Empowering Women in Space Science: The Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP)

In a significant move towards gender inclusivity in space science, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has teamed up with the British Council to launch the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP). This pioneering initiative, part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), aims to promote gender-inclusive practices within space science institutions and provide women with the tools to succeed in this dynamic field.

Vandana Singh, head of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)-KIRAN division at DST, emphasized the program's far-reaching impact. “By building a robust leadership framework, we can empower women to contribute meaningfully to scientific research and innovation,” she said. The program is designed to equip women in the space sciences with leadership skills and the ability to challenge gender biases.

Coventry University will play a key role as the delivery partner for this initiative. Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, emphasized the global significance of the program, stating, “Collaboration is key to addressing global challenges, and increased representation of women in STEM fields is essential to that effort.”

Elena Gaura from Coventry University added that the program seeks to identify women who can drive cultural change within their institutions. Rather than replicating existing structures, these women will be trained to reshape the space science landscape, ensuring more gender-inclusive environments.

The Women in Space Leadership Programme aims to build the leadership capacity of 250 early-career researchers. These researchers will gain tools to navigate the challenges of gender biases and build sustainable support networks that will allow them to thrive in their careers.

Prof. Annapurni Subramaniyam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), also highlighted the increasing relevance of space science in diverse fields such as engineering and social sciences. She encouraged women to engage early in these fields to fully capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The WiSLP workshop, held on Monday, brought together academics and policymakers to discuss strategies for promoting gender equity in space science, both on a national and global scale. The program’s focus will be on establishing sustainable mentoring networks, enhancing scientific innovation through a gender-inclusive lens, and addressing key areas such as astrophysics and telecommunications.

This initiative represents a promising step towards creating a more inclusive future in space science. By empowering women with the leadership skills and networks they need, the WiSLP sets a new standard for gender equity in STEM fields.