In order to empower women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in India, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) which is a Government of India enterprise has announced the Women Leadership in STEM Programme.
The BIRAC has collaborated with WomenLift Health and the Grand Challenges India (GCI) to launch this initiative. The Women Leadership in STEM (WLS) Programme aims to bring about a systemic change towards gender equity in STEM leadership by investing in those female professionals who are in their careers. This initiative will provide them with the tools, networks, and mentorship which is required to excel in their chosen fields.
In one year, this part-time programme will bring together a cohort of 20 mid-career Women leaders who are working in STEM institutions in India for three fully funded five-day residential leadership workshops. The Center for Creative Leadership has cooperated to design the sessions which intend to help these women realize their full potential as leaders and decision-makers. These sessions will also promote a strong network of champions and institutional partners.
The WLS programme will also include a Leadership Project that will address real-world challenges such as empowering women and girls in STEM, strengthening institutional change, optimizing the pathways to leadership, advancing STEM innovation and policy in India, and also constructing integrated and resilient health systems.
The WLS program is an Indian government's commitment to women-led development as discussed at the G20 Summit in September 2023. It is a path for representation and participation of women leaders in decision-making processes resulting in more balanced and diverse leadership teams.
Women's leaders who are in their mid-career with 10 to 25 years of experience at recognized public and private STEM institutions can apply for the WLS program which will start its applications on 27 October 2023.
