Challenges Faced by Women in STEM And How To Address Them

 Technology and innovation are the forerunners of development in India and the world. Education and progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are essential components of this development in terms of overcoming challenges across sectors and ensuring their growth and expansion.However, as India stands at the precipice of becoming a global power, one must acknowledge that to move forward in any field, equal participation by women is imperative. Women in the STEM segment, until recently, faced severe hurdles in gaining access to equal opportunities, but the situation is gradually improving, and women are participating in the field in large numbers. This article discusses how bringing more women into STEM will contribute to the greater development of our economy.

The Situation At Present

Statistics suggest that over 43% of STEM graduates were women. The All India Survey on Higher Education Report estimates that over 10,56,095 women have enrolled in graduate, post-graduate, and Ph.D. courses in the field, as of 2019-20. The Science Technology and Innovation Policy were launched to increase this number by 30% by 2030. The policy also aims to revise the sectoral strategies and priorities of the industry to make it more inclusive, decentralized, evidence-based, and expert-driven. The Scopus database also suggests that women have authored one in three research papers published in India. Estimates also indicate that India is second in the world in terms of the number of women CEOs in the tech sector.

These developments paint an optimistic picture for women in STEM. Women in India are breaking the glass ceiling and excelling in all realms of STEM. Women like Roshni Nadar, the chairperson of HCL, Sharmistha Dubey, the CEO of Match Group, and Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, are exemplary role models who have changed the face of the industry in modern times. However, more must be done to ensure fuller participation and a gender-friendly workspace. Several shortcomings need to be countered if we hope to achieve equitable and balanced development.

What Does The Future Hold?

The Indian government has taken several laudable initiatives to encourage women to join the STEM bandwagon and achieve milestones. For instance, India’s participation in the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions project and the launch of Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence played a pivotal role in paving the way for women in STEM. However, more must be done to push women to reach their full potential.

Women scientists and young achievers are also being given recognition through women excellence awards distributed by SERB. National Women Bioscientists Awards are also accorded to senior researchers in the field of biotechnology for their contribution. Many companies today are incorporating policies like flexible work timings, provision of daycare, and relaxation of age limits to encourage women further to participate in the STEM field. Learning platforms are organizing workshops and seminars to provide women with upskilling and reskilling opportunities, where they can learn by interacting with recognized women role models.

Although experts in the field of psychology have repeatedly suggested that there is no significant difference in the aptitude for STEM subjects between men and women, the participation of women in these fields remained low for a decade. However, the industry has come a long way from that, and today women are not only entering the STEM fields but are leading major companies and corporate houses in the industry. This has been enabled by the hard work and determination of these women, changes in the workplace policy, and deploying more financial and human resources for effective training of these women in technologies like AI and ML.

Sonya Hooja

Source: The Telegraph, 24/11/22

Quote of the Day November 25, 2022

 

“A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”
Dave Meurer

“सफल विवाह वह नहीं है जिसमें ‘सर्वगुण सम्पन्न जोड़ा’ विवाहसूत्र में बंधता है. सफल विवाह वह है जिसमें पति-पत्नी एक दूसरे के मतभेदों में खुशी ढूंढ लेते हैं.”
डेव मेयूरर

Nominations Open For 2023 Yidan Prize: The World’s Highest Education Accolade

 Yidan Prize Foundation is looking for innovators who are making a significant impact in education. As the world’s highest education accolade, the Yidan Prize recognizes and supports changemakers in education research and development.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Yidan Prize

With a mission to create a better world through education, the Yidan Prize Foundation awards two prizes annually to individuals and teams of up to three in two key areas: education research and education development.

Laureates will receive a gold medal and a total sum of HK$30 million, shared equally for teams. Half of this is a cash prize in recognition of their contribution to education. The other half is a project fund to help them scale and grow their work, whether it be to expand their reach, launch a new project or enhance the delivery of existing programs.

As well as joining the Yidan Prize Foundation’s global education community, the 2023 Yidan Prize laureates will become part of the Yidan Council of Luminaries—a gathering of the brightest minds in education who come together to exchange ideas, build bridges between research and practice, and act as a collective voice to address some of the biggest challenges facing education today.

“The Yidan Prize champions changemakers committed to creating a better world through education and supports them with resources to scale and grow their work,” said Ms Mabel Woo, Deputy Secretary-General, the Yidan Prize Foundation. “We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2023 Yidan Prize. We look forward to learning about education research and initiatives that are making a difference for young people across the world.”

