Women in Research: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Udaipur, Sept 08, 2025: In the world of academics, where ideas are meant to flourish and innovation is celebrated, women researchers continue to fight silent battles. Despite making significant strides in education and research, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, top research roles and prestigious fellowships. According to UNESCO’s 2024 Science Report, women constitute 43% of STEM graduates in India, yet they occupy less than 14% of faculty positions in renowned research institutions.

This disparity isn’t merely a statistical concern but it highlights deep-rooted structural, social and institutional barriers that hinder women from reaching their full potential. While some have shattered the proverbial glass ceiling, countless others remain confined beneath it, struggling against bias, systemic inequality and societal expectations.

Persistent Gender Bias:

Women entering research often confront subtle yet persistent biases. From the outset, their competence is questioned, their “commitment” doubted and their priorities scrutinized. Studies by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA, 2023) indicate that nearly 56% of women researchers reported being discouraged from pursuing challenging fields.

This bias often manifests in everyday academic settings:

• Exclusion from collaborative projects involving fieldwork or travel.
• Limited networking opportunities compared to male peers.
• Being overlooked for leadership roles within departments and research groups.
• Receiving less recognition for collaborative work and publications.

Over time, these seemingly small exclusions compound, forming an invisible yet formidable barrier- “the glass ceiling.”

The Double Burden: Balancing work and Life:

One of the biggest challenges for women researchers is juggling dual roles- that of a committed scholar and a primary caregiver. According to the DST-Science Policy Report (2024), nearly 72% of Indian women PhD scholars face interruptions in their research due to family responsibilities.

Deadlines often clash with personal milestones, maternity leave remains insufficient in many institutions and societal expectations still prioritize domestic roles over academic ambitions. The lack of flexible policies makes it difficult for women to attend international conferences, undertake long-term fieldwork, or pursue collaborative research abroad.

This systemic inflexibility forces many to abandon their academic aspirations altogether. UGC data from 2024 shows that about 30% of women PhD candidates drop out midway, often citing “personal reasons”- a term that frequently masks institutional neglect and societal pressure.

Funding and Fellowship Challenges:

Financial independence is vital for sustained research, yet women scholars face disproportionate challenges in accessing funds. A 2023 CSIR survey revealed that female scholars wait 30% longer than their male scholars for fellowship approvals, delaying their projects and affecting their motivation.

Additionally:

• Limited maternity benefits leave many women financially vulnerable during breaks.
• Fewer women secure industry-funded projects, restricting access to high-impact research opportunities.
• There remains a gender gap in prestigious awards, research grants and patents.

These hurdles reinforce a cycle where fewer women lead path-breaking studies or hold patents, further cementing gender disparities in research visibility.

Initiatives such as the Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) by the Department of Science and Technology, IndSciWomen networks and fellowships tailored for women on career breaks are slowly opening doors. Some universities have begun adopting gender-sensitive policies like:

• On-campus childcare facilities.
• Flexible PhD timelines.
• Reserved funds for women-led projects.

These measures are small but significant steps toward dismantling institutional barriers.

The Role of Society and Institutions:

Breaking the glass ceiling in research requires more than just policy interventions. It demands a cultural transformation. Academics must foster an ecosystem where women are valued not as exceptions but as equals. To achieve this:

• Mentorship programs should connect young female scholars with established researchers.
• Flexible work policies and family-friendly campuses must become standard.
• Institutional accountability should ensure equal access to funding and project leadership.
• Societal attitudes need to evolve to support women’s aspirations without questioning their roles or responsibilities.
• Empowering women in research is not simply an act of gender equality. It is a strategic necessity for national progress. India aspires to be a global leader in science, innovation and technology, yet achieving this vision is impossible while nearly half of the country’s intellectual potential remains underutilized.
• The stories of resilience and achievement among women researchers serve as reminders of what is possible when barriers are broken. But for every celebrated success, countless untold struggles persist. Bridging this gap requires collective efforts from policymakers, institutions, society and individuals alike.

The glass ceiling is cracking, but it is not yet shattered. Until research becomes a truly inclusive space, the fight for equity continues. 

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The Authors of this post, Shreya, is a PhD Scholar and Dr.Seema, a Professor with the Department of Resource Management and Consumer Science, College of Community Science, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand