Invisible Barriers and silent struggles: A Deep dive into the underrepresentation of women faculty in India's central universities

This paper investigates the persistent underrepresentation of women faculty in India's central universities, a problem that reflects underlying issues of gender discrimination, institutional resistance, and systemic inequality in higher education. Based on AISHE data (2017–2023), UGC reports, and case studies from nine central universities, the study uses a mixed-method approach. It documents striking gender representation disparities—sometimes less than 30%—in spite of policy initiatives and constitutional protection. The article also examines intersectional determinants such as socio-cultural norms, leadership hurdles, and work-life balance issues. The article concludes with policy suggestions based on international best practice, calling for structural reform and feminist reconstruction of educational institutions.