Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST)
Context:
Dr. Parvinder Maini, the Scientific Secretary at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, proudly unveiled the “Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST)” initiative, as part of the renowned I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map) project.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science & Technology)
About:
- WEST programme, an empowering platform specifically designed for women with a STEM background, propelling them into the areas of science, technology, and innovation.
- This visionary initiative, residing under the wide-reaching umbrella of I-STEM, the national web portal for sharing research equipment and facilities, paves the way for numerous collaborative ventures in research and technological advancements between academia and industry, with a special focus on startups.
- WEST, offers an exclusive avenue to delve into the basic and applied sciences, exploring the cutting-edge frontiers of science and engineering.
- It provides an extraordinary chance for women to become stakeholders in diverse domains and embark on fulfilling careers in research and development at various levels, ranging from operating and maintaining scientific equipment to designing and manufacturing them.
- It unravels the exciting prospects of skill development programmes tailored to women with a profound S&T background. These transformative programs aim to polish their abilities and position them to actively engage “in the field” as invaluable lab technicians and maintenance engineers, effectively bridging critical gaps in the country’s R&D infrastructure.
- The WEST initiative amplifies the support provided to women entrepreneurs in S&T startups by I-STEM. Offering unfettered access to an array of R&D facilities and cutting-edge software platforms such as COMSOL, MATLAB, LABVIEW, and AUTOCAD through the I-STEM portal, this forms an unyielding support network for aspiring women entrepreneurs in the realm of science and technology.
- I-STEM serves as a platform and forum for women researchers to engage in meaningful discussions, deliberate on accomplishments, address pertinent issues, and exchange groundbreaking ideas, collectively steering the nation forward through transformative advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
- Additionally, a digital consortium known as “Connect Quickly” has been established through the I-STEM WhatsApp and Telegram platforms, ensuring seamless online discussions and immediate support for the aspiring women of WEST.
- Undoubtedly, WEST is set to redefine the role of women in STEM fields and shape a brighter future for science, technology, and society as a whole. The successful implementation of the WEST initiative rests upon the capable shoulders of a dedicated team of exceptional women. Their unwavering commitment and meticulous execution will be the driving force behind the transformative impact of this remarkable endeavor.
