Parity Lost
Gender bias in Science
Research activities thrive in university laboratories today. Courtesy: Ekramul Kamal Ovi
Recent advances in science and technology and a large number of scientists with a wide spectrum of skills, dedicated to new and innovative developments, have given a great hope for alleviation of hunger, poverty, malnutrition, unemployment and unhealthy living conditions of the teeming millions of the developing world. A productive life and a quality life for all irrespective of developed or developing country is a rightful demand of this science and ICT century. For this purpose, womenalong with men should be given ample opportunities to enter and excel in science, technology, and related professions. While women constitute half of humanity, even in countries where they have ready access to higher education, the number of women studying mathematics, physical science, and engineering remains disproportionately below parity with that of men. Talented and capable women are practically turned away from these and other fields, and the few who persist typically find themselves isolated and marginalized. As a result, the overall participation of women scientists and engineers in the workforce continues to be very limited, and these professional women seldom reach the top of the hierarchyat universities, research organizations or policy making institutions in the government and the private sectors. Bangladesh is no exception in this regard. Present status of women in science education The development of a country is a continuous process and there is no easy formula for a magic transition. Men and Women must work hand in hand and must work hard. The status of women in science and education at the primary, secondary and higher levels in our country and ways and means of improving the methods of science education, status of women scientists in different sectors, their problems in career building in professional lives are prerequisites for improving the present situation. Overall a global comparison with our women in scientific profession has been included in the present study. Bangladesh is a medium human developed country with HDI of 0.543. Compared to other developing countries it has a highly dense population with a low adult literacy rate (54%). Science education in general is less popular compared to business studies because of demand in job market. Women represent 48% of the total population. Percentage of women in science (30%) in Bangladesh is quite satisfactory and comparable with many of the developed countries. Despite many disadvantages, women in Bangladesh are showing their excellence in many of the professional lives as scientists, engineers and medical professionals. Lower representation of women in academic faculty and scientific leadership positions in these fields and especially in policy making bodies of the government is a reality even though highly unjustified. The drive and motivation of women in science is demonstrated by those women who persist in academic careers despite all obstacles. Although women scientists and researchers are hardworking, creative with high intellectual capability but they are still underrepresented and discriminated in the policy making positions of scientific profession and education. However social, scientific and technological advancement of a nation can only be strengthened through equal participation of men and women.
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