An enduring challenge in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is the persistent gender inequality. Research and statistical data indicate that women are significantly under-represented in STEM fields.
By contrast to males, women make up a smaller proportion of the STEM workforce and exhibit less inclination to seek degrees and careers in STEM fields.
It is in this backdrop, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir organized Two days National workshop on the theme, “Empowering Women in STEM: Bridging opportunists in J & K”.
The Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the role of gender equality in all walks of academia, including STEM.
Many eminent scientist such as Prof. Madu Dikshit (Ex-director, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow), Prof. Suman Kundu (Director, BITS-PILANI, Goa), Prof. Alok Nag (former Dean, South Campus, University of Delhi), Prof. Renu Deswal (University of Delhi), Dr. Deepa Agashe (NCBS, Bangalore), Dr. Suphiya Khan (Shri Ram Institute, New Delhi), Prof. Deepa Venkitesh ( IIT, Madras), Dr. Ruhul Jabeen Shah (SKIMS, Srinagar) and Dr. Fatima Jalid (NIT, Srinagar).
The workshop was attended by faculties from degree colleges across the valley, research scholars, students and scientists from other universities and institutes.
The workshop ended with panel discussion headed by Dean Research, University of Kashmir and moderated by Dr. Syed Afshana about various steps that need to be taken to overcome the roadblocks for women who want to peruse their career in STEM.
All the participants and attendees appreciated the conduct of workshop and emphasized that more such seminars should be conducted in the future to raise the awareness about the STEM careers and opportunities among the scientists and students.
