The first formal session on "Women and Gender related issues in Indian astronomy” took place at the 2014 annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of India held at IISER-Mohali on 21 March 2014. Speakers at this session included Sushan Konar, Niruj Mohan, Preeti Kharb, Prajval Shastri, Pushpa Khare, and Rathanasree. The session was Chaired by T. R. Seshadri of Delhi University.
An open discussion followed which was moderated by Bhaswati Mookerjea and Sushan Konar. Several points emerged out of the discussion. Some of the pertinent ones were as follows -
1. to increase the participation of women at all levels,
2. to promote gender awareness and creating a gender-sensitive community,
3. to address the question of career break,
4. introduce proper mentoring schemes for young women,
5. promote awareness of GoI schemes for women scientists, etc.
The program is listed as follows:
Chairperson : Prof. T. R. Seshadri, Delhi University
Introduction & summary of the ASI 2013 Gender session - Sushan Konar & Niruj Ramanujam (NCRA-TIFR)
Current Statistics on Women in Indian Astronomy - Dr. Preeti Kharb (IIA)
Structural Interventions Towards Gender Equity: Seeding or Hindering Cultural Change? - Prof. Prajval Shastri (IIA)
Break ke baad : Getting back to research after a break - Prof. Pushpa Khare (IUCAA)
Alternative career options - Dr. Rathnasree (Delhi Planetarium)
A survey of gender issues in Astronomy - Dr. Niruj Ramanujam (NCRA-TIFR)
Breaking the silence - Dr. Sushan Konar (NCRA-TIFR)
Discussion - Moderators : Dr. Bhaswati Mookerjea (TIFR) and Dr. Sushan Konar(NRCA-TIFR)
Where do we go from here ?
Gender statistics (2013)
