Dr. Bhavani Rao Highlights Barriers to Women in STEM at UNESCO-Backed TVET Conference in Pune

Dr. Bhavani Rao, Director of AMMACHI Labs and UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion at the International Conference on TVET and Skills Development, held at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune. The conference was hosted in collaboration with UNESCO, bringing together global experts to explore challenges and innovations in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The panel session, chaired by Jian Xi Teng, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, was centered on the theme “Understanding the Barriers to Women in STEM.” Dr. Rao shared valuable insights drawn from decades of grassroots engagement and academic research, shedding light on the structural and sociocultural challenges that hinder women’s participation in STEM fields across India.

In her remarks, Dr. Rao emphasized the need for systemic and sustained interventions to address the gender imbalance in STEM education and careers. She drew on her leadership experience as part of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Working Group of Civil20 India 2023, and referenced findings from the UNESCO publication A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science (2022), which she co-authored.

“We must address the gender divide in STEM not just through policy, but through meaningful engagement at every level—from families and schools to institutions and industry,” said Dr. Rao. “Only then can we create a truly inclusive and innovative scientific community.”

Dr. Rao’s contributions underscored the importance of bridging research and practice to empower women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her participation at the conference reaffirmed AMMACHI Labs’ and UNESCO’s shared vision of fostering gender equity in education and beyond.