GA

Geetika AroraAIR 22· 2025

Question Q.20Analyze socio-cultural factors + Suggest measuresGS2GS1

Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.

Open scan (p.47)
AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Introduction

As per NITI AAYOG data, women in India constitute 47.1% of STEM graduates, but only 23% of the STEM workforce, highlighting the persistent gap due to various factors.

28 words

Main Body

Socio-cultural factors contributing to high attrition rate among women in STEM careers:-

1Patriarchal notion of considering STEM to a 'male dominated' often in fundamental and women in 'exclusive' roles affected.
2Lack of security for women at workplace & mother caring cases of sexual harassment & rather staying case. (a) HOWCO - says woman on average stands 90% of her productive life in pregnancy
3Lack of opportunity by the employer at workplace (STEM related) and high gender wage gap. (a) Promoted settlement.
4Phenomenon like 'Glass ceiling' and 'sticky floor' - doesn't promote women at top positions in STEM.
5Other reasons like, early marriage, high window of child bearing - creates high attrition rate.

Measures to improve retention of women in STEM careers:-

1Persuasive policy of 'corporate' to hire women in STEM jobs. (CSR initiatives)
2State group policy for raising women coders, researchers etc.
3Reduced dropout rate of women in degree education through class awareness, behavioural economics etc.
4Women belong to STEM:-

(a) Skill penetration, through programmes like skill under programme, National Skill Development only 5.4% of total special focus on women/ workforce usually skilled.

(b) Implementation of PoSH 2013 / Prevention of sexual harassment at workplace to ensure women to work at ease with men.

(c) Financial incentives, industry - academy linkage as other measures.

223 words14 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, Careers for women in STEM would give agency to women for their true empowerment & achievement.

17 words

  • Clear identification of patriarchal barriers
  • Mentions specific policy (PoSH 2013)
  • Addresses multiple dimensions of attrition (safety, opportunity, family)
  • References NITI AAYOG data with specific percentages
  • Proposes concrete measures with CSR and skill development focus

Open original scan

Page 47

Topper

Geetika Arora

AIR 222025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS1

Topic

Role of Women and Women's Organization

Women

Women in STEM careers

Writing Stats

268

Total words

14

Paragraphs

Analytical and structured

Tone