– By Shweta Gaur
The National Science Foundation has predicted that 80 per cent of jobs will require Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills in the coming decade. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has dawned upon us, ushering in an era of technology, innovation, and digital transformation.In this rapidly evolving landscape, proficiency in STEM has become a necessity.
However, a significant gender disparity persists in India’s STEM education ecosystem, hampering the full realisation of its potential. Alarming statistics reveal that globally, 1 in 4 girls aged 15–19 belongs to the Neither in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) category. This figure rises to 1 in 2 in India (PLFS 2020). The bottlenecks that impede the uptake of STEM education and careers for girls can manifest at three levels – personal, institutional/structural, and social.
Research reveals that girls initially display interest in STEM during their formative years, typically between the ages of 8 and 10. However, during adolescence, self-esteem concerning their competence in these subjects takes a sharp hit, leading to a decline in enthusiasm. Additionally, stereotypes around gender and STEM further the belief that only boys excel in mathematics and science while girls are inclined toward other fields. These stereotypes manifest early in life and influence young girls’ choices during adolescence.
As per the report by Sattva Knowledge Institute, girls face various challenges at different life stages. Apart from institutional bottlenecks of access, affordability, and infrastructural challenges, several factors related to classroom practices impact girls’ confidence to choose STEM education.
Read more in this piece in Deccan Herald.
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(Picture courtesy: Deccan Herald)
