On February 11, 2024, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Central Government, took a significant step towards promoting women in science by inaugurating the Swati Portal at the Indian National Science Academy.
About SWATI Portal
The Swati Portal, launched on February 11, 2024, is a pioneering online platform dedicated to addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Abbreviated as ‘Science for Women – A Technology and Innovation’ (Swati), this initiative aims to promote women across diverse scientific disciplines.
Developed by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Swati Portal serves as an interactive database, pioneering as the first of its kind in India. With a dynamic development approach, NIPGR envisions Swati as a tool to provide easy access to data on women scientists nationwide, fostering inclusivity and supporting policy-making efforts.
The portal’s core objective is to rectify gender imbalances in the scientific realm, contributing to the larger goal of encouraging women’s active participation in STEM. The launch event emphasized the significance of women in science, shedding light on emerging opportunities and advocating for the increased inclusion of women in scientific and technological pursuits.
Benefit of SWATI Portal
The Swati Portal is designed to spotlight the significance of “science for women and women in science,” emphasizing inclusivity across diverse levels of academia and industry. Encompassing a broad spectrum, the portal is poised to feature: Young Female Scientists, Researchers, Various Institutions, Universities, Students from PG Colleges, Industries, Technocrats and Start-ups
By encompassing these facets, the Swati Portal aims to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, showcase advancements in fundamental sciences, and contribute to the foundation of a self-reliant India. Notably, the portal features sections dedicated to award winners, directors, secretaries, academy presidents, and details of Indian universities, fostering a comprehensive platform for recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements in the field of science.
Current scientific scenario related to women
Empowering women involves enhancing their involvement in decision-making processes that impact their lives profoundly. A pivotal aspect of this empowerment lies in the imperative to educate more women, particularly in the domains of science and technology. Scientific education not only elevates awareness but also cultivates a mindset equipped to discern between right and wrong.
Providing training to women in the realms of science and technology addresses challenges they encounter, fostering their comprehensive development. Through this, women scientists play a crucial role in creating opportunities for others, raising awareness about scientific and social issues. Such initiatives contribute significantly to narrowing the gender gap in the field of science, promoting a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.