Hindu Editorial Analysis : 20-January-2024
STEM, comprising science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, stands as the bedrock of innovation, progress, and societal advancement. However, a glaring gender gap persists within this domain, as revealed by the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. The report unveils a stark reality: women constitute only 29.2% of the global STEM workforce across 146 countries.
Present Status of Women in STEM
Despite women making up nearly half (49.3%) of total employment in non-STEM occupations, their representation in STEM fields remains dismally low at 29.2%. Alarming trends emerge post-graduation, with a significant drop in the retention of women in STEM careers just one year after completing their studies. In India, although 43% of STEM graduates are women, only one-fourth of space scientists are female.
Root Causes of Low Participation
- Social Conditioning: Deep-rooted societal norms shape the choices of girls enrolling in higher education, perpetuating gender biases and limiting career options.
- Negative Gender Stereotypes: Prevalent stereotypes, portraying women as weak or incompetent, contribute to a skewed perception of their capabilities, hindering career aspirations.
- Retention Challenges: Women face hurdles in upward mobility within STEM careers, with 45% reporting challenges and 81% perceiving gender bias in evaluation processes.
- Undervaluing: Isolation in male-dominated labs, lack of support, and limited networking opportunities result in the undervaluing of women’s contributions in STEM.
Government Initiatives for Change
The government, recognizing the urgency of addressing gender disparity in STEM, has introduced several initiatives:
- Vigyan Jyoti Scheme: Launched in 2020, this scheme targets schoolgirls, promoting scientific temper through lectures and science camps.
- WISE-KIRAN Scheme: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) implements this dedicated initiative to enhance women’s participation in Science and Technology.
- GATI Programme: The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions seeks to create a gender-equitable environment in higher education and research centers.
- CURIE Initiative: Aimed at women’s universities, this initiative supports research and development facilities.
- SERB-POWER: The Science and Engineering Research Board provides financial aid to female researchers through grants and fellowships.
- BioCARe Programme: The Department of Biotechnology motivates women to become biotech researchers through this career advancement initiative.
- Indo-U.S. Fellowship: DST collaborates with the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum to offer fellowships for women in STEM.
- WEST Initiative: Launched in 2022, Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology provides a platform for women researchers and scientists, fostering inclusivity in STEM fields.
Why In News
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, which highlights the persistent disparities in various sectors, women make up only 29.2 per cent of all STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workers across 146 countries, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted efforts to address gender imbalances in these critical fields.
MCQs about STEM
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What is the percentage of women among STEM graduates in India?
A. 33%
B. 43%
C. 53%
D. 23%
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What is one of the major challenges faced by women in STEM careers, even if they choose to pursue them?
A. Lack of interest in STEM subjects
B. Limited career options in STEM
C. Challenges in upward mobility
D. Inadequate educational qualifications
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Which government scheme aims to enhance the participation of women in Science and Technology by creating a gender-equitable environment in higher education and research centers?
A. Vigyan Jyoti Scheme
B. WISE-KIRAN Scheme
C. GATI Programme
D. CURIE Initiative
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