Glass Ceiling
Context:
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate would help shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling.”
What is a Glass Ceiling?
- As noted in the Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity and Society, the term “ceiling” suggests a limit to how far someone can advance before encountering an obstacle.
- Referring to it as a “glass” ceiling indicates that, while this barrier is real, it remains transparent and not immediately apparent.
- This also implies that, although higher-level positions are visible, they remain out of reach for those confronting the ceiling.
- Even in the absence of explicit barriers, such as policies that prevent women from advancing, something still prevents them from attaining top roles despite their qualifications.
Government Initiatives:
- GATI (Gender Advancement through Transforming Institutions): This initiative aims to grade institutions based on the enrollment and advancement of women in science and technology fields.
- Vigyan Jyoti Scheme: Launched to encourage girls in high school to pursue education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
- KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing): This scheme supports women scientists by providing them with opportunities for research and development.
- Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM: This fellowship program is designed to promote women’s participation in STEM and medicine by providing opportunities for research and collaborative projects between Indian and American institutions.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Aimed at addressing female infanticide and promoting the education of girls, this initiative seeks to improve the status of women in society and empower them through education.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP emphasises the importance of girls’ education and aims to create a more inclusive education system that encourages female participation at all levels.
- Mission Shakti: An umbrella scheme that aims to empower women by providing them with resources and opportunities to realise their full potential. It encompasses various programs focused on women’s safety, health, and economic empowerment.
- Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023: It aims to enhance women’s representation in political spheres by reserving seats for them in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and State legislative assemblies.
The glass ceiling, an invisible barrier preventing women from reaching top leadership roles, remains a global challenge that undermines key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Breaking this barrier is vital for inclusive decision-making, economic growth (Goal 8), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and building strong institutions (Goal 16). Addressing it through diversity promotion, supportive policies, and challenging societal norms is crucial for empowering women and advancing global sustainability.