The IIT-B initiative fostering an interest in STEM courses among girls

Launched last year by IIT Bombay, the initiative aims to familiarise young girls with STEM disciplines as they approach crucial decisions regarding their higher education. What started as a local initiative in Maharashtra, Bihar and Odisha has now become an annual event.

From assembling basic light bulb circuits to constructing complex FM radios and experimenting with various sensor and actuator circuits controlled by microprocessors, the girls, accompanied by their school teachers, have gained hands-on experience in numerous scientific experiments guided by IIT Bombay students.

The programme also features talks by accomplished women from across various fields.

“WiSE primarily intends to encourage girls to choose STEM courses. But a lot of these girls are likely to either drop-out of education or choose courses which would help them find jobs that allow them to focus more on domestic duties.”

Professor Rajesh Zele from Department of Electrical Engineering who is leading the initiative alongside a team of student volunteers from IIT Bombay said, “I am more interested in pursuing the Arts. Participating in WiSE has given me a great sense of confidence that I can make a career in the field of my choice,” Dharti Nayak, a participant from JNV Anand in Gujarat said.

Tata’s Vigyan Vidushi

Earlier this week, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) commenced its annual Vigyan Vidushi programme through its Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). Aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in Physics at the doctoral level, this residential programme has been running since 2020. This year, 46 women students from across India, who have completed their first year MSc in Physics, are participating. Over the course of three weeks, they will be exposed to advanced physics courses and encouraged to conduct innovative experiments. The programme provides mentorship from successful women scientists, fostering inspiration and guidance for aspiring physicists.