GIS for Gender Equality

38 IN PERSPECTIVE GIS for Gender Equality

Today, geospatial technology has become an important part of our lives. However, there is a visible gender divide in the geospatial industry. Women are at a disadvantage when it comes to representation in this industry and the policies related to it.

By Dr. Laxmi.N.Goparaju

Today, many sciences have been integrated under the umbrella of geospatial technology, which has seen exponential development in the past few decades. Women have contributed to this development in various forms ranging from academia and industry to research and development. However, their representation in the geospatial technology field still remains quite low. A glimpse of gender balance data shows that 62% of young women do not stay in the GIS industry for more than 10 years. In addition, a lack of gender diversity is observed in geospatial conferences and events, where man-only panels or ‘manels’ are commonplace. Research indicates that only one-third of participants at professional conferences are women.

The geospatial industry is a male-dominated field that can be difficult for women to break into because of structural obstacles and biases. These issues have been compounded with the advent of the pandemic in 2020, which has negatively impacted women in this sector. Some women have been laid off, others have had their studies impacted. Several more have left their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities at home. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a safe platform for women in the geospatial field to share their experiences and the challenges they face.

It was in 2020 that I had the opportunity to join Women+ in Geospatial (W+G), as a steering committee member. Later on, I became its regional ambassador for Asia. The W+G community includes women and under-represented people from different gender backgrounds, cultures and countries, who share a passion for geospatial science. By being connected, we supported each other and could ride out the pandemic together. Our skills developed by sharing and learning from experts as well as novices. The losses caused by the closure of colleges and organizations were compensated by community engagement.

Since our launch in 2019 as an online network, W+G now has more than 3,700 members from 91 countries. In October 2021, we registered the network as a

Community Interest Company in the United Kingdom. We found our common goals under the pillars Inspire, Unite and Empower to strive towards equality. The W+G mentorship program has served as a lifeline for many, with over 250 global participants so far. To address lack of representation at conferences, Women+G has also created a speakers’ database, which has empowered the voices of women from around the world.

Some of the challenges facing women in the geospatial field in India, in comparison to other wealthier nations, are a lack of jobs and paid internships. The process of getting a job should not be so burdensome. Work done by women should be encouraged and recognized by rewarding them suitably, and providing them a safe and comfortable space for expressing their creative ideas.

The dearth of good training institutes in each district and state in India must be addressed. Free and qualitative training should be encouraged for the underprivileged. The creation of a drone academy for women would be a welcome step from the geospatial community.

Also, late-career women and professionals have either been sidelined or have lost their livelihoods today due to the transition from older softwares to new programming developments. As a result, they are unable to survive in the mainstream. Alternative options and additional training should be considered for their sustenance.

To initiate capacity development, I started a venture called Geosakhi, which is an online learning platform for women geospatial enthusiasts. In August 2021, a masterclass was organized in partnership with Women+ in Geospatial, Geoladies from Philippines, and African Women in GIS. Our objective was to enhance the capacity of women and under-represented young people, so as to make them more self-reliant in the days to come. There was an overwhelming response; more than 500 registrations across 33 countries were recorded, with 96% female participation. Most students and early career professionals participated to upgrade their skills to include the latest developments in this domain. Following this, we had a panel discussion with women leaders in geosciences from Pakistan, and a poster competition to mark World Space Week and World GIS day.

The National Geospatial Policy 2021 has relaxed various geospatial related rules and regulations because the importance of this technology is being recognized in every sector. This has given wings to new ideas, which can be promoted and executed on the ground, something that was difficult earlier. The changing trajectories from desktop remote sensing to data visualizations, app development and near real time monitoring, have shown increased utilization of satellite data. I believe women can solve their own problems, can grow their businesses and network, enhance research, and promote development via the use of geospatial technology. The entry of drones in agriculture has widened the horizons and can attract contributions from women. I am sure that a girl who can ride a tractor in her fields will be empowered by drones one day. Women are capable of holding the reins of family and career together.

The potential of Open Street Maps (OSM) should also be recognized for solving humanitarian problems. In India, only Kerala state has a chapter; other states must also follow its trail. The latest program, “She Leads and She Inspires” by Open Mapping Hub Asia Pacific, with its objective to train and empower 100 young females in mapping, is commendable and the first of its kind devoted to women.

Geospatial World’s launch of an India edition is a welcome development in this respect. It will hopefully provide a platform where Indian women can share ideas and network. I hope that women will be able to showcase their professional achievements through this magazine. Ensuring that women’s voices are heard and that they are also recognized rightfully as experts will ignite more Indian women’s dreams and aspirations in our geospatial industry.

The advent of the pandemic in 2020 has negatively impacted women in the geospatial sector. Some have been laid off, others have had their studies impacted, and several more have left their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities at home.