What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: Inclusion in public spaces — from fear to freedom

Context

Public spaces, which are arenas where socio-economic life thrives, need to be reshaped where women feel safe and welcome.

 

Introduction

India is often considered to be one of the most unsafe countries for women, a reality that demands urgent and deliberate change. India was ranked 128 among 177 countries rated in Women, Peace and Security Index 2023. While deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that lead to violence cannot be dismantled overnight, meaningful progress can be made by challenging the everyday barriers that women face. On International Women’s Day today, it is crucial to reflect on a fundamental but an often-ignored issue — the accessibility of public spaces for women.

• While the topic is deeply studied and researched in the academic world, very little has changed practically.
• For instance, how many women do we see on roads when compared to men at any given point of time?
• Which are the spaces where they are more visible?
• And which are the areas which they completely avoid?
• How freely can women walk on the streets?
• Or do women consciously regulate their body language to conform to the male gaze?

 

Gendered spatial control

• Importance of Public Spaces: Public spaces serve as arenas where socio-economic life thrives and evolves.
  1. Mutual interactions and collective experiences shape community identities and social dynamics.
  2. People cultivate political identities, build livelihoods, and actively engage in community life.
  3. Enthusiastic participation in public spaces integrates individuals into societal processes.
  4. A key indicator of a place’s safety is the presence of women freely choosing to relax and enjoy themselves there.
• Impacts on Women’s Mobilities: Public spaces are gendered and political, confining a majority of women to the private and domestic sphere.
  1. Gendered spatial control occurs in many ways.
• Statistical Insights on Women's Mobility:
  1. National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) Data (2015–16):
     • 54% of Indian women had the freedom to visit markets alone.
     • 50% could access health-care facilities independently.
     • 48% were permitted to travel outside their village or community unaccompanied.
  2. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24:
     • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women is 35.6%.
     • Despite significant growth, more than half of the female population remains outside the workforce.
  3. Majority of women remain confined to private spaces, but a rising number are using public spaces.
• Women’s Engagement with Public Spaces: For working women, public spaces serve primarily as transitional zones for commuting.
  1. These spaces are rarely used for leisure or recreation.
  2. Women’s engagement with public spaces is purpose-driven and time-bound.
  3. Spatial restrictions limit their presence to functional necessities rather than unrestricted social participation.
• Reclaiming Public Spaces: A space is truly safe and inclusive when women can navigate it freely and without hesitation.
  1. ‘Why Loiter?’ (Phadke, Ranade, Khan, 2011) argues that reclaiming public spaces is not just about necessity but also about leisure and uninhibited presence.
  2. When women move without purpose, urgency, or conforming to the male gaze, they assert their right to belong.
  3. Transforming public spaces into shared, equitable environments requires allowing women to simply exist in these spaces.

 

The issue of safety

• Women’s safety as a pressing concern: Violence against women is not confined to public spaces.
  1. Many women face threats even within their homes which is considered to be a comparatively safer space.
  2. In open spaces, the risk of gendered violence from multiple strangers is high.
  3. This has reinforced the belief that women need protection, ultimately restricting their autonomy.
• Curated spaces vs. open spaces: Women are largely found in curated spaces such as malls, theatres, and cafes, where the likelihood of violence is perceived to be lower.
  1. But what about women on footpaths, bus stations, or narrow streets — just a group of girls sitting around and having fun?
  2. Street amusement where women are the participants is not a normal sight.
• Everyday spaces and gendered access: Everyday public spaces — those that men navigate freely — continue to be unwelcoming to women.
  1. The fact that women cannot simply exist in these spaces without discomfort or fear raises a critical question.
  2. What is fundamentally flawed in the design of public spaces that prevents women from fully claiming and navigating them as their own?
• Community role and government role: It is here that the community and the government can be great enablers.
  1. As a society, we must acknowledge and accept the fact that public spaces offer a sense of freedom.
  2. Yet, this very freedom often translates to a loss of control for families over women’s mobility.
• Risk is inevitable but avoiding public spaces is not the solution: Men are subjected to street violence as well, even though their nature of vulnerability is different from that of women.
  1. Women need to reclaim these spaces with the same ease as men, fostering autonomy rather than restriction.
  2. For this, women should have more conversations about this problem, take out time to go around and ‘hang out’ and have fun in public spaces.
  3. Normalising a woman’s use of public space for leisure can contribute to this shift.

 

Policy level changes

• Policy level and government role: The government can drive change by reimagining public space planning and design.
  1. This includes improving street lighting, ensuring safe and accessible public toilets.
  2. Installing street furniture such as benches, and creating more recreational spaces tailored for women.
• Public safety and legal enforcement: Another critical area requiring government intervention is strengthening public safety.
  1. Through stringent laws and their effective enforcement to address crimes against women in public spaces.
• Low conviction and repeat offenders: How many men are actually punished for gender-based violence in public spaces?
  1. How many secure bail, only to repeat their crimes?
  2. The low conviction rate remains a glaring issue that must be addressed.
• Victim blaming and societal attitudes: Even today, women are often blamed for being in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.
  1. Shifting the focus from the perpetrator to the victim.
  2. Society places the burden of safety on women while simultaneously excusing or downplaying the actions of offenders.
• Gendered fear and patriarchal control: This not only fosters a culture of impunity but also reinforces a gendered fear.
  1. That serves as a tool for patriarchal control.

