The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 8th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Inclusion in public spaces — from fear to freedom

Why in News?

India ranks 128 out of 177 countries in the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023. 

•  Deep-rooted patriarchal norms contribute to violence against women, but change is possible. 

Gendered Spatial Control

• Public spaces are crucial for social, economic, and political involvement.
• The presence of women in public areas signifies safety.
• Due to societal expectations, many women are restricted to private environments.
• NFHS-4 data from 2015-16 shows that a minority of women can visit markets, healthcare facilities, and travel alone.
• The Female Labour Force Participation Rate in 2023-24 is 35.6%, indicating that over half of women are outside the workforce.

Women’s Limited Engagement with Public Spaces

• Working women primarily use public spaces as transit areas, not for leisure.
• Their presence in these areas is often driven by necessity and time constraints.
• True inclusivity means women should be able to move freely without fear or urgency.

Safety Concerns in Public Spaces

• Women face violence in both public and private settings.
• Public areas expose them to gender-based violence from strangers.
• Women tend to prefer curated environments like malls and cafes for safety.
• Everyday public spaces such as footpaths and bus stations are often unwelcoming.
• Unlike men, women’s street amusement is not normalized.

Challenges in Public Space Design

• Many public spaces lack design features that promote women’s safety.
• Women avoid certain areas due to discomfort and security issues.
• It’s essential to recognize that public spaces offer freedom and should be equally accessible to all.
• Instead of avoiding these areas, women should reclaim them.

Policy-Level Changes for Safer Spaces

• Governments should enhance public spaces by improving street lighting, ensuring safe and accessible public toilets, installing street furniture, and creating recreational areas for women.
• Strengthening laws and ensuring effective enforcement is vital, as low conviction rates for gender-based violence allow offenders to repeat crimes.
• Shifting blame onto women for violence diverts responsibility from perpetrators.

Steps Towards an Inclusive Society

• Women should normalize their presence in public spaces for reasons beyond necessity.
• Encouraging discussions about women’s right to access these areas is important.
• Societal attitudes need to evolve to make public spaces more welcoming for women.
• Small, everyday changes can contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment.

An equitable future for women in science, in India

Why in News?

• Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are facing ongoing systemic challenges that hinder their progress and participation in these fields.
• These challenges include societal biases, workplace discrimination, and limited opportunities, which create significant barriers for women pursuing careers in STEM.
• Addressing these issues through policy reforms and institutional support is crucial for achieving gender equity and advancing scientific progress.

Early Barriers in Education

• Many girls encounter difficulties in accessing quality education in STEM subjects from an early age. Societal norms and expectations often discourage them from pursuing careers in these fields, leading to a lack of interest or confidence.

Workplace and Cultural Challenges

• Even after overcoming educational barriers, women in STEM face societal pressures to prioritize family responsibilities over their careers.
• Gender stereotypes play a significant role in hiring, promotions, and funding opportunities, creating an uneven playing field for women.
• Additionally, harassment and discrimination in academic and professional settings pose serious challenges, making it increasingly difficult for women to continue their careers in STEM.

Global and Indian Trends in STEM

• A study conducted across 38 countries reveals that women in STEM experience higher attrition rates due to factors such as workplace discrimination, difficulties in achieving work-life balance, and limited access to high-impact research opportunities.
• In many cases, women face slower career progression, fewer chances for leadership roles, and weaker professional networks compared to their male counterparts.
• The transition from postdoctoral research to faculty positions is particularly challenging for women, often hindered by family responsibilities, lack of confidence, and the absence of female role models in senior positions.

Importance of Retaining Women in STEM

• Diverse teams are known to enhance creativity and innovation in scientific research, leading to more comprehensive and impactful outcomes.
• Having women role models in STEM fields can inspire and motivate future generations of girls to pursue careers in science and technology, helping to bridge the gender gap.
• Achieving gender equity in STEM is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for driving scientific progress and overall societal development.

Historical Gender Bias in Science

• Gender inequity in science has a long history, with women’s contributions often being overlooked or minimized. This historical bias continues to affect women in STEM today, leading to higher dropout rates due to biased teaching methods, lack of female role models, and hostile work environments.
• Recent analyses have highlighted the impact of mentorship gaps, career disruptions, and hidden barriers in academia on women and marginalized groups, further exacerbating the issue of gender inequality in STEM fields.

Situation in India

• A survey conducted across 98 Indian institutions during 2020-21 revealed that women faculty members constituted only 17% of the total faculty.
• Women faculty representation varied significantly by discipline, with 23% in biology and only 8% in engineering.
• Women were particularly underrepresented in prestigious institutions and senior faculty positions, facing challenges in career advancement.
• Additionally, women scientists were often overlooked at conferences and excluded from career-enhancing activities, further hindering their professional growth.

Proposed Solutions for Women’s Retention in STEM

Institutional Support

• Implementing flexible work options, affordable childcare services, and work-family integration policies to support women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.

Public Recognition

• Celebrating the achievements of successful women in science to challenge existing stereotypes and inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
• Identifying and addressing gender biases in academic settings to create a more inclusive environment for women.

Career Stage-Specific Interventions

• Removing age restrictions on research grants to allow women of all ages to apply for funding.
• Strengthening mentorship programs to provide guidance and support for women at various stages of their careers.
• Offering support for career re-entry after family or personal breaks to help women transition back into the workforce.
• Increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles within academic and research institutions.

Government Initiatives in India

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) initiated programs like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) in 2020 to foster an inclusive environment in STEM fields.
• The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE-KIRAN) and Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) by the DST aim to support women researchers in STEM.
• The Department of Biotechnology launched the Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) program to assist women in resuming scientific research after career breaks.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research runs initiatives focused on women’s health and training for women scientists to enhance their skills and opportunities.

Conclusion

• Existing programs aimed at supporting women in STEM need to be expanded to bring about systemic changes that empower women scientists and researchers.
• Recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in STEM is crucial for driving India’s scientific progress and innovation.
• Full inclusion of women in STEM fields will not only strengthen India’s position in global scientific research but also set an example for gender equality in science worldwide.