IIT Madras selected by DST for GATI initiative to increase presence of women in STEM

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been selected by the department of science and technology, under the Union ministry of science and technology to be part of the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions initiative (GATI) to increase the ratio of women in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

“IIT Madras is keen to contribute to DST’s vision to develop the country’s first National Assessment and Accreditation Model for S&T institutions, which is based on gender-sensitive practices,” said a statement from IIT Madras.

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GATI was developed under a partnership between DST and British Educational Institutions. Under the GATI initiative, a GATI self-assessment team (GSAT) has also been constituted at IIT Madras, with nodal officer Preeti Aghalayam, faculty at the chemical engineering department as its head. The GATI team has also developed a gender equity charter with an India-specific context.

Under the GATI initiative, IIT Madras will be carrying out the following activities:

• Seminar series where women leaders will share stories

• Upskilling activities such as workshops aimed at career advancement and networking for staff

• Providing support for women research scholars to enhance mobility and opportunities

• Community outreach activities to spread awareness on STEM field, opportunities and passion so as to develop an interest in young women.

• Collaborations: IIT Madras will conduct programmes for women faculty for international mobility

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“IT Madras has many initiatives like WLI (Women leading IIT Madras) to encourage and empower women employees and students. GATI program by DST is very promising and timely. I am very happy that IIT Madras is one of the pilot institutions selected for this program,” said Ligy Philip, dean (planning) at IIT Madras.