Current Affair 1:

News:

There are fewer women with jobs in sustainable industries despite growing employment opportunities in these ‘green’ sectors, according to a new analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This gap is consistent across both advanced economies (AE) and emerging market and developing economies (EMDE).

What is the reason?

The gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is one of the biggest barriers to women getting green jobs. These skills are essential for engineering, renewable energy, and technology sectors that drive innovation. But women remain underrepresented in STEM fields despite making significant progress in higher education.

Women account for less than a third of STEM graduates in many countries, leaving them less prepared for green jobs that will shape the future labor market.

What government should do?

Policymakers should lower these barriers by giving women incentives for STEM education and ensuring equal access to green jobs. This includes early STEM exposure, mentorship, and public-private partnerships.

Ireland, for example, tripled its share of young women earning STEM degrees in the space of eight years by integrating STEM subjects across all education levels, with a focus on early education for girls, in addition to adopting gender-focused curricula and providing specialized training for educators.

What steps India has taken?

India has taken several significant steps to increase the presence and participation of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Government Initiatives

Vigyan Jyoti Program:

Launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), this initiative aims to inspire and empower girls to pursue careers in STEM, particularly in underrepresented areas like engineering and technology.

It provides scholarships, mentorship, science camps, and exposure to cutting-edge research and technology for girls in grades 9-12, especially from rural areas.

KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing):

The KIRAN program, also under DST, is designed to support women in research and development (R&D).

It includes initiatives like research grants for women scientists, particularly those returning to the workforce after a career break due to family responsibilities.

The program provides fellowships, training, and workshops for capacity building in STEM disciplines.

Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI):

GATI is a program launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote gender equality in STEM institutions.

It encourages research institutions and universities to adopt gender-sensitive policies and practices and supports institutional transformation to reduce barriers for women in science.

INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research):

The INSPIRE program aims to identify and encourage talented students, including girls, in STEM fields from a young age.

It provides scholarships and internships to high-performing students from Class 6 onwards, fostering interest in science and technology.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):

Through AIM, the government promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among school students by establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country.

These labs encourage students, including girls, to experiment with science and technology through hands-on activities in fields like robotics, AI, and IoT.

Udaan Program:

Launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Udaan provides free online resources and mentoring for girl students in classes 11 and 12 to prepare for entrance exams to prestigious engineering institutions like IITs and NITs.

It aims to bridge the gap in access to quality education for girls in STEM.

 

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