‘SWATI’ Portal Launched to Empower Women in Science and Technology
Today marks a significant milestone in the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) as the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, unveiled the groundbreaking “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal. Launched on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi, this initiative aims to create a unified online platform representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM fields.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of the SWATI Portal in facilitating policy-making efforts to address gender disparities in STEMM. Developed, hosted, and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, under the leadership of Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director of NIPGR, this interactive database is the first-of-its-kind in India.
Dr. Chakraborty highlighted the significance of the SWATI Portal, citing it as a pioneering endeavor globally. The portal’s dynamic nature ensures the inclusion of data from all women scientists across India, spanning various career stages and subjects in academia and industry.
In her keynote address, Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of TWAS, underscored the ongoing need to address gender parity in all sectors, emphasizing the role of education as a powerful equalizer.
The launch event, organized by the Inter Academy Panel (IAP) on Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine (STEMM), aimed to shed light on the importance of “Science for Women & Women in Science” and explore emerging opportunities for women in S&T endeavors.
With the SWATI Portal, several objectives are envisaged, including scaling up efforts to include every Indian woman in science, enabling reliable research on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, and providing a platform for networking and collaboration among women scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The event witnessed the presence of eminent scientists, including Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. P N Tandon, and Dr. Manju Sharma, among others, who shared insights and expertise on advancing the role of women in science and technology.
As the SWATI Portal unfolds a new chapter in the journey towards gender equality in STEMM fields, it stands as a testament to India’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of its scientific talent and fostering inclusive growth and development.
