Gender Gap in STEM [UPSC Notes]

International Women’s Day 2023 (IWD) has been commemorated on March 8 under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. In this context, the importance of inclusive technology and digital education has been emphasised by the UN. Discussions on the part that each stakeholder should play in enhancing access to digital tools are planned. Given that the IWD’s beginnings are associated with women’s labour movements, it is significant to underline that women are less likely to participate in the broader fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) than men because they lack access to technology and digital tools.

This topic is important for the General Studies Paper I of the UPSC Syllabus.

Gender Gap in STEM

In higher education around the world, 18% of girls are pursuing STEM degrees compared to 35% of boys. There is a gender gap even within the STEM fields, with about equal percentages of boys and girls choosing to pursue the natural sciences while much more boys chose to pursue engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

• When compared to their male counterparts, girls enrol in engineering programmes in India at a much lower rate. According to data from the All India Survey of Higher Education for 2020–2021, there were 36,86,291 students enrolled in UG, PG, MPhil, and PhD engineering programmes, with 71% of them being male and 29% female.
• A report by the OECD highlights that the gender gap in internet use is widening. Software development remains a male-dominated field. Women comprise only 15% of software designers.
• As per a UNICEF survey, only 41% of women have access to the internet in developing countries, compared to 53% of males. Women are more likely to borrow smartphones from male family members and are 20% less likely to own smartphones.

Why is there a Gender Gap in STEM?

• Biases in curricula: Gender bias in curricula is mentioned as one of the reasons by UNICEF. For instance, in elementary math and science textbooks in India, more than 50% of the pictures feature boys, whereas only 6% feature girls. More than a quarter of girls in the UK feel that the industry’s male dominance has discouraged them from pursuing a career in technology, and only 22% of them can name a notable woman who works in it.
• Gender stereotypes: Society often associates certain qualities and abilities with gender. For example, women are sometimes perceived as being less skilled in math and science. These stereotypes can discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM careers or make them feel like they do not belong.
• Lack of role models: There are still relatively few women in STEM fields, and this can make it difficult for girls and women to find role models to who they can relate and be inspired. Without visible role models, girls and women may not see STEM careers as viable options for themselves.
• Unequal opportunities: Girls and women may not have the same opportunities as boys and men to study STEM subjects or pursue STEM careers. For example, they may not have access to high-quality STEM education or may face discrimination in hiring and promotions.
• Bias and discrimination: Even if women are able to enter STEM fields, they may face bias and discrimination from their colleagues and superiors. This can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of support, and decreased job satisfaction.
• Lack of work-life balance: STEM careers often require long hours and intense focus, which can make it difficult for women who want to balance work and family responsibilities. This can lead to women leaving STEM careers or choosing not to pursue them in the first place.

Also read: Women’s participation in scientific research and development

Why is Gender Equality in STEM Important?

• Missed opportunities for women: STEM careers offer high-paying jobs and opportunities for innovation and advancement. When women are excluded from these fields, they miss out on these opportunities.
• Economic impact: There is a growing demand for STEM skills in the global economy. When women are underrepresented in these fields, it can limit economic growth and innovation.
• Social justice: Gender inequality in STEM perpetuates broader patterns of inequality in society. It can limit women’s ability to achieve their potential and contribute fully to society.
• Lack of diversity: Diversity is important for innovation and problem-solving. When women and other underrepresented groups are excluded from STEM fields, it limits the diversity of perspectives and experiences that are needed to solve complex problems.
• Role modelling and inspiration: When women are visible and successful in STEM fields, it can inspire and motivate other girls and women to pursue these careers.

Steps needed to ensure gender equality in STEM:

• Encourage girls and women to pursue STEM education: This can involve providing girls with exposure to STEM subjects and careers at an early age, as well as ensuring that women have equal access to high-quality STEM education at all levels.
• Combat gender stereotypes: Educators and employers can work to challenge gender stereotypes about STEM fields and create an inclusive environment that encourages and supports women’s participation.
• Address bias and discrimination: Employers can take steps to address bias and discrimination in hiring and promotion, as well as create inclusive workplace cultures that support women’s success and advancement.
• Provide role models and mentorship: Women in STEM can serve as role models and mentors to inspire and support the next generation of women in these fields.
• Advocate for policy change: Policymakers can enact policies that promote gender equality in STEM, such as equal pay laws, family-friendly workplace policies, and funding for programs that encourage women’s participation in STEM fields.
• Foster a culture of inclusion: Individuals can play a role in creating a culture of inclusion by actively challenging bias and discrimination, being an ally to women in STEM, and promoting diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and communities.

Conclusion: As it is impossible for a bird to fly on one wing, similarly a society can’t progress by leaving behind females. In the 21st century, STEM and digital technologies are the core of economic development. Hence, there is a need to increase female representation in STEM to achieve SDG goal 5 i.e Gender equality.

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