Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras is among the Institutions selected nationwide by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to advance Women in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics).
Called GATI or ‘Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions Initiative’ it seeks to develop and implement policies and address issues in a systematic and timely manner.
The DST partnered with British Educational Institutions to develop GATI, which aims to bring about tangible and positive changes in terms of the improvement of gender ratios. A Gender Equity Charter has also been developed for an India-specific context. Dr. Pratibha Jolly, former Principal, Miranda House, Delhi, and her team have developed a methodology for evaluation and assessment of the institutional gender climate, with a uniquely Indian look.
Highlighting the commitment of IIT Madras to the cause of Women in STEM, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “DST’s initiatives are very important and aligned with the overarching objectives of IIT Madras. IITM will support the GATI initiative fully.”
A GATI Self-Assessment Team (GSAT) has been established at IIT Madras with several representatives from each group of stakeholders at the institute. The institute leadership and administration are committed to the Gender Equity Charter put together by the GATI team, and the GSAT is actively working on the framework developed by Dr. Jolly.
The plans for the immediate future include:
- Seminar series – storytelling from women leaders from various spheres
- Upskilling activities – career advancement and networking workshops for staff
- Support for women research scholars – to enhance mobility and opportunities
- Community outreach activities – to spread the love of STEM in young women
- Collaborations – programs for women faculty for international mobility
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