What challenges do women scientists face in accessing research funding, and how can these be addressed in India?

Women scientists in India often face multiple challenges in accessing research funding, which impacts their participation and progress in scientific fields. These challenges are rooted in social, institutional, and systemic biases, and addressing them is crucial for ensuring gender equality in science.

Challenges faced by women scientists in accessing research funding:
• Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Persistent stereotypes about women's capabilities can influence grant review processes and lead to unconscious bias against women applicants.
• Lack of Representation: Fewer women in decision-making positions on funding committees can result in limited advocacy for gender-sensitive policies and evaluation criteria.
• Career Breaks and Age Limits: Women often take career breaks for family reasons, which can affect their eligibility for grants that have strict age or experience criteria.
• Limited Networking Opportunities: Women may have less access to professional networks, mentorship, and collaborations that are crucial for successful grant applications.
• Work-Life Balance Issues: Balancing research with family responsibilities can limit the time women can dedicate to preparing competitive proposals.
• Lack of Institutional Support: Insufficient institutional mechanisms to support women researchers, such as flexible work hours or child care facilities, can hinder their research productivity and funding prospects.

Measures to address these challenges in India:
• Gender-Sensitive Grant Policies: Funding agencies can introduce policies that account for career breaks and relax age or experience criteria for women applicants.
• Increase Women’s Representation: Ensure more women are included in review panels and decision-making bodies related to research funding.
• Mentorship and Networking: Establish structured mentorship programs and networking platforms to support women scientists in proposal writing and collaborations.
• Awareness and Sensitization: Conduct regular training for grant reviewers to recognize and counteract gender bias in the evaluation process.
• Institutional Support Systems: Provide facilities like on-campus child care, flexible working hours, and re-entry fellowships for women returning after career breaks.
• Dedicated Funding Schemes: Launch special funding schemes and fellowships exclusively for women scientists to encourage their participation in research.