India as a country is growing at a faster rate in every field whether it is science and tech. , industry or providing goods and services. The contributor in this rate of growth are the citizens of this country , but when we see the name of the people who are making india proud in the field of their expertise we find that women’s lack somewhere in all these fields. Their contribution is not much encouraged. If we talk about science and tech. and ask generally people about do they know any women’s scientist ? They might ponder for sometime and then might say , yes madam Curie . She is one of the renowned women scientist but no one knows the name of any Indian women scientist . Why is it so? Where does the women’s lack ?
I think that the main reason is that we tend to associate profession with gender . We often think , actually we don’t think we are compelled to think that girls have less talent they can’t do these research and all . There main responsibility is considered as caregivers. Our society is baised. Biasness means to make prejudice for one or a group specially in way which is considered as unfair to others. Biasness is based upon gender , race, age , religion etc. It affects how we perceive things and our decision making . Bias influences micro- agression . Implicit bias affects self perception. It often leads us to feel of not being good enough. It is more common in girls in STEM . Our society is a victim of androcentrism which means ” Male thinking and behaviour is normal , female thinking & behaviour as other – deviant , inferior when it is different .
Why we lack women scientist and researchers?
Probable reason is that women leave education before achieving their goals . Why is it so ? # Getting a permanent job takes time # Interference of the biological clock # They have to chose between marriage and career # Social pressure and conservative thinking of family # Economic reason and intersectionality
What is the way forward ? First of all we have to acknowledge that there is a problem and problem must be faced . Problem is that of equal status and opportunity . ” Girls can only win the race of they start from starting point not far from starting point ” . We have to take proactive role to improve the environment around us by raising awareness .
What are best practices that must be adopted by us ?
# Addressing unconscious bias . # Assisting women’s through mentorship . # Fostering women’s success in academia . # Women in leadership roles .
So finally we can conclude that it is not the matter of unavailability of demographic dividend it is the matter of providing equal status and opportunity to each and everyone residing in a country. Government has taken many initiatives and is trying to implement those . But we as an individual have to take initiative. Wherever we are discriminated we have to claim our right and fight for equality then only we can change the perception of society towards girls. Girls are even more responsible and disciplined towards their work and also they have the talent to achieve everything which they wanted to do . The thing is opportunity which they need .
Anshika Sharma Miranda house University of Delhi anshika.2021.578@mirandahouse.ac.in 9026690903
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