Nominations for the 2023 Yidan Prize are now open and will close on 31 March 2023. To learn more about making a Yidan Prize nomination, visit the Yidan Prize Foundation website: https://yidanprize.org/the-prize/nominations/

Source: indianeducationdiary, 3/11/22

Current Affairs-November 24, 2022

 

INDIA

– India carries out successful training launch of Agni-3 IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island

– 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan being celebrated in Delhi on Nov 23-25

 Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announces National Gopal Ratna Awards 2022 for dairying sector

– More than 25,000 ponds constructed under Mission Amrit Sarovar to overcome water crisis in rural areas

– Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Entrepreneurship Cell and Centre of Innovation at C-DOT campus, Delhi

– Mizoram govt. to provide shelter to 270 tribals of Chin-Kuki community who fled from Bangladesh

– Religious freedom, related human rights in India under threat: USCIRF (US Commission for International Religious Freedom)

– SC asks centre to show mechanism adopted in appointment of Election Commissioner Arun Goel

– SC to have specialised benches for criminal, tax, land issues, MACT (motor accidents claims tribunal) matters

– Indian govt.’s requests to Meta for user data up slightly at 55,497 in H1 of 2022

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

– Govt notifies inclusion of coronary stents in National List of Essential Medicines

– FDI equity inflows dip 14% during April-September to $26.9 billion: DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)

– Inox Green Energy Services (IGESL) makes dismal debut; lists at 8% discount over issue price

– Job search portal Monster.com rebranded to foundit.in

WORLD

– NASA’s Orion spacecraft makes closest flyby of Moon at 130 kms distance

– European Parliament designates Russia as state sponsor of terrorism

SPORTS

– Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announces the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards for the year 2021

– FIFA World Cup in Qatar: Japan beat Germany 2-1, Spain thrash Costa Rica 7-0 in Group E matches

Current Affairs- November 25, 2022

 

INDIA

– SC questions Centre’s “tearing hurry” in appointing ex-bureaucrat Arun Goel as Election Commissioner

– UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) asks state governments, entities to verify Aadhaar before accepting it

– Navies of India and Oman conduct exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off the coast of Oman

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

– India’s urban unemployment rate declines to 7.2% in July-September 2022: NSO (National Statistical Office)

– Tata Consumer to acquire packaged water giant Bisleri for ₹7,000 crore from Ramesh Chauhan

– CPCL (Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd), IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd) sign JV agreement for Rs 31,580 crore refinery at Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu

– Keystone Realtors shares climb over 3% in stock market debut trade

WORLD

– 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP 19) at CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) being held at Panama City from Nov 14 to 25

– 22nd Council of Ministers’ meeting of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) held at Dhaka, Bangladesh

– Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health, participates in 3rd Global High-Level Conference on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) in Muscat, Oman

– India to send helicopter unit to UN peacekeeping operations in Mali known as Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)

– Malaysia: Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as new PM

– Pakistan: LG Asim Munir appointed as new Chief of Army Staff

– Dominican Republic expels 1,800 migrant children to Haiti: UNICEF

Career in space science- Introducing students to the exciting discipline of astronomy

 Be it children or adults, the starry skies and the mysteries of space have always fascinated humans. Since time immemorial, humans have tried to figure out their place in the universe and understand the movement of stars and planets which influence our lives in so many ways.

This interesting subject helps us understand our planet in the context of the universe. In ancient times humans were under the mistaken belief that the earth was the centre of the solar system and it took Copernicus coming along in the 15th century to claim that it was the Sun which was at the centre and the Earth revolved around it. Galileo later confirmed this theory in 1632.

Many people confuse Astronomy and Astrology but here is the definition: Astrology contends that the position of the constellations and planets at the time of a person’s birth profoundly influences their destiny. Astronomy, on the other hand, is a scientific discipline with an aim to get a complete understanding of our universe and our place in it. The basic elements that make up the stars are the same elements that make up our bodies. There are so many intriguing questions to which researchers are still trying to find answers.

Astronomy is an exciting field of science but unfortunately, it is not taught on a large scale. It is not a mainstream subject in schools all over the world. However, investing in science education, research and technology can yield great benefits for the human race as a whole. The world’s most influential entrepreneurs like Elon Musk are investing in the space sector/space tourism. Numerous technological advances also have their base in Astronomy like GPS, wireless internet and medical imaging.

The direct benefits of research and development in Astronomy can be seen in several areas that impact our daily lives. Whether it is communication satellites or personal computers, cell phones or global positioning systems, MRI scanners or solar panels, Astronomy has had a vital role to play in each of these applications. Astronomy has always been used to measure time and seasons and navigate the oceans. The vast and complicated universe has sufficient secrets that are yet to be revealed and would be of immense interest to budding young scientists who delve into research in this subject. Astronomy can also reveal the potential threats to earth from outer space with the likes of Space debris, asteroids and blackholes. It also includes studying the Sun, which has a great impact on the climate of the Earth and the water levels.

