Women and Science in India: Gendering Science or Democratizing Gender?

The next session of the seminar « Gender, Behavior and Decision-Making » will take place Tuesday the 14^th of March from 5 pm to 6 pm online (Teams). The Teams link will be provided in due time. 

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The seminar will be held online (Teams event)

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We will have the pleasure to listen to Saurabh Kumar who will present “Gendering Science or Democratizing Gender? A Report on Women and Science in India.

Dr. Saurabh Kumar is an applied economist based in India. His area of research encompasses sustainability, international trade, gender and science. He has accumulated a wealth of field experience through his work in various Asian countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan among others. Dr. Kumar is currently affiliated with the AEPC and has previously held positions at CUTS and the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has been honored with the Subir Chowdhury Fellowship on Quality and Economics and has received research grants from notable institutions such as FES, ERIA, and ADBI. Dr. Kumar holds a PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. 

Abstract

This study attempts to understand the participation, challenges and opportunities of women in scientific careers in India. This study was conducted utilizing a combination of a brief online survey and in-depth individual interviews with female scientists. The study found that low participation of women in scientific careers in India in comparison to the global average is a matter of grave concern. The research also suggests that in order to foster optimal involvement of women in scientific pursuits, a reconsideration of the traditional approaches to science education and practices in the workplace is required, as well as a transformation of the social, psychological and cultural fabric of Indian society.

Additionally, it is important to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face in the pursuit of scientific careers in India, including lack of supportive work environments. Furthermore, there needs to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the significance of gender diversity in scientific fields and to promote female role models in these fields. By addressing these challenges, India can take steps towards increasing female participation in scientific careers and achieving a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

About our Women & Science Chair

The Women and Science Chair at Université Paris Dauphine - PSL, created with the support of the L’Oréal Foundation, the Generali Foundation, La Poste, and the Talan Group, seeks to engage and foster interdisciplinary approaches to analyzing the causes and consequences of the underrepresentation of women in careers in scientific research and academia.

The Women and Science Chair is member of the UNESCO chairs network.

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