In recent news, the India-Israel Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) conference was convened. A key focus of this gathering was the discussion on initiating adaptable work schedules and implementing gender-neutral wages to boost women’s involvement in STEM fields.
Understanding STEM
The term STEM came into existence in 2001, coined by scientific administrators at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Previously, the NSF used the acronym SMET to refer to these specific career fields or an academic curriculum encapsulating those disciplines.
STEM is a curriculum that emphasises educating students in four specific fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—using an interdisciplinary and application-oriented method. In India, known for producing a high number of scientists and engineers, the popularity of STEM has shown significant growth over the previous few years. Article 51A of the Constitution of India mandates each citizen to foster scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and reform.
The Importance of STEM Education
A robust STEM education helps create critical thinkers, proficient problem-solvers, and innovative thinkers for the next generation. Predictions by the National Science Foundation indicate that around 80% of the jobs created in the forthcoming decade will necessitate some form of mathematical and scientific skills.
Women’s Participation in STEM
Despite nearly 43% of STEM graduates in India being women, their representation in STEM-related jobs is just 14%. The primary issue in Indian STEM isn’t the quantity of female graduates, but rather the proportion who secure jobs within STEM fields. Science & Technology (S&T) has the potential to be transformative in society by implementing flexible work times and gender-neutral wages, which could significantly enhance women’s participation in STEM.
Obstacles to Women’s Participation
Barriers to women’s involvement in STEM include societal stereotypes, patriarchal attitudes, lack of role models, societal pressure to conform, domesticity responsibilities, stress related to marriage and childbirth, safety issues during commuting, and harassment at workplaces.
Initiatives to Foster Female Participation
Several initiatives have been launched to promote women’s participation in STEM, such as the ‘Vigyan Jyoti Scheme’ and ‘Knowledge Involvement Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)’. Another programme known as the ‘Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)’ aims to develop a comprehensive charter to assess gender equality in STEM.
Moving Forward
Addressing women’s underrepresentation in STEM fields requires a two-pronged approach – societal changes that demand long-term efforts and policy modification and institutional level changes that can be implemented immediately. Immediate measures should include investing in support infrastructure, incentivising institutions promoting gender equality, transparency in decision-making and breaking away from ‘gendered notions of intelligence’. Encouraging girls to take up science at secondary and higher secondary levels, and pursue careers in STEM can add fresh perspectives to these fields. Even though there has been progress, with increasing numbers of women in STEM as evidence, there is still a long way to go.
