Gender Disparity in STEM
“There is no problem in science that can be solved by a man that cannot be solved by a woman”
-Vera Rubin ( Astronomer who discovered dark matter)
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The gender gap in STEM is quite evident with only 28 % of women making up the entire workforce compared to 72% of men. These fields have been perceived by many as typical male domains and according to the World Economic Forum, only one-third of female students choose to take up higher education degrees in mathematics and engineering.
The disparity is more visible in physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science. The UN has taken steps to acknowledge this imbalance and hence every year “International Day of women and girls in Science “ is celebrated on February 11th. Although the number of girls taking career paths in STEM has seen an increase in the past few years, the number is still far from achieving a better sex ratio.
A 1996 study at the University of Maryland found that most girls begin to lose interest in sciences and mathematics during middle school because they believe that men are naturally more intelligent in technological fields. It is believed that men outperform women in spatial analysis, a skillset many engineering professionals deem necessary, which generates this misconception. However, it has been proven that girls can too possess these skills if they are also culturally and socially encouraged to build and work like boys.
Societal perspectives influence young minds in a way that is deeper than we can imagine. Segregation of gender roles creates bias and leads to a society that is not sustainable. When young girls are conditioned to believe in gender-specific roles, it becomes very difficult for them to trust themselves and they become scared to take the road less traveled. Hence, they deem a career in sciences to be hostile and uninviting.
Not only does this imbalance drive young women and girls away from these fields, but it also leads to improper treatment and unequal pay for women who are currently employed in the industry. Women in STEM have been reported to experience higher rates of workplace discrimination compared to their male counterparts.
Lack of diversity in STEM also hampers technological advancement and innovation. Women see the world differently and hence they bring a fresh perspective to the table. With the technology industry expanding faster than ever before, we require creative solutions to our complex problems. According to Accenture( 2017), the secret to innovation is a workplace culture of equality. Reducing the gender gap will foster economic growth, increase employment opportunities and improve the quality of life.
The employment impact of closing gender gaps in STEM Education
Bridging the gap between male and female workers in the STEM industry is an issue of primary importance and thus, should be addressed strategically.
“If we are to be able to address the enormous challenges of the 21st Century — from climate change to technological disruption — we will need to rely on science and the mobilization of all our resources”
“It is for this reason that the world must not be deprived of the potential, the intelligence, or the creativity of the thousands of women who are victims of deep-seated inequality and prejudice.”, said UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay.
Young girls from primary and secondary schools should be exposed to various career opportunities in science and technology and they should be provided with an environment where they can actually feel empowered to pursue their interests. They should be encouraged to debunk the stereotypes surrounding women in STEM and be supported to break the glass ceilings. It is very important for young girls to have female role models who they can look up to for motivation and inspiration. This is why diversity and representation are vital for gender equality in STEM. Organizations, whether public or private, should develop frameworks and policies that are favorable for women and work to create a workplace where gender becomes no barrier to success.
References:
https://www.seeker.com/culture/women-report-high-levels-of-gender-discrimination-in-stem-fields
https://www.enago.com/academy/gender-disparities-in-stem-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/stem-gender-inequality-researchers-bias/
