Studies show that women are largely underrepresented in the field of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Math and science have been repeatedly reported as male fields, whereas women tend to be characterized as more suited to humanities. While it is common to experience gender bias and stereotypes in almost all fields, the gap is particularly pronounced in STEM.
Read MoreWe need volunteers who will serve as mentors in this program. The mentor will meet with a group of 4-6 girls from grade 4-8 for one hour a week for four weeks.
Read MoreAn observation of career trends in the 21st Century shows that even though careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) appear to offer higher earnings than a career in marketing or accounting typically would, you find increasingly fewer women in STEM fields; with a minute number choosing STEM in the first place, and an even higher number dropping out to take up careers in less-specified areas.
Read MoreMany women and girls who aspire to pursue a career in STEM owes a great deal of gratitude to women trailblazers like Dr Bhosle who have paved the way for future generations of female mathematicians to thrive in a field that they were once shunned away from. May her life and legacy serve as a powerful and important reminder that women can achieve great things, despite the many challenges that come their way.
Read MoreNeedless to say, deep-rooted gender norms in South Asia have historically gotten in the way of many aspiring women and girls. Growing up in a South Asian household, young people are exposed to some of the following gendered colloquialisms at some point in their lives.
Read MoreRead MoreShe smiles like she means it—
because she does
be it a smile of incorruptible virtue
or the sensual tilt of innate seduction