cultures, women are not encouraged or are even actively discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM.”

Professor Jyotsna Bapat opines that while a number of students pursue their education in STEM studies, they don't take it up as their career. This is because of the responsibilities that come with their role as a daughter, wife and mother.

Overcoming these challenges

Professor Jyotsna Bapat advises young women in the STEM field to choose their battles wisely. She says, "If you are a mother, you cannot be there for every recital and milestone of your child."

She believes that to succeed in the STEM field, or any other field for that matter, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot win every battle.

Talking about falling behind male colleagues at the workplace due to your responsibilities as a woman, Professor Bapat advises, "It is okay to fall behind because you can always catch up. But don't ever give up because you are a little behind."

She adds that you need to adjust your definition of perfection. Professor Jeena Jacob underscores the vital need to encourage young women to pursue STEM research careers. Her advice centres on self-belief and passion, transcending stereotypes and biases.

She advocates for curiosity, acknowledging each individual's unique contributions, and promoting mentorship and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. Professor Jacob urges young women to stay connected to their initial STEM passion and inspire the next generation.

Future for women in STEM

Professor Jyotsna Bapat, the future for women in STEM in India is bright, “in fact, opportunities for women in India are much better than in the US,” she said, based on her experience working in both countries.

Professor Jeena Jacob envisions a dynamic future for women in STEM, brimming with transformative opportunities. As the field rapidly evolves, the call for diversity and inclusion opens doors to exciting prospects.

She further underscores the importance of women shaping ethical technology use policies, paving the way for an inclusive and innovative scientific community.