Context
A new I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map) initiative called “Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST)” has been launched by the government.
About Indian Science, Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM)
- I-STEM is a dynamic and interactive national portal, which hosts various scientific programs.
- It is initiated by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India.
- It is the umbrella under which many programmes for promoting collaborations in R&D and technological innovation among and between academia and industry, especially startups, are underway.
- I-STEM shall provide a platform/forum for women researchers to deliberate on achievements, issues, and exchange ideas on taking the country forward through advances in science, technology, and innovation.
- In addition, a digital consortium “Connect Quickly” for online discussion and immediate support has also been established through the I-STEM WhatsApp and Telegram platforms.
Significance for WEST
- Addressing Underrepresentation of Women: The country's competent female labor force will be fully utilized to make the historical underrepresentation of women in these disciplines fade away.
- Bridging Skill Gap: This would go a long way towards filling a “skills gap”, and putting publicly-funded equipment to good use.
- Bringing Women to S&T Domains: This initiative will also help bring women back into S&T domains after a career break. Under the WEST initiative, the current support being provided to S&T startups by women entrepreneurs by I-STEM will be enhanced.
- Reducing Gender Wage Gap: Granting women equal chances would not only help close the gender wage gap in the profession but also improve their economic stability and well-being.
