Answer:

Introduction:

The underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is a pressing issue that has been observed globally. Despite the significant progress that has been made in recent years to encourage and support the participation of women in STEM, they remain underrepresented in these fields. India has a total of 56,747 female researchers which is 16.6 per cent of total researchers in the country as per Rajyasabha committee report.This disparity is not only a matter of fairness and equality but also represents a lost opportunity for innovation and economic development.

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Historical Context:

• The historical context of women’s participation in STEM can be traced back to societal norms and beliefs that have been in place for centuries. 
• Traditionally, women were expected to take on roles that were deemed ‘appropriate’ for their gender, which often meant roles in the home or in fields considered to be ‘soft sciences’ like education or nursing. 
• This led to a lack of encouragement and opportunity for women to pursue careers in STEM, as well as a lack of representation of women in these fields in popular culture and media.

Key Reasons for Lower Representation:

• Societal Norms and Stereotypes: 
  • Societal beliefs and stereotypes play a crucial role in shaping the interests and achievements of both genders. 
  • Negative stereotypes about girls’ abilities in math and science can lower their test performance and aspirations for science and engineering careers over time. 
  • Most people associate science and math fields with “male” and humanities and arts fields with “female,” which can lead to unconscious biases and discourage women from pursuing STEM careers.
• Lack of Female Role Models: 
  • The lack of visible female role models in STEM fields can make it difficult for girls and young women to envision themselves in these careers.
  • Seeing someone who looks like you in a particular career can have a powerful impact on your own beliefs about what is possible for yourself.
• Institutional Barriers: 
  • Persistent institutional gender biases, strictly defined gender norms, and a patriarchal culture can create an unwelcoming environment for women in STEM. 
  • Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues, their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals, and they are often passed over for promotion.

Measures to Encourage Participation:

• Promote Positive Role Models: 
  • Highlighting the achievements of women in STEM, both historically and in the present day, can help to provide positive role models for girls and young women. 
  • For example, the achievements of women like Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin, and Katherine Johnson should be celebrated and taught in schools.
• Address and Counteract Stereotypes: 
  • Educational programs should actively work to counteract stereotypes about gender and STEM from a young age. 
  • This can involve creating classroom environments that encourage all students to participate equally and promote a growth mindset.
• Provide Support and Mentorship: 
  • Providing support and mentorship opportunities for girls and women in STEM can help to build confidence and provide guidance. 
  • Programs like the Indian government’s Vigyan Jyoti scheme, which encourages female students to pursue higher education in STEM, and the SERB-POWER initiative, which provides financial assistance for women to pursue STEM research projects, are examples of such support.
• Create Inclusive Cultures: 
  • Institutions and organizations must actively work to create inclusive cultures that support the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in STEM. 
  • This can involve addressing unconscious biases, providing equal opportunities for funding and promotion, and creating supportive networks for women in STEM.

Conclusion: 

The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. By promoting positive role models, addressing and counteracting stereotypes, providing support and mentorship, and creating inclusive cultures, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive STEM community. Ultimately, this will lead to increased innovation, economic development, and a brighter future for all.

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