Introduction: Women in STEM
The SheShakti 2024 event, held on September 16, 2024, in New Delhi, emerged as a pivotal moment for discussing gender equity in STEM fields. Hosted by News 18, this landmark event brought together some of India’s most influential women scientists to address pressing issues like gender bias and ‘maths anxiety.’ Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Nigar Shaji, and Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay provided valuable insights into the systemic changes needed to support women in science and technology. This article delves deeply into their discussions, examining the barriers women face in STEM and exploring practical solutions to foster greater inclusivity.
The Impact of Social Conditioning on STEM Participation
At SheShakti 2024, Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, highlighted how societal expectations influence women’s career choices in STEM. Dr. Subramaniam shared her personal narrative, reflecting on growing up in a family of professional musicians. “Growing up in a family of professional musicians, I was initially torn between my passion for music and my fascination with mathematics and physics,” she recounted. This personal struggle underscores the broader societal pressures that often steer women away from STEM careers.
Despite these pressures, Dr. Subramaniam remained steadfast in her pursuit of science. She emphasized that societal expectations can overshadow individual interests, forcing many talented women to forego their scientific aspirations in favor of more traditional roles. “If I had chosen music, it would have been impossible to return to science. I had to convince myself that I could balance both, but my primary focus had to be on my calling in science,” she said. Her story illustrates the resilience required to overcome societal biases and the importance of supporting women’s career choices in STEM.
Breaking Stereotypes: Nigar Shaji’s Journey
Nigar Shaji, Project Director of ISRO’s Aditya L1 Solar Mission, provided a candid view of the gender biases she encountered early in her career. “Engineering was not seen as a suitable path for women during my time. My parents played a crucial role in shielding me from these stereotypes,” Shaji shared. Her experience highlights the critical role of supportive families in navigating gender biases.
Shaji also praised ISRO for its inclusive environment. “ISRO provided opportunities where gender barriers were minimal, but many obstacles are rooted in societal norms,” she noted. This observation points to the need for systemic changes within institutions to ensure that women have equal opportunities. By creating a supportive environment, organizations like ISRO can help dismantle the barriers that women face in STEM fields.
Addressing ‘Maths Anxiety’: Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay’s Insights
Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director of the Indian Statistical Institute, addressed the issue of ‘maths anxiety,’ arguing that it stems from social conditioning rather than inherent ability. “Mathematical ability is equally distributed among all genders. The real issue is how societal stereotypes create barriers for girls,” Bandyopadhyay explained. She emphasized that societal attitudes, rather than individual capabilities, are the primary factors behind ‘maths anxiety.’
To combat this issue, Bandyopadhyay suggested incorporating experiential learning and storytelling into mathematics and physics education. “Experiential learning and integrating storytelling into math and physics education can help students connect better with these subjects,” she advised. These methods aim to make STEM subjects more engaging and less intimidating, thereby reducing anxiety and fostering a greater interest in these fields among students.
The Gender Gap in STEM Enrollment and Employment
Despite significant progress, a notable disparity remains between women’s enrollment in STEM programs and their representation in the workforce. Bandyopadhyay highlighted that while over 42% of women are enrolled in STEM programs, only 27% are employed in these fields. The gap becomes even more pronounced at leadership levels due to factors like family responsibilities and institutional biases. “While over 42% of women are enrolled in STEM programs, only 27% are employed in the field,” Bandyopadhyay noted.
She advocated for systemic changes to address these disparities, emphasizing the need to promote awareness and support from an early age. “We need to break the fear surrounding STEM fields and promote awareness from an early age,” she said. This call for action underscores the necessity of creating supportive educational environments and professional opportunities to retain women in STEM careers.
Addressing the Gender Pay Gap and Hiring Biases
Dr. Subramaniam also addressed the gender pay gap and biases in hiring processes. “At various stages from graduation to hiring, women face implicit biases that can impact their career progression,” she stated. These biases can affect women’s opportunities for advancement and their overall career trajectory.
Dr. Subramaniam called for organizations to recognize these challenges and implement supportive measures. “We need to ensure that women are considered on par with their male counterparts, particularly for leadership positions in STEM,” she emphasized. By acknowledging and addressing these biases, organizations can create a more equitable environment for women.
Practical Approaches to Promote Gender Equity
The discussions at SheShakti 2024 converged on the need for practical approaches to foster gender equity in STEM. The speakers advocated for integrating experiential learning and storytelling into STEM education, creating supportive environments in educational and professional settings, and promoting awareness from an early age. These strategies aim to address the barriers women face and support their continued presence and advancement in STEM fields.
Timeline of Key Events and Expert Opinions
- September 16, 2024: SheShakti 2024 event held in New Delhi, featuring leading women scientists discussing gender equity in STEM.
- Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam: Discussed overcoming societal expectations and balancing passions.
- Nigar Shaji: Highlighted the importance of family support and inclusive institutional environments.
- Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay: Focused on addressing ‘maths anxiety’ through experiential learning and storytelling.
Expert Opinions
- Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam: “Societal biases impact women’s career choices and progression. We need to recognize and address these biases to support women in STEM effectively.”
- Nigar Shaji: “Supportive environments and family backing are crucial in overcoming societal stereotypes. Institutions must work towards creating more inclusive spaces for women.”
- Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay: “’Maths anxiety’ is a product of social conditioning, not an inherent trait. Practical approaches in education can help mitigate this issue and promote gender equity in STEM.”
Conclusion
The SheShakti 2024 event provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in STEM. By addressing social conditioning, advocating for supportive environments, and implementing practical educational strategies, there is potential to create a more equitable field for women in science and technology. The discussions highlighted the need for continued advocacy and systemic changes to support women’s full participation and advancement in STEM careers.
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FAQs
Q1: What is SheShakti 2024?
A1: SheShakti 2024 is a major event held on September 16, 2024, in New Delhi, focusing on gender equity in STEM fields. It featured discussions from leading women scientists on overcoming barriers and addressing ‘maths anxiety.’
Q2: Who were the key speakers at SheShakti 2024?
A2: The key speakers included Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Nigar Shaji, Project Director of ISRO’s Aditya L1 Solar Mission, and Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director of the Indian Statistical Institute.
Q3: What is ‘maths anxiety’ and how can it be addressed?
A3: ‘Maths anxiety’ is a fear of mathematics often caused by societal stereotypes. It can be addressed through experiential learning, integrating storytelling into education, and creating supportive environments.
Q4: What are the current challenges for women in STEM fields?
A4: Challenges include gender biases, societal stereotypes, a gender pay gap, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Addressing these issues requires systemic changes and increased support for women in STEM careers.
Q5: How can educational institutions support women in STEM?
A5: Educational institutions can support women by providing inclusive environments, promoting awareness from an early age, integrating engaging teaching methods, and addressing biases in hiring and career advancement.
