Institutes among the 30 selected nationwide for a pilot project to implement a methodology for assessing and evaluating institutional gender climate with a unique Indian look.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is one of the selected institutes across the country for the advancement of women in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics) by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Called the GATI or ‘Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions Initiative’, it seeks to develop and implement policies and solve problems in a systematic and timely manner.
IIT Madras is interested in contributing to DST’s vision to create the country’s first national assessment and recognition model for S&T institutions, based on gender-sensitive practice.
The Institute is proud to be selected as one of 30 pilot organizations that will use this quantitative approach to address specific gender-based issues.
DST has partnered with a British educational institution to develop GATI, which aims to bring about real and positive change in improving the sex ratio. 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 assessing and evaluating institutional gender climate with a unique Indian look.
Highlighting the impact of GATI in encouraging women to pursue a career in STEM, Professor Preeti Aghaliam, Nodal Officer, GATI Self-Assessment Team (GSAT), IIT Madras, said, “DST’s initiative comes at the right time for us. I look forward to working with the team at IIT Madras Research and Improving Gender Climate. “
A GATI Self-Assessment Team (GSAT) has been set up at IIT Madras with several representatives from each group of stakeholders of the Institute. The leadership and administration of the Institute is committed to the Gender Equity Charter, put together by the GATI team, and GSAT is actively working on the framework created by Dr. Jolie.
The GSAT Working Committee of IIT Madras is headed by Nodal Officer Prof. Preeti Aghaliam, Faculty, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras and is supported by Prof. Anindita Sahu, Prof. Himanshu Sinha, Richu George Philip and Vijay Shankar.
Immediate future plans include:
- Seminar Series – Storytelling from Women Leaders in Different Fields
- Upskilling activities – career advancement and networking workshops for employees
- Support for women research scholars – to improve mobility and opportunities
- Community Outreach Activities – To spread the love of STEM among young women
- Collaboration – Program for the Women’s Faculty for International Mobility