Civil societies are a combination of social groups such as NGOs, labour organisations and other institutions that propagate the interests of the community members. They act as a link between citizens, government and businesses.
The role of civil society in influencing public opinion towards more democratic and developmental approaches is now well-recognised in diverse fields such as health, education, livelihoods, issues relating to disadvantaged social groups and the environment. Yet, science and technology in India is predominantly seen as the preserve of the state, and more recently the market. In the linear model of innovation, civil society is seen at best as having a role in extension or the delivery of technology produced elsewhere.
The Centre for Civil Society’s ‘Bridging the Gap: Women in STEM’ initiative was launched to address sociocultural barriers and gender stereotypes that limit women’s participation in STEM. The initiative enables the participation of women in STEM education and careers—through policy dialogues, research, outreach, financial aid and mentorship. By engaging with stakeholders from diverse sectors, we hope to challenge stereotypes, promote positive role models, and build a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women in STEM.
Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN) was set up in 1997 with support from Government of Gujarat, Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI) and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). The major aim of the organization is to scale up and spawn grassroots innovations and help development of successful enterprises. Thereby, the society provides the innovators with adequate linkages to modern science and technology, market research, design institutions and funding organizations.
NGOs and other civil society groups are involved for popular science programmes and citizen science projects at the local and regional level that include environment monitoring, biodiversity mapping, etc. Innovative ways of involving a variety of stakeholders such as politicians, NGOs, industry and social scientists, in such outreach programs and projects are being executed.
Pathways must be created to enable public-private-civil society consortia in key priority areas such as connecting farmers and scientists for ensuring access to technology and innovation, which would enhance agricultural production and increase farmers’ income.
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