 

Conclusion

So, by consciously reshaping public spaces, we can create environments where women feel safe and truly welcome. While centuries of patriarchy cannot be dismantled overnight, meaningful change begins with small, everyday actions. From the built environment of public space to societal attitudes, every shift, no matter how gradual, brings us closer to an inclusive society where women can navigate and own public spaces freely, without fear or restriction.

 

Editorial 2: An equitable future for women in science, in India

Context

With India continuing to push the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement, it must ensure the full inclusion of women in this journey

 

Introduction

Women in science navigate a minefield of challenges that often start early. Educational barriers, such as limited access to quality schools and gendered societal norms, can discourage girls from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For those who persist and are fortunate to get past these early hurdles, cultural expectations frequently demand that they prioritise family over careers, severely jeopardising professional growth. Gender stereotypes further restrict opportunities, affecting hiring, promotions and funding. Harassment and discrimination in academic settings add another dimension of hostility that push many women out of the field.

 

A study of STEM scientists

• Global patterns and India’s trends: A study of STEM scientists across 38 countries reveals higher attrition rates for women.
  1. Driven by non-inclusive workplaces, work-life balance struggles, and limited access to high-impact research.
  2. These barriers slow career progression and reduce access to senior roles and professional networks.
  3. Increasing dropout rates and making postdoc-to-faculty transition especially challenging for women.
• Key barriers and career challenges: Familial responsibilities, low confidence, and lack of female role models are key factors.
  1. As highlighted by research from the National Institutes of Health.
• Retention of women in science is vital: Diverse teams drive creativity and innovation, leading to breakthroughs.
  1. More women in science results in role models for future generations.
  2. Promoting equity ensures that women can contribute fully to scientific progress.
• Historical struggles and recognition issues: The “Matilda Effect” describes the tendency to downplay women’s scientific contributions.
  1. In favour of their male colleagues, highlighting the historic struggle.
• Persistent gender inequity in STEM fields: Nearly 200 years later, gender inequity in STEM persists.
  1. Jacob Clark Blickenstaff’s “leaky pipeline” metaphor describes women dropping out.
  2. Due to biased pedagogy, lack of role models, and hostile workplaces.
• Structural barriers and systemic inequities: A more recent “Chutes and Ladders” model highlights broader barriers.
  1. Mentorship, access to hidden knowledge, and career disruptions hinder women.
  2. Emphasising the need to address inequities within academic systems.

 

A survey across India

• India’s context and conservative attitudes: Examining these concepts is particularly valuable in India.
  1. Where conservative attitudes abound and gender disparities persist.
• Survey findings and faculty representation: An extensive survey across 98 institutions conducted in 2020-21.
  1. Found that women faculty members across all fields were a mere 17%.
  2. Ranging from 23% in biology to 8% in engineering.
  3. The proportion was even lower within higher-ranked institutions and dwindled further in senior faculty roles.
  4. Women scientists were vastly under-represented at conferences and career-enhancing activities.
• Reimagined approach and policy involvement: Addressing these challenges demands a reimagined approach to inclusivity.
  1. Involving policymakers, institutions, and the scientific community.
  2. Particularly for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged women.
• Early intervention and lasting impact: Approaches vary based on timing of intervention.
  1. Early intervention engaging parents, educators, and the broader social environment is key.
• Key recommendations to improve retention:
  1. First, institutional changes such as flexible work options and affordable childcare.
  2. Supporting work-family integration is essential for long-term retention.
  3. Second, public recognition of both triumphs and obstacles is crucial.
  4. Showcasing successful women in science challenges stereotypes.
  5. Calling out setbacks, as exemplified by BiasWatchIndia, can drive progress.
  6. Finally, a nuanced approach across career stages is crucial.
  7. Eliminating age restrictions on grants, fostering mentorship networks.
  8. Supporting career re-entry after a break for family or personal reasons.
  9. Amplifying senior women’s voices in leadership and decision-making.

 

Interventions

• Government initiatives and gender equity: The Indian government has taken significant steps to advance gender equity in STEM.
  1. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) pilot in 2020.
• Key programmes and support initiatives: GATI aims to foster an inclusive environment for women and gender-diverse individuals in STEM.
  1. Supporting participation-boosting initiatives such as Women in Science and Engineering-Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (WISE-KIRAN).
  2. And the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) programmes.
• Biotechnology sector and career re-entry: Noteworthy efforts include the Department of Biotechnology’s BioCARe programme.
  1. Which supports women scientists returning to research after career breaks.
• Medical research and women’s training: The Indian Council of Medical Research spearheads several programmes.
  1. Promoting women’s health and training for women scientists.
• Scaling reforms and long-term impact: While these initiatives reflect progress, they must scale into broader reforms.
  1. To ensure that women scientists are recognised, empowered, and valued.

 

Conclusion

As India continues to push the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement, the full inclusion of women in this journey is not only a matter of fairness but also an example of true progress that can set a powerful example for the world to emulate.