Question Q.20GS1GS1
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.
Introduction
Women participation in STEM fields is abnormally low due to various socio cultural reasons.
14 words
Main Body
Socio-cultural factors contributing to high attrition rate of women in STEM:
1Patriarchal attitude demoralises women- ex. from professors in college, male counterparts in jobs.
2Child bearing and rearing responsibility: dual burden prevents them from pursuing STEM careers.
3Traditionally male dominated fields - creates psychological barriers for women.
4Lack of financial capital | no familial support for higher education in STEM deters them.
5Preference given to sons education over daughters if family has limited resources.
6Sexual harassment at workplace, wage gap, glass ceiling which prevents them is moving to senior/incident leadership roles. Of [illegible] in different room.
Measures to improve their retention in STEM:
D) Merit based scholarships for young girls - ex. Curie gabi (for girls)
2Research funding grants to projects led by women.
3Attitudinal change: bring out inspirational examples: ex. Kiran Majumdar Shaw to who heads Biocon.
4Enforcement of POSH guidelines - compulsory formation of external complaints committee in all tech companies.
5Paternal leaves for men to create equality of opportunity in [illegible] roles. @IITs, providing women participation in stem can go a long way in acheiving SDG-5 gender equality.
191 words11 paragraphs
Conclusion
SDG-5 gender equality
3 words
- Identifies patriarchal attitudes as key barrier
- Recognizes gender role constraints
- Mentions specific examples (professors, male counterparts)
Topper
Ritu Goyal
AIR 223
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Role of Women and Women's Organization
Women
Women in STEM careers
Writing Stats
208
Total words
11
Paragraphs