‘Women in science encounter many challenges that often start early’
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Women in science navigate a minefield of challenges that often start early. Educational barriers, such as limited access to quality schools and gendered societal norms, can discourage girls from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For those who persist and are fortunate to get past these early hurdles, cultural expectations frequently demand that they prioritise family over careers, severely jeopardising professional growth. Gender stereotypes further restrict opportunities, affecting hiring, promotions and funding. Harassment and discrimination in academic settings add another dimension of hostility that push many women out of the field.
A study of STEM scientists
Globally, as well as in India, we see similar patterns. A study of STEM scientists across 38 countries reveals higher attrition rates for women, driven by non-inclusive workplaces, work-life balance struggles, and limited access to high-impact research.
These barriers slow career progression and reduce access to senior roles and professional networks, increasing dropout rates. The postdoc-to-faculty transition is especially challenging for women, with familial responsibilities, low confidence, and a lack of female role models cited as key factors, as highlighted by research from the National Institutes of Health.
These barriers compel us to consider why it is vital to prioritise the retention of women in science. Diverse teams drive creativity and innovation, leading to breakthroughs by integrating multiple perspectives. More women in science also results in role models for future generations, inspiring girls to pursue STEM. Promoting equity ensures that women can contribute fully to scientific progress, enriching society with a more inclusive workforce.
This conversation has progressed little over the centuries. The “Matilda Effect” — named after 19th-century feminist Matilda Joslyn Gage — describes the tendency to downplay or overshadow women’s scientific contributions in favour of their male colleagues, highlighting the historic struggle for proper recognition of women’s innovations. Nearly 200 years later, gender inequity in STEM persists. Jacob Clark Blickenstaff’s “leaky pipeline” metaphor describes women dropping out of STEM due to biased pedagogy, a lack of role models, and hostile workplaces. Critiqued as somewhat simplistic, this model does not consider systemic power dynamics. A more recent “Chutes and Ladders” model focuses on broader structural and environmental barriers, highlighting how mentorship, access to hidden knowledge, and career disruptions disproportionately hinder women, minorities, and marginalised groups, emphasising the need to address inequities within academic systems.
A survey across India
Examining these concepts is particularly valuable in the context of India, where conservative attitudes abound. In an extensive survey across 98 institutions across India conducted in 2020-21, the proportion of women faculty members across all the fields was a mere 17%, ranging from 23% in biology to 8% in engineering. The proportion was even lower within higher-ranked institutions, with dwindling ratios within senior career faculty. The data showed that women scientists were vastly under-represented at conferences and often overlooked in career-enhancing activities.
Addressing these challenges demands a reimagined approach that embraces diverse career paths and involves policymakers, institutions, and the scientific community in fostering inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged women. Approaches vary based on the timing of intervention. Early intervention, engaging parents, educators, and the broader social environment, is key to lasting impact.
We propose three key recommendations to improve the retention of women in STEM at the early- and mid-career levels. First, institutional changes such as flexible work options, affordable childcare, and policies supporting work-family integration are essential. Second, public recognition of both triumphs and obstacles is crucial. Showcasing successful women in science challenges stereotypes, inspires the next generation, and reinforces the need for greater visibility and representation. At the same time, calling out setbacks, as exemplified by BiasWatchIndia, can drive incremental progress by exposing gender inequities in academia. Finally, a nuanced approach across career stages is crucial, eliminating age restrictions on grants, fostering mentorship networks, supporting career re-entry after a break for family or personal reasons, and amplifying senior women’s voices in leadership and decision-making.
Interventions
The Indian government has taken significant steps to advance gender equity in science and technology. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) pilot in 2020 to foster an inclusive environment for women and gender-diverse individuals in STEM, supporting participation-boosting initiatives such as the Women in Science and Engineering-Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing, or WISE-KIRAN, and the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) programmes. Noteworthy efforts include the Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) programme, which supports women scientists returning to research after career breaks.
Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research spearheads several programmes promoting women’s health and training for women scientists. While these initiatives reflect progress, they must scale into broader reforms to ensure that women scientists are recognised, empowered, and valued.
As India continues to push the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement, the full inclusion of women in this journey is not only a matter of fairness but also an example of true progress that can set a powerful example for the world to emulate.
Anita Shet is Professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Kamini Walia is a Senior Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research
Published – March 08, 2025 12:08 am IST
