Context:
On the occasion of International Women and Girls in Science Day, the Principal Scientific Advisor recently unveiled the “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal.
About SWATI Portal:
- This portal serves as a consolidated online platform for Indian women and girls engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields.
- This portal is developed by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR).
- The primary aim is to provide a unified digital space that encompasses women’s contributions across various stages of their careers in academia and industry.
- It seeks to bolster efforts to include all Indian women in science while fostering equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
- By leveraging a robust database, the portal aims to support long-term research initiatives focused on various principles that advocate for the enhanced participation of women in decision-making roles within the scientific community.
- It emphasizes the significance of utilizing data-driven insights for informed policy-making and tackling gender disparities in the STEM landscape.
- It also features an interactive database covering various categories such as icons, faculty members, research fellows, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in alternate careers.
- By offering visibility and recognition, the portal aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists and entrepreneurs, advancing science and innovation in India and beyond.
In essence, the SWATI Portal stands as a significant step towards harnessing the potential of women in science and leveraging their contributions for the betterment of society while addressing pertinent gender gap challenges.