Women In Science
“I
asked questions: I wanted to know why. They got used to me asking questions and
being the only woman there.” - Katherine Johnson
The realities that most women face are similar globally regardless of their backgrounds, caste and or country of birth. For centuries women have been viewed as and are treated as second class citizens by a system of patriarchy in which men are in charge. It is this system in which patriarchal structures in place tend to put women "in their place" inevitably robs us gender equality in all facets of our lives. Unfortunately, women in most societies continue to be voiceless as they suffer from various forms of discrimination; women are often underrepresented especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics, less than 30% of the world's researchers are women. Additionally, studies have found that women in STEM fields publish less, are paid less for their research and do not progress as far as men in their careers. Notwithstanding these man-made obstacles women have made, and continue to make immense contributions to the field of science. Our women have discovered life-saving remedies, developed world-altering inventions, and have produced far-reaching research. Regrettably, in many instances their invaluable advances are minimized or neglected. For too long, the STEM fields have been shaped by gender biases that exclude women and girls, past, present, and future. Unequal access to education, political ideologies, religion, technologies, and leadership positions have steered numerous bright female minds away from STEM careers and stalled their progress. It is interesting that Jamaica is also commemorating on this the International Day of Women and Girls in Science a week dedicated to raising awareness on careers under the theme: Career Development: the Vehicle that Leads to Success. Sadly, the gender gap in science is a reflection of the untapped potential a State misses out on when women are discriminated against. As we look to the way forward we must as a society put in place policies and incentives which will encourage more girls to enter the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is important that our girls use themselves being represented in potential career choices. Representation matters. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we congratulate and salute our women folks who in spite of the odds have carved out successful careers in the fields of STEM as they continue to inspire others. This international recognition is important especially for our girls who are in need of positive female role models and mentors. We must remember our collective sense of indebtedness to those female trailblazers in the field of STEM who have paved a path for girls to embark on non-traditional careers. In the words of Segenet Kelemu, the drive of my life is to make a difference in people’s lives.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#WomenInScience #STEM #genderequality #Jamaica
The realities that most women face are similar globally regardless of their backgrounds, caste and or country of birth. For centuries women have been viewed as and are treated as second class citizens by a system of patriarchy in which men are in charge. It is this system in which patriarchal structures in place tend to put women "in their place" inevitably robs us gender equality in all facets of our lives. Unfortunately, women in most societies continue to be voiceless as they suffer from various forms of discrimination; women are often underrepresented especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics, less than 30% of the world's researchers are women. Additionally, studies have found that women in STEM fields publish less, are paid less for their research and do not progress as far as men in their careers. Notwithstanding these man-made obstacles women have made, and continue to make immense contributions to the field of science. Our women have discovered life-saving remedies, developed world-altering inventions, and have produced far-reaching research. Regrettably, in many instances their invaluable advances are minimized or neglected. For too long, the STEM fields have been shaped by gender biases that exclude women and girls, past, present, and future. Unequal access to education, political ideologies, religion, technologies, and leadership positions have steered numerous bright female minds away from STEM careers and stalled their progress. It is interesting that Jamaica is also commemorating on this the International Day of Women and Girls in Science a week dedicated to raising awareness on careers under the theme: Career Development: the Vehicle that Leads to Success. Sadly, the gender gap in science is a reflection of the untapped potential a State misses out on when women are discriminated against. As we look to the way forward we must as a society put in place policies and incentives which will encourage more girls to enter the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is important that our girls use themselves being represented in potential career choices. Representation matters. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we congratulate and salute our women folks who in spite of the odds have carved out successful careers in the fields of STEM as they continue to inspire others. This international recognition is important especially for our girls who are in need of positive female role models and mentors. We must remember our collective sense of indebtedness to those female trailblazers in the field of STEM who have paved a path for girls to embark on non-traditional careers. In the words of Segenet Kelemu, the drive of my life is to make a difference in people’s lives.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#WomenInScience #STEM #genderequality #Jamaica
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