Merely 5.7% of Asia-Pacific startups have women founders highlighting the impact of gender stereotypes in innovation and digital technologies. There is a significant gap in computer literacy, technical education and technical careers in Uzbekistan. Despite advancement in the region, gender disparities persist in STEM education and employment. The Asian Women's Forum showcased a profound commitment to advancing women’s access to quality education, science and digital technologies, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies.
Women encounter several barriers in accessing quality education, pursuing careers in science and technology, and participating in innovation and development. Khadijeh Karimi, Director General for International Affairs Office of Vice President for Women and Family Affairs of the Islamic republic of Iran mentioned barriers faced by women in quality education, science and innovation. Stereotypes ingrained in early childhood education suggest that boys excel over girls, leading to lower self-confidence among girls and affecting their later pursuit of education and careers in these fields. Secondly, despite obtaining education in science and technology, many women experience lower returns on their education investment compared to men when entering the workforce. This decline in representation persists during the transition from university to professional life. Thirdly, the demanding nature of scientific careers often conflicts with women's personal and family responsibilities, posing challenges in achieving work-life balance.
Acknowledging the issues faced by women in accessing quality education, flourishing in the fields of science and innovation, Karimi shared her comments stating:
one consideration that I always have is that yes I'm a teacher, I'm a faculty member but at the same time I'm a wife, I'm a mother. How I should come to a compromise between the two roles? A misfortune event we see is that women are successful in one area, but they are a not so great in another. What should be the core of such meetings is to help women strike a balance between the two roles. Such skills are what we should help our girls with. Because science is everywhere, education is everywhere, the quality may be different, but it is everywhere. What matters is to be able to play the perfect role of a mother, an educated mother, an educated wife as well as being an educated figure and we will need the society's help to be able to uplift our women to flourish in both roles.
The speech delivered by Somia Djacta, Representative of the Islamic World Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization to UNESCO, during the panel discussion at the forum highlighted that Asia stands at the forefront of global Artificial Intelligence landscape driving innovation and technological advancements however the presence of women in this field remains alarmingly low. Women represent only a mere 20% of professionals in the field of digital technologies and innovation. This staggering statistic sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in one of the most transformative industries, it is crucial to look at gender diversity in digital technologies. Women can face discrimination and stereotyping in male dominated fields which hinders their career advancements in such fields.
Djacta also highlighted that male dominance in science and technology workplaces, particularly in leadership roles, limits opportunities for female role models and impedes women's ability to build effective networks and gain social capital within these industries. These barriers collectively hinder women's advancement and representation in education, science, and technology across Asia. For improving representation of women in digital technologies, it is imperative to boost women's representation through vital education and training programs. Advocacy for policies that promote collaboration among governments, academia, and industries is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable ecosystem.
This comprehensive approach to empower and inspire women in the realms of digital technologies, science, and innovation, shows the importance of bridging gender gaps in these critical sectors.
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