The need to promote gender equality is now more important than before especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Gender inequality in STEM has gained a significant amount of attention in today’s fast-paced world. However, there have been lots of strategies implemented in order to bridge the gap but still, there is a need to encourage more females in the field of STEM. The involvement of women in these fields is not only important for them but it is also important for the progress and innovation of the whole society. There are many Feminist thesis topics available but still, there is a need to discuss this topic.
In this post, the writer from the Dissertation Proposal writing service will discuss the various ways in which academia can promote gender equality effectively while also encouraging female students to go into STEM fields which eventually foster more stronger and more diverse academic environment.
What Are The Gender Gaps In The Stem?
Gender equality in academia and research has long been a topic of discussion with various factors of its continual existence. Society’s perspectives and biases discourage females from pursuing STEM which creates a cycle of inequality in society. This perspective relates the STEM field with men as well and the lack of prominent female figures in this area further discourages females from pursuing their career in these fields. It is important to address these stereotypes at an early age to eliminate the biasedness and encourage young girls to explore STEM fields.
- Promoting Early Engagement
Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow is not a decision for the individual but for the whole society. Sustainable development is a set of fundamental values that encourages people’s attitudes and behavior in a way to promotes sustainable development for the present and future (Quoquab et al., 2018). So it is important to eliminate the gap in academia, young female students should be provided with necessary help as well as encouragement to explore the STEM fields.
It is necessary to create an open and diverse learning environment where young females can practice and explore their curiosity or interest in these fields. It can be done by providing interactive and engaging activities such as workshops and mentorship programs only for females in order to pique their interest in the field of science and technology from an early age. Moreover, encouraging these girls towards practical experiments and projects can also promote confidence and a feeling of competency which removes the doubts related to their skills in STEM.
- Providing Role Models And Training
Training and female role models in academia play an important role in encouraging female students in the discipline of SEM. Providing female students an opportunity for training that has female role models and experienced experts in the field of their specific STEM can empower students by giving valuable guidance and help. Female role models show that they can also succeed in STEM just like them regardless of their gender. Pointing out the contribution and achievement of female scientist, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians eliminate the basic stereotype and provide real-world examples of achievements to young girls encouraging them to pursue their career in STEM.
- Implementing Open Policies and Practices
In order to effectively promote gender equality in academia it is important for the educational institute to implement flexible policies and practices. Establishing a flexible and supportive environment that gives importance to differences and addresses gender biases is important in this mission. These policies should include equal opportunities for female students in research projects, academic activities, and leadership roles in order to level the gender gaps. Transparent evaluation standards and equal access to resources and opportunities are important aspects in creating an environment in which female students feel confident and embrace their academic tasks.
- Creating A Friendly Environment
Creating a friendly environment in academia is a basic thing in empowering female students in STEM. Establish an environment where students can engage in open discussions, support each other, and share ideas. This strategy eventually fosters a sense of belonging and community. Creating female student-oriented groups, networks, and clubs will establish a space where female students can get connected with like-minded people and share their experiences and difficulties. Creating a good supportive network in academia provides female students with the emotional and academic support that they need to succeed in their STEM fields.
- Dealing with Stereotypes and Biases
Dealing with stereotypes and biases in academia is very important in order to promote gender equality in STEM. Enlightening professors and students about unintentional bias and promoting a collaborative mentality will lead to a friendly and equal academic environment. Because teachers are considered the epitome of knowledge as they are the ones from which students seek education (bestassignmentwriter, 2022). Offering training programs that teach gender equality and eliminate gender biases will encourage a more respectful and flexible academic environment. Moreover, promoting open discussion and dialogues on gender biases and their impact on the academic sector also creates an empathetic and understanding environment in academia.
- Investing in Research and Development
It is the responsibility of the policymakers and academic institutions authority to allocate some resources and funding related the research programs in order to promote gender equality in STEM. It is important to invest in research that highlights the main causes that relate to the gender gap in STEM areas and evaluates the effectiveness of policies regarding empowering female students. These resources include the development of programs, policies, and scholarships that completely support female students in the study of STEM education will help in building a more open and friendly academic environment.
Conclusion
Promoting gender equality in academia and encouraging female STEM students is an equal duty that involves cooperation by academic institutions, policymakers, teachers, and overall society. Academia must create an environment where female students feel confident and respected in their study of STEM fields by eliminating stereotypes. They have to offer support and mentorship, implement inclusive policies, cultivate a supportive community, and invest in research and resources. We can help set the path for a brighter and more equal future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by encouraging a more open broad academic environment. Everyone needs to work together to develop and help the next generation of female STEM leaders so that their contributions form a more creative and open society for years to come.
Reference list
Quoquab, F., Teng, F., Mohammad, J., & Thurasamy, R. (2018). Sustainable development values. Practice, Progress, and Proficiency in Sustainability, 205–211. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-2912-5.ch011
BAW., (2022). What is the ratio and demand of teachers in the UK’s education system? Online Available at <https://bestassignmentwriter.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-ratio-and-demand-of-teachers-in-uk-education-system/> [Accessed on 27th May 2022]