In my own experience, it is very difficult for a woman to be accepted as a competent academic by colleagues and students as compared with a man. India has one of the largest, if not the largest scientific community in the world. However recruitment of scientists is usually not fair. Nepotism and casteism usually hold sway and if not, money. As a consequence, the best do not get the jobs.
Scientific productivity is low, mediocrity is a way of life and the bureaucracy is frightening.
Cooperation is difficult. In my opinion, the rewards of working within such a system are few. I have had to face continuous harassment, sabotage and even physical violence during my 14 years of working in India. Of all the different aspects of my job, I have found field work to be the easiest. It is very safe particularly in southern India for women to conduct field research.