Science is defined as the study of natural laws and the physical world. Science has been a driving force in human progress for centuries. Whether it is germ theory or studying the pattern of stars, science has helped us in understanding our world better.
However, the scientific community and the field of science have not remained immune to social ills. While science is an antidote to dogmas and regressive structures, the field is struggling with the problem of gender equality too.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are important issues in today’s world. This is why, when we talk about these, we cannot ignore the criticality of gender equality in science. The field, combined with technology, creates pathways for innovations for tomorrow.
In a way, science drives humanity in a certain direction. Therefore, equal representation of all genders in science is crucial to ensure it caters to everyone’s needs equally.
While speaking at IIT Bombay Techfest in December 2022, Finland’s former President lauded the step to introduce supernumerary seats in the institute for women. Tarja Halonen, who is also the first female president of Finland, said that “gender equality in science and technology will mean more inclusive innovations.” This is an important aspect when we talk about equal rights for women.
So, What is Inclusivity?
In a social context, inclusivity is when the policies and structures of the society are supportive of everyone irrespective of their gender, class, caste, etc. Therefore inclusivity in innovation would mean that new developments in science and technology include the interests of all genders. This is what the Finland president was highlighting in her speech.
Let’s try to understand this statement from a news piece, “when a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured…”. What does it mean? It simply means that car manufacturers don’t design cars keeping women in mind. This is just one of the examples illustrating that the world is built for men.
Inclusivity in science is especially important because science empowers humans. If there is more gender equality in science and technology, it would mean more innovations that will further create gender equality in society and the world at large.
Gender Inequality in Science
According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, only one in three scientists is a woman. This shows that even in today’s modern world, the men dominate the field of science. This disparity is because of a number of reasons.
The general lack of support for women wanting to enter Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, wage inequality at work, and the unfair conditions create situations for women where they cannot survive in a demanding field like scientific research.
Not just that, women are also underrepresented in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to data, only 22% of professionals in the field of AI are women. This is concerning because AI is one of the biggest innovations that is happening in the field of technology today. This is why removing this gender inequality in STEM education and professions is important.
A report by the European Institute of Gender Equality suggests that the European Union can increase employment by 8,50,000 people by 2050 if it brings down the gender gap in STEM. These promising facts also apply to other parts of the world, including emerging countries like India.
With the biggest young population in the world, India can benefit immensely by making STEM education and professions more gender inclusive. This is where the importance and role of education for women empowerment also comes in.
“Education is crucial for overcoming gender inequality. Training on issues related to human rights, equality and development is a necessity,” Ms Lachezara Stoeva, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations said at an event organised by UNESCO in March 2021. The topic of the event was ‘Gender Equality in Science, Technology and Innovation: Towards an Inclusive STI ecosystem’. The role of education in women empowerment was discussed in detail during the event.
Role of Education in Women Empowerment through Science
There are various ways in which gender equality in science can be helpful. But, the most important is that scientific innovations will be created keeping in mind the needs and requirements of all genders.
Professor Heisook Lee explains that gender and sex are not considered important variables in critical scientific research. The male gender is a ‘norm’ making it difficult to provide solutions catered specifically to genders other than males.
This is important that both men and women respond very differently to the natural conditions around them. Their biological responses are different too. Therefore, it’s not smart to apply same standards to both genders without looking at the variance in the application.
So, while this is important, women also can bring a new perspective to the entire field of science. By having overall gender diversity in the STEM field, we may witness newer innovations and push the limits.
In fact, gender diversity in science can mean impressive growth for the entire scientific community because it will benefit from the added resource and diversity. Lastly, as mentioned above, there are fewer women in STEM professions and this creates a shortfall of capable people who can be of value to the field.
The European data shows that this shortfall can be reduced by bringing in more women in STEM professions. Around the world, the field of science and technology needs more talented people. If we encourage more women to enter the field, it will open up new dimensions and fill the gap in demand and supply immensely.
Its 2023!
High time we stop the tiring advocacy for women empowerment and set the equality wheels running in top speed already. For the world to move forward and progress at a fast pace, the role of women is critical.
We need women to contribute in every field at the same level as men. This can be achieved by creating equal opportunities for women. While we have been discussing the role of women in society, as the world changes, we must also focus our attention on the field of science.
Technology and Science are going to be game-changers in the coming decades. By creating a more inclusive environment in these fields, we can ensure that the future is equitable for all.
Smile Foundation and Role of Education in Women Empowerment
Smile Foundation through its women empowerment programme, Swabhiman is making women and adolescent girls take full control of their lives through entrepreneurship, digital financial literacy, important life skills and nutrition activities.
The role of education in women empowerment is a crucial one. We will soon become a world where young girls/women are independent in every way possible.
