Today, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, unveiled the “Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create a single online platform representing Indian women and girls in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
The SWATI Portal, developed, hosted, and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, under the leadership of Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director, NIPGR, is a comprehensive interactive database. It serves as the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, offering a platform to showcase and highlight the contributions of women in various fields of science and technology.
During the launch event held at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi, Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of the SWATI Portal in policy-making to address the challenges of gender-gap in the field of science and technology. He highlighted the significance of having a centralized database to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women scientists across the country.
Dr. Chakraborty, in her address, underscored the unique features of the SWATI Portal, describing it as the world’s first interactive platform of its kind. She emphasized the need to address the under-representation of women in various sectors, citing data from the 2021 UN Report.
The launch event featured a keynote address by Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of TWAS, who emphasized the importance of gender parity in all sectors of life. She stressed the role of education as a tool for empowering women and girls in science and technology.
The SWATI Portal aims to serve as a catalyst for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the field of science and technology. It provides a platform for women scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and share their expertise. By showcasing the achievements and contributions of women in STEMM fields, the portal aims to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders in science and technology.
With sections dedicated to icons, faculty members, research fellows, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in alternate careers, the SWATI Portal offers a comprehensive overview of women’s participation in science and technology. Currently, the portal includes data cards of 3000 women scientists, with plans to expand its coverage to include women across all career stages and subjects.
The launch event was attended by distinguished scientists and policymakers, including Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. P N Tandon, Presidents of the three Science Academies, and other eminent personalities from the scientific community.
The launch of the SWATI Portal marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in science and technology. It underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific ecosystem, driving innovation, and strengthening the nation’s position as a global leader in science and technology.
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