Framework and Resources
GATI Overview
Introduction

Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) is an innovative Pilot launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the aegis of the WISE-KIRAN Division. It ushers a novel intervention programme for promoting gender equity in science and technology. It was one of the three initiatives of DST announced on 28 February 2020, the National Science Day, by the Hon’ble President of India at a celebratory programme dedicated to Women in Science held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Strategic Intent

GATI aims to nudge institutions of higher education and research towards supporting diversity, inclusion and the full spectrum of talent for their own success and progression. In particular, it aspires to create an enabling environment for equal participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) disciplines at all levels, addressing deep-rooted problems.

GATI Model

GATI pilots a sustainable self-assessment and accreditation model. At the core of the model is the GATI Charter based on ten key principles that explicitly acknowledge gender inequality and articulate a commitment towards overcoming systemic and cultural barriers to women’s academic and professional advancement at all levels. While GATI draws inspiration from the Athena SWAN Gender Equality Charter and accreditation framework operated by Advance HE, UK since 2005, it is developing a distinctly different, innovative and indigenous framework organically rooted in the Indian ethos.

GATI Pilot Institutions

Institutes of Higher Education and Research were invited through an open call to express interest in participating in the GATI Pilot. They were required to fill a carefully crafted Expression of Interest (EoI) Application. The call generated immense interest with top ranking institutions applying. After rigorous analysis of data submitted, thirty institutions have been selected to participate in the GATI Pilot. All the Pilot institutions have endorsed the GATI Charter on gender equity.

Assessment and Accreditation Process

GATI Pilot Institutions are expected to adopt the GATI Charter principles in letter and in spirit and integrate these within their policies, strategic plans and organizational culture. To this end, they would be required to undertake a structured Self-Assessment and Accreditation process based on the GATI Gender Equity Indicator Framework (GEIF). The GATI self-assessment application would provide the criteria and metric for self-evaluation of gender statistics, policies, processes, procedures and practices; gender climate and organizational culture. It would nudge institutions to analyze and reflect on data and evidence to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) action plans for systemic transformation. An important component of the process would be planning for implementation of the action plans and sustenance of the initiative.

Formation of GATI Self-Assessment Team

GATI Institutions will be required to constitute a GATI Self-Assessment Team (GSAT) to lead the initiative, with nominations at the highest level. This will be a multidisciplinary team with adequate representation from various departments/units of the institution and diverse segments of the community at all levels. GSAT will play a pivotal role in engaging with the community to generate data and evidence-based understanding of the criteria listed in the self-assessment application. It will be responsible for analyzing, reflecting, creating SMART action plans that can be eventually implemented for transformative change.

International Partners

The overarching programme is being undertaken in partnership with the British Council which has facilitated collaboration with Advance HE, UK. Through these agencies, 6 Athena Swan accredited universities in the UK have been selected to partner the GATI Pilot Institutions. A partnership framework has been carefully crafted to facilitate sharing of experience by UK partner institutions with the GATI Pilot Institutions over the duration of the Pilot.

Guidance and Support

GATI brings together a large number of stakeholders and will create a peer network of participating institutions. Selected Pilot Institutions will be provided requisite training and support at every stage as they begin self-assessment and work towards reaching the global best practices on gender equality; and prepare for the review process. The GATI framework development team has created this document, the GATI Self-assessment Framework and Guidance Handbook with details on how to undertake the charter journey covering every aspect of the criteria and metric-based assessment and evaluation process. Further Resources will include background studies and collation of global best practices; bespoke discussions, seminars, workshops and training programmes. The touchstone of the programme will be the partnership with Athena Swan accredited institutions in UK who will share their charter journey, experiences, resources and play the role of critical friends and discussants.

GATI Accreditation and Award

GATI brings together a large number of stakeholders and will create a peer network of participating institutions. Selected Pilot Institutions will be provided requisite training and support at every stage as they begin self-assessment and work towards reaching the global best practices on gender equality; and prepare for the review process. The GATI framework development team has created this document, the GATI Self-assessment Framework and Guidance Handbook with details on how to undertake the charter journey covering every aspect of the criteria and metric-based assessment and evaluation process. Further Resources will include background studies and collation of global best practices; bespoke discussions, seminars, workshops and training programmes. The touchstone of the programme will be the partnership with Athena Swan accredited institutions in UK who will share their charter journey, experiences, resources and play the role of critical friends and discussants.

GATI Continuum

Successful completion of the Pilot would provide insight for nation-wide implementation of the GATI Charter and self-assessment and accreditation framework. In time, all institutions would be expected to demonstrate continuous and sustained progression towards transformative change over several cycles of accreditation.

Joining the International Gender Equality Charters

With the launch of GATI, India joins the list of International Gender Equality Charters such as Athena Swan (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) in UK and Ireland; SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity) Athena Swan in Australia; SEA Change (STEM Equity Achievement Change) in US and Dimensions in Canada. An International Conference with participation of representatives of all International Gender Equality Charters is being planned and will be the high point of the journey.

GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) - Framework Development for Advancing Gender Equity in Science, Technology and Higher Education in India
Sanctioned to GATI PI based at NAAC via Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology, Order dated 30 August 2020