New Delhi, Sep 26, 2024: The UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), the UK and India’s flagship bilateral programme on education and research, has launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) to develop a women’s leadership development framework to support institutions in strengthening their gender-inclusive practices and policies, specifically around space sciences and allied areas.
WiSLP – launched as part of UKIERI by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, with Coventry University (UK) as the delivery partner – will be designed in consultation with experts from India and seeks to foster women’s leadership in science and research.
To promote a more equitable distribution of leadership opportunities and enable a workplace culture that recognises female leaders, this programme is underpinned on three foundational pillars: Intersectionality or understanding of different aspects of women’s identities, Collaborative culturally sensitive approaches that respond to opportunities and challenges in India, Using leadership theory from both social science and STEM to support female scientists to become more confident about their leadership abilities
Furthermore, the framework will deliver a strategic leadership briefing to present recommendations to higher education policymakers and leaders; a capacity building of 250 early career researchers (ECRs), to become better equipped to take up leadership roles and navigate gender biases and associated barriers. The programme will incorporate mechanisms for networking, awareness-building, and peer-to-peer mentoring. It will build capacities of women leaders beyond the scope of the programme by developing a sustainable programme by developing training the trainers and developing online resources
Dr Vandana Singh, Head, WISE-KIRAN, Department of Science and Technology, said, “We are very happy to launch WiSLP to strengthen gender-inclusive practices in space sciences and allied field. As India is investing hugely in Space science and allied areas, there are immense opportunities for women researchers to become role models . It’s the time when we should encourage and promote those women who are working in this area and also are at Early Career Research level. We will work with British Council and Coventry University to provide mentoring and leadership development opportunities for women researchers, ensuring a stronger, more diverse representation in science and research. By building a robust support network, we aim to enhance scientific productivity while integrating a gender perspective into critical areas like remote sensing, astrophysics, and telecommunications, among others.”
Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director India, British Council, said, “The British Council is delighted to collaborate with Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to launch The Women in Space Leadership Programme and we are happy that Coventry University are partnering with us on this important initiative. By supporting women in leadership roles, we hope to create transformative impacts at both the institutional and individual levels. Over the years, UKIERI has facilitated over 25,000 academic exchanges across 4,500 educational institutions, strengthening collaboration across research and industry sectors between India and the UK."
Elena Gaura, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, said: “Coventry University is honoured to collaborate with the British Council and India's Department of Science and Technology on this transformative leadership development initiative for women in STEM and space sciences. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasising an intersectional approach, this project will empower future female leaders, both in the UK and India, to navigate and overcome institutional challenges. Together, we are committed to advancing gender equality, enhancing scientific innovation and building strong, inclusive academic frameworks that will impact generations to come."
