Gender Equality In STEM Implies Fighting Traditional Stereotypes: Laura Moschini, RomaTRE University

At the Women Economic Forum in April 2018, there was a session on "Improving Gender Equality in STEM Environment".

Laura Moschini, Professor for Social Ethics and Gender Issues, RomaTRE University, said, "Improving Gender Equality in a STEM Environment is not a recent issue. It was found that the issue was not only due to equal opportunities but because of traditional stereotypes of male and female. In addition to traditional stereotypes, concerning male and female roles, and dualism that give reason and objectivity to men and intuition, feelings and subjectivity to women. Another stereotype that concerns science exists, it is about the understanding of science as a rational field. In the movie Hidden Figures, you could see this issue. In this film, we can see the history of three black women scientists at NASA, who in 1961 thanks to their great competence, human skills and qualities, (including determination, independence of thought and creativity) were able to produce a real evolution for both gender equality and skin colour. Since then many things have changed but the problems still exist. First, we know that girls were not and today also, not educated to undertake scientific studies because of prejudices. Many scientists has long ago warned that isolating and grouping together these studies would reinforce their isolation and would paradoxically hinder instead of favour the increase of interest of the people in them, especially women".

She also added, "Some scientist with an open mind or perhaps that is more aware of gender equality, have understood the problems within STEMs. Considering human issues and with them, the women point of view, can enrich not only the purpose of study and research but also direct it to what has finally become the goal of all the countries of the world social, environmental and economic sustainability (the 17 SDGs). In order to improve gender equality in the STEM, it is necessary to fight stereotypes and prejudices in schools and in the media. Gender mainstreaming and gender equality are premises in the sustainable development goals. To improve gender equality in STEM it is not enough to mention some female scientists or to show their lives or scientific discoveries, but we must support the transition from STEM to STHEAM (Humanities and Arts included). Bringing gender equality into sciences means allowing different points of view are present in at least 52% of the population, to influence the objectives of studies and research, being aware that this can enrich them. It is a question of democracy, and social and economic progress."

Moschini also went on to say, "We need to ask whether diversity can help artificial intelligence help diversity? Giulla Baccarin is an example of someone who exemplifies why gender equality is important in the STEM. Martha Nussbaum in her beautiful book "Cultivating Humanity" shows the benefits of incorporating gender points of view into the STEM. As we know every revolution creates distrust and victims: in this case, the victims are favouring the technologies over the human sciences and the hierarchies among the sciences based on a prevalent male-oriented social system."

Dr Uttam Rao, Founder and CEO of www.sevadal.com, said, "God has not given gender-specific skills, they are universal. Women are sensitive, sincere, hardworking, efficient, and are ideally suited for STEM faculty. Automation and AI would greatly benefit women. The future is home-based work. Women entrepreneurs have to come up with ideas which would use AI effectively to create job opportunities. The future of technology has to be used to create new job opportunities which are hard to foresee now. In developing countries, women need social and financial support. There are places which need women-only colleges and the same has to be replicated in the job scenario. In India, the important portfolio of defence and foreign affairs is held by women. Equal rights are fundamental parts of the Indian constitution. Based on gender, opportunities cannot be denied. Diverse capabilities of men and women can lead to great things. Right to education is a fundamental pillar of any nation. Ancient India was very advanced in the STEM, we need women to be a part of it as well."

Anurit Kanti

BW Reporters The author is correspondent at BW Businessworld, he has a keen interest in sustainability and environmental economics