The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, announced the "Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)" Portal on Sunday.
The launch coincides with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and marks a significant step towards addressing the gender gap in STEMM disciplines.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi, Sood emphasized the pivotal role of the SWATI Portal in informing policy-making efforts to tackle gender disparities.
The portal, developed, hosted, and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), under the leadership of Subhra Chakraborty, is envisioned as a comprehensive online platform representing Indian women and girls in STEMM.
Chakraborty, Director of NIPGR, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the portal, which she described as the world's first interactive database of its kind.
She said, " According to the 2021 UN report, there is persistent underrepresentation of women across various sectors, we must emphasize the need for concerted efforts to address this imbalance"
The SWATI Portal aims to be a dynamically growing repository, with plans to include data on women scientists from across the country, spanning academia and industry.
Its objectives include facilitating research on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, and providing a platform for discussion and strategic planning on advancing the role of women in science.
The portal features distinct sections catering to different segments of the STEMM community, including icons and awardees, faculty members, research fellows, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in alternate careers.
Currently, the portal hosts data cards of over 3000 women in science, with plans for further expansion.
The launch event saw the participation of distinguished scientists and leaders in the field, including Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. P N Tandon, and presidents of prominent science academies.
Additionally, experts from across the country were also invited to share their insights, while young women scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs participated actively, focusing on the portal's potential to nurture talent and collaboration.
"The Inter-Academy Panel aims to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape in STEMM disciplines, ultimately leveraging science and technology for the welfare of women", Ministry of Science and Technology stated.
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