Efforts on to address underrepresentation of women in STEM areas

sundayguardianlive.com

At a time when software icon N.R. Narayana Murthy has suggested greater focus on STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for speeding up the country’s march to become a developed nation by 2047, the Narendra Modi government seems to have pressed the pedal to increase women participation in these fields. Taking a cue from Japanese efforts to raise the level of participation of women in STEM fields, the Department of Science and Technology has turned its focus towards encouraging women to continue in the field even after marriage, said an official, pointing to efforts to improve gender parity in science and technology R&D at the institutional level. In Japan there is a stigma that women who are successful in STEM fields are less likely to find husbands. This is because STEM careers are often seen as demanding and time-consuming, which leaves less time for dating and family. As a result of this, the country has been facing a challenge in maintaining a healthy participation of women in these fields. Read More