Empower Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Closing the Gender Gap

Good Day! I am Catherine Jean M. Burgos, a Chemistry-Chemical Engineering Student at MAPUA University and taking GED109 classes. From a young age, I became aware of the gender gap, where women were often overlooked. The invalidation of women in our society is multi-layered and has its roots in historical and cultural factors. Scholarly research suggests that the marginalization of women is a complex problem with a long-standing history and cultural background (Smith, 2018). Throughout history, women have been restricted to traditional roles, such as caretakers and homemakers, and denied access to various public spaces, perpetuating the pervasive belief that women are less capable and valuable than men (Smith, 2018). Furthermore, societal and cultural expectations often emphasize a woman's physical appearance and youth, leading to the objectification and external evaluation of women (Smith, 2018). Women also experience discrimination, harassment, and unequal treatment in various fields, including politics and the workplace (Smith, 2018). Despite recent efforts to address gender inequality, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done to ensure complete gender equality and eliminate the invalidation of women in our society (Smith, 2018). The National Science Foundation reports that women constitute only 28% of the workforce in STEM fields in the United States (NSF, 2021). This gender disparity in STEM is a missed opportunity for talented individuals and a setback for the fields themselves, which require diverse perspectives and approaches. To achieve gender equality in STEM, we must break down the barriers that impede women from pursuing careers in these fields, such as unconscious bias, lack of mentorship and networking opportunities, and insufficient support for work-life balance. We must also encourage young girls and women to explore STEM subjects and careers through programs like Girls Who Code and Million Women Mentors (NCWIT, 2021). Empowering women in STEM can unlock a vast pool of talent and potential and create more inclusive and innovative fields for everyone's benefit. Let us work together to dismantle obstacles and close the gender gap in STEM.

Throughout this course, I have gained valuable insights that will stay with me for a lifetime. (1) One of the most important things I have learned is the significance of GAD, or Gender and Development. This approach prioritizes sustainability, human rights, and participation and empowerment in development initiatives while recognizing the unequal status of men and women in society. By analyzing the impact of social norms and power structures on gender, GAD seeks to level the playing field for historically and socially disadvantaged groups. As a result, GAD is not only important for promoting gender equality but also for achieving broader development goals. (2) I have become more knowledgeable about the importance of promoting gender equality. It entails ensuring that all genders have equal access to opportunities, rights, and responsibilities. The impact of gender inequality extends beyond just women; it affects individuals of all genders, including transgender and gender non-binary individuals, children, and families from all races and age groups. Achieving gender equality is crucial as it helps prevent discrimination against women and girls and contributes to creating safer and healthier societies where both men and women are valued equally. (3) As an individual who is aware of societal norms, I have come to understand the importance of gender sensitivity. It involves acknowledging the cultural and social norms, recognizing discrimination, and appreciating the different rights, duties, and obligations of both men and women in society, as well as their interconnections. Gender-sensitive policies and practices should account for the distinct skills, needs, and priorities of each gender, consider both genders' perspectives, and address any existing discrepancies or inequalities between them. By promoting gender sensitivity, we can help to create a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.

Reflecting on my entire course experience, I find it truly fascinating. As an individual who values social consciousness, I enrolled in this course to deepen my understanding of the world around me, particularly in relation to gender and society. Analyzing films and articles has been a great way for me to expand my knowledge and gain insights into the realities of our society. Overall, I would rate this course an 8 out of 10 for its engaging approach and thought-provoking discussions. One of the aspects that I particularly appreciate is the emphasis on Gender and Development (GAD), which sheds light on the different experiences and needs of men and women in society. The Magna Carta of Women, in particular, has been a topic that I find interesting and relevant to the pursuit of gender equality.

References:

National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). (2021). Our programs.https://www.ncwit.org/programs

National Science Foundation. (2021). Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering: 2021. https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/women/

Smith, J. (2018). The historical and cultural roots of women's invalidation in society. Journal of Women's Studies.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. (2023, May 30 ). Our digital world cannot leave forcibly displaced and stateless women and girls behind. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7057220615614730240/