Students who have been taught Astronomy or Space Science at a primary or secondary level are more likely to pursue these courses at an undergraduate/postgraduate level. The need of the hour is to promote awareness about astronomy as an exciting science discipline at grassroots levels to inculcate an interest in students. Astronomy has a tangible impact on diverse industries and it would help students to understand the prospects of exciting career options that astronomy has to offer.

While Astronomy is a fascinating field of study in itself, an astronomy major will gain expertise in a wide range of subjects like physics, maths, computer science, problem-solving and critical thinking. This gives them a wide range of career options within and outside the physical sciences. Astronomy majors can opt for positions related to aerospace, engineering, computer science, mathematics and environmental science or become rocket scientists. Astronomy majors mostly get employment as faculty or researchers at universities, government labs and observatories while some move to private industries.

Space science education is a promising segment that has a lot of potential in the future. It is a field worth looking into as it gives students the scope to explore something exciting instead of opting for the obvious choices. It would be heartening if the education ministry of India considers the introduction of Astronomy as a mandatory subject at the primary/secondary school level to introduce students to our exciting universe.

Shivam Gupta

Source: The Telegraph, 25/11/22

The clock’s ticking

 Climate change is the defining issue of the century but is clearly on the back-burner

It is not often that the secretary-general of the United Nations, arguably the world’s most visible diplomat and peace-maker, tells it like he sees it. At COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, António Guterres did just that. The planet is fast approaching tipping points in terms of greenhouse emissions and their consequences. Climate change is the defining issue of the century but is clearly on the back-burner.

He was spot on vis-àvis  the projections. The figure of 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures is the limit needed for net-zero emissions by the mid-point of the 21st century. There is now little chance of this being achieved. Significant increase in methane has now been added to the specific evidence of the rise in carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. These three chemical compounds will combine to push global temperatures up faster.

The proximate reasons for the inaction or slow action are not far to seek. Two years ago, Joseph Biden’s election and the announcement of John Kerry as his envoy for climate change had raised hopes of an American initiative. Despite the pulls and pressures of domestic politics, the financial package and executive action approved by the outgoing Congress is the most far-reaching in history. Yet, there is a major hurdle ahead as climate-change deniers hold centre ground in the House of Representatives with its new Republican majority.

At the global level, the war in Ukraine and the post sanctions crisis in Europe have put fossil fuels and nuclear power back on the agenda even in Germany, a leader in the shift towards renewables. The squeeze on Russian energy has led to higher prices from the oil-exporting countries in the Gulf and Southeast Asia. In the short run at least, energy transitions are on the back-burner, as Guterres hinted.

The larger issue that has been a stumbling block since the UN Convention of 1994 remains so. The gap between the rich world and most of the developing countries is yawning. Per capita comparisons may skew the picture for India, China, Indonesia or Brazil. But that apart, many sub- Saharan countries have very low use of nitrogenous fertiliser, let alone gas and oil. The brave promise of 100-billion-dollar-a-year aid from the developed countries was tiny. Yet, it has not been met even in one calendar year.

Looking back at a somewhat longer time frame, it is evident that global environmental cooperation sought to take wings just when the great powers were losing interest in multilateral fora.

The first ever conference on human environment in 1972 was marred by the Cold War, with only two heads of government, those of Sweden and India, in attendance at Stockholm. The end of the1980s saw new, science-based concerns about the decline of biological diversity and global climate change evoke wide spread concern. All eyes in Rio de Janeiro were on the former president, George Bush,  a veteran diplomat and senior leader. The United States of America did sign the agreement on biodiversity, but has dragged its feet on climate change ever since. Ronal Reagan’s sustained attack on environmental regulation (1980-89) at home was matched by the undermining of the UN system, with funds for global environmental monitoring programmes being a casualty. It is true that in the post-1945 world, the US accounted for 40% of the global gross domestic product but it makes up far less than that figure today. But the average American still uses as much energy in a month as an Indian in a year as per the World Resources Institute.

But history holds out hope. The end of the Cold War was made possible by Reagan and Gorbachev, both eyeing a place in the history books. The long years of work by scientists and peace activists helped create a wider realisation that there would be no winners in a nuclear war. The climate crises may not be as explosive but is no less a challenge to the continuation of civilisation. It is a chimera to believe that the rich world will be spared the human and ecological costs of climate change. Guterres’s counsel is timely. But time may not be at hand.

Mahesh Rangarajan teaches History and Environmental Studies at Ashoka University