1. Over seven years (2014-15 to 2021-22), a substantial increase in female teaching staff was observed in India’s higher education sector.
2. The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for 2021-2022 reported a rise from 5.69 lakh to 6.94 lakh in the number of female academic staff.
3. This surge signifies a positive trend towards achieving gender balance in the educational workforce.
New Delhi, Jan 27: Over seven years, spanning from 2014-15 to 2021-22, there has been a significant uptick in the number of female teaching staff in India’s higher education sector, marking a positive trend towards gender balance.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the academic year 2021-2022, the count of female academic staff has witnessed an increase from 5.69 lakh to 6.94 lakh.
This growth is not only indicative of a favorable shift in the gender composition of the educational workforce but also reflects the broader efforts to enhance inclusivity within higher education institutions.
The establishment of 341 universities or university-level institutions during this period likely played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for female educators across the country.
The AISHE report also sheds light on the overall enrolment in higher education, revealing a positive trajectory.
The enrolment figures rose from 4.14 crore in 2020-21 to 4.33 crore in 2021-22. Comparing these numbers to the enrolment of 3.42 crore in 2014-15 underscores the substantial growth in higher education participation over the years.
Also Read: Outcomes and Announcements from French President Macron’s State Visit to India
Furthermore, female enrolment in higher education specifically experienced a noteworthy increase, reaching 2.07 crore in 2021-22 compared to 1.57 crore in 2014-15.
Highlighting the commitment to inclusive education, the AISHE report underscores the considerable progress in the enrolment of female students from Scheduled Castes (SC).
In 2021-22, there was a remarkable 51% surge in the enrolment of female SC students, reaching 31.71 lakh, compared to the figures recorded in 2014-15.
These trends not only showcase the strides made in gender inclusivity in the higher education sector but also underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to create an environment that encourages diverse participation.
As India’s education landscape continues to evolve, fostering gender balance among teaching staff and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all segments of society remains a key priority.
The positive trajectory observed in the AISHE report serves as an encouraging sign of progress and sets the stage for further advancements in inclusive higher education.
