Communications of the ACM
Creating More Opportunities for Women in Technology Sector and STEM Education in India
To include more women in the tech sector, it is important to start early.
Credit: Financial Express (India)
The low metrics of women in engineering as a discipline is a matter of grave concern. According to an AISHE survey, only 11% of engineering graduates in India are women. The percentage of women studying computer science in Indian universities has remained stagnant at around 15% for the past decade. The number is even lower in the hardware domain which is the bedrock of semiconductor industry and is predominantly male-dominated. The reasons for this gender gap are manifold, ranging from unconscious biases to societal expectations and lack of access to opportunities. It is essential to address these challenges and create an environment that is conducive to women's success in the world of technology.
To include more women in the tech sector, it is important to start early. This means encouraging young girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in school. By providing them with early exposure to these fields, we can inspire and motivate them to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Organizations can support this initiative by collaborating with schools to offer workshops, mentorship programs, and summer camps that encourage young girls to explore STEM fields. Another crucial step is to provide mentorship and support to women who are already studying engineering. By offering mentorship programs and connecting female engineering students with female engineers in the industry, we can provide them with guidance and support to navigate the challenges they may face. Such programs not only help women build their confidence but also provide them with a roadmap to succeed in their chosen fields. Industry could dovetail this aspect as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) planning to enhance the efficacy of mentorship programs by ensuring that female mentors are available to guide and support female engineering students.
From Financial Express (India)
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