ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave: Empowering Women in STEM

The 2nd ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, held in Cambodia, serves as a strategic platform to increase female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and develop collaborative research to address climate change and food security across Southeast Asia and India. According to the ASEAN Main Portal, the event included participation from the Secretary-General of ASEAN and officials from India’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM Leadership

The conclave focuses on removing systemic barriers that prevent women from entering and advancing in scientific fields. An official from India's Ministry of Science and Technology (MISTI) stated that the primary aim is to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers, citing the need for diverse perspectives to solve complex regional problems.

According to reports from the Khmer Times, the event emphasizes the "charting of a path" for leadership, which involves creating mentorship networks and formal partnerships between Indian and ASEAN research institutions.

Targeting Climate Change and Food Security

Participants at the conclave identified climate change and food security as the two most critical challenges requiring immediate scientific intervention. The Star reports that the gathering called for the empowerment of women scientists specifically to tackle these issues, as women often manage the primary agricultural and natural resource sectors in rural ASEAN and Indian communities.

The strategic focus includes:

Strengthening ASEAN-India Diplomatic Ties through Science

This event is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen the ASEAN-India partnership.

Regional Impact and Future Outlook