In the past decade alone there has been a remarkable rise in the statistics of female students selecting science in class XII. This shift is due to the changes in society, the ability of girl children to access education, and the encouragement to girls drop out of school and take up courses in STEM.
According to the chart, in the year 2012, the science stream was opted for by 3. 07 million students. This figure had, however, increased to 4 by 2022. 2 million out of which there is an increase in several girl students also. This increase in the birth rate is attributed to the improvement in women’s rights for equality in the workplace and job openings in science fields. Fortunately, most educational policies governing female education have contributed significantly to the reduction of the gender gap within the science stream.
Girls fare better than boys in board examinations the recent years thus enhancing their confidence to pursue competitive courses such as sciences. In the recent past, there has been a narrowing of the performance gap which has seen most of the girls outcompete boys. It has increased the number of girls entering the science stream thereby reducing the negative gender stereotypes that have previously dominated society in science.
Government Initiatives: Initiatives such as ‘Beti Bachao and Beti padhao’ have allowed girls to assert themselves in every area of learning especially when in science fields.
Increased Awareness: There has been increasing information on career prospects for engineering, medical science, and research that has helped more families to support science education for their daughters.
Role Models: The female scientists, doctors, and engineers who have been successful form a good example that inspires the young generation of girls to emulate them.
More take-outs: The increasing number of female students in the science stream indicates that women should aspire to the higher echelon in different careers in the future. For those more girls engaging in STEM fields, the long-term impact on the society and economy will be of immense benefit to engage towards better workforce diversity.
It is quite encouraging that female students have enrolled in a large number for the Class 12 science stream which has removed gender prejudices to some extent. However, due to the increased support of government policies, social change, and awareness, this trend is likely to increase in the future years.
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IIT-Delhi, IIM-Lucknow
IIT Delhi. 14+ Years of experience as Academics Head & Mentor
