8 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Inclusion in public spaces — from fear to freedom

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Gendered Spatial Control

• Public spaces are essential for socio-economic and political engagement.
• Women’s presence in public spaces is an indicator of safety.
• Many women remain confined to private spaces due to societal norms.
• NFHS-4 data (2015–16):
  • 54% of women could visit markets alone.
  • 50% could access healthcare facilities independently.
  • 48% could travel outside their community unaccompanied.
• PLFS (2023-24):
  • Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is 35.6%.
  • More than half of the female population remains outside the workforce.

Women’s Limited Engagement with Public Spaces

• Public spaces for working women are primarily transitional zones (used for commuting).
• Women rarely use public spaces for leisure or recreation.
• Their presence in public spaces is often purpose-driven and time-bound.
• True inclusivity means women can move freely without fear or urgency.

Safety Concerns in Public Spaces

• Violence against women occurs in both public and private spaces.
• Public spaces expose women to gender-based violence from multiple strangers.
• Women often prefer curated spaces like malls and cafes, where they feel safer.
• Everyday public spaces, such as footpaths, bus stations, and streets, remain unwelcoming.
• Street amusement for women is not normalized, unlike for men.

Challenges in Public Space Design

• Public spaces lack design elements that make women feel safe.
• Women avoid certain places due to discomfort and safety concerns.
• Society must recognize that public spaces offer freedom and should be equally accessible.
• Avoiding public spaces is not a solution; instead, women must reclaim them.

Policy-Level Changes for Safer Spaces

• Governments should redesign public spaces by:
  • Improving street lighting.
  • Ensuring safe and accessible public toilets.
  • Installing street furniture (benches, seating areas).
  • Creating recreational spaces for women.
• Strengthening laws and ensuring effective enforcement is crucial.
• Low conviction rates for gender-based violence allow offenders to repeat crimes.
• Women are often blamed for violence, shifting responsibility away from perpetrators.

Steps Towards an Inclusive Society

• Women must normalize their presence in public spaces beyond just necessity.
• Conversations about women’s right to access public spaces should be encouraged.
• Societal attitudes need to change to make public spaces welcoming for women.
• Small, everyday changes can lead to a safer and more inclusive environment.

2. An equitable future for women in science, in India

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Early Barriers in Education

• Many girls face challenges in accessing quality education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Societal norms often discourage them from pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Workplace and Cultural Challenges

• Even after overcoming educational hurdles, women in STEM face societal expectations to prioritize family over careers.
• Gender stereotypes impact hiring, promotions, and funding opportunities.
• Harassment and discrimination in academic and professional settings make it harder for women to continue in STEM careers.

Global and Indian Trends in STEM

• A study across 38 countries shows that women in STEM have higher attrition rates due to workplace discrimination, work-life balance struggles, and lack of access to high-impact research.
• Women face slower career growth, fewer opportunities for leadership roles, and weak professional networks.
• The transition from postdoctoral research to faculty positions is especially difficult due to family responsibilities, low confidence, and lack of female role models.

Importance of Retaining Women in STEM

• Diverse teams improve creativity and innovation in scientific research.
• Women role models in STEM inspire future generations to pursue scientific careers.
• Achieving gender equity in STEM strengthens scientific progress and societal development.

Historical Gender Bias in Science

• Gender inequity in science has existed for centuries, where women’s contributions have often been overshadowed.
• The issue persists today, with women dropping out of STEM careers due to biased teaching methods, lack of role models, and hostile work environments.
• A more recent analysis highlights how mentorship gaps, career disruptions, and hidden barriers in academia further impact women and marginalized groups.

Situation in India

• A survey across 98 Indian institutions (2020-21) found that women faculty members made up only 17% of the total.
• The proportion of women faculty was 23% in biology but only 8% in engineering.
• Women were even less represented in prestigious institutions and senior faculty positions.
• Women scientists were often underrepresented at conferences and overlooked in career-enhancing activities.

Proposed Solutions for Women’s Retention in STEM

1. Institutional Support
   1. Flexible work options, affordable childcare, and work-family integration policies.
2. Public Recognition
   1. Celebrating successful women in science to challenge stereotypes and encourage young girls.
   1. Identifying and addressing gender biases in academia.
3. Career Stage-Specific Interventions
   1. Removing age restrictions on research grants.
   1. Strengthening mentorship programs.
   1. Supporting career re-entry after family or personal breaks.
   1. Increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles.

Government Initiatives in India

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched initiatives like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) in 2020 to create an inclusive STEM environment.
• The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE-KIRAN) and Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) support women in STEM research.
• The Department of Biotechnology introduced the Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) program to help women return to scientific research after career breaks.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research runs programs focused on women’s health and training for women scientists.

Conclusion

• Existing programs must be expanded to bring systemic changes that empower women scientists.
• Recognizing and valuing women’s contributions in STEM will drive India’s scientific progress.
• Full inclusion of women in STEM will strengthen innovation and set an example for gender equality in science worldwide.

Read more – 7 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis