CSR: The Hans Foundation partners with IIT-Delhi to provide scholarships for Women in STEM

• The program will benefit women from families with low-income groups.
• The program will be financially aided by THF under educational support from IIT-Delhi for four year

New Delhi (India CSR): With the goal to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, The Hans Foundation has forged a partnership with IIT-Delhi to provide scholarships for Women in STEM. The Foundation intends to support 10 women from low socioeconomic backgrounds with financial support, mentorship, and other resources required for success.

The program aims to empower women to pursue and succeed in STEM fields, thereby bridging the gender gap in these disciplines. The project duration spans four years, commencing from July 2023 to July 2027. Within the framework of this scholarship initiative, eligible female undergraduate students enrolled in the B.Tech /Dual degree programs at IITD will receive annual support covering tuition fees, hostel expenses, mess charges, and other fees for a four-year duration.

The Hans Foundation (THF), established in 2009, is a Public Charitable Trust that works towards creating an equitable society by enhancing the quality of life for all through the empowerment of marginalized and underprivileged communities in India. Apart from a focus on improving health and wellbeing across rural India, the foundation is also committed to advancing women’s empowerment through a range of targeted initiatives, including education and livelihoods.

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Speaking about the partnership, Shweta Rawat, Chairperson and Founder of The Hans Foundation said, “As we embark on this transformative journey with IIT-Delhi, our scholarship programs echo a resounding commitment to champion inclusivity and provide equal opportunities. By extending financial support, mentorship, and resources to women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, our overarching goal is to pave the way for their active pursuit and excellence in STEM fields. Through these initiatives, we strive to contribute significantly to the ongoing effort of narrowing the gender gap prevalent in these disciplines.”

The program is defined by fixed eligibility and selection criteria, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting opportunities in the STEM fields. The scholarships will increase access to education for women in STEM, enabling them to pursue higher education in the field. This will reduce financial barriers and increase the enrollment of these women in STEM programs.

The scholarship also aims to create a supportive community for the scholars by providing access to networking opportunities, workshops, and events that bring together scholarship recipients, STEM professionals, and peers. This will create a sense of community and foster collaboration, allowing women to share experiences, build relationships, and expand their professional networks.

Prof Angelie Multani, Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, IIT-Delhi adds, “A pronounced gender disparity has endured across various levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines globally over the years. Despite notable strides by women in advancing their presence in higher education, they continue to be underrepresented in these fields. The collaboration with The Hans Foundation marks a pivotal stride in promoting inclusivity within STEM and ensuring equitable opportunities for women from underserved communities.”

The foundation is also partnering with Indian Institute of Management – Udaipur for a scholarship program for Women in Management. Building on the success of these initiatives, THF is also committed to further expanding the scope of its scholarship programs. In the upcoming year, THF aims to extend scholarships to even more women and girls, reaffirming its dedication to creating pathways for educational advancement and breaking down barriers to access.

(India CSR)