{"id":32914,"date":"2021-03-08T10:45:32","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T04:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/?p=32914"},"modified":"2024-08-27T16:51:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T10:51:24","slug":"women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Women in STEM Industry Help Overcome Gender Bias"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Despite tall talks about gender equality across streams, there hasn\u2019t been a significant rise in the number of women researchers in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong>. In the wake of International Women\u2019s Day 2021, we would like to discuss the challenges faced by <strong>women in STEM industry<\/strong> and how can they overcome gender bias.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Underrepresentation_of_Women_in_STEM_industry\" >Underrepresentation of Women in STEM industry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Introduction_of_STEM_Pipeline_in_Early_Academic_Years\" >Introduction of STEM Pipeline in Early Academic Years<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Ousting_Gender_Stereotypes_in_STEM\" >Ousting Gender Stereotypes in STEM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Collaboration_with_Women_in_STEM_industry\" >Collaboration with Women in STEM industry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Structure_Processes_to_Evaluate_a_Submitted_Manuscript\" >Structure Processes to Evaluate a Submitted Manuscript<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/women-researchers-gender-bias-in-stem-industry\/#Quick_Tips_to_Overcome_Gender_Bias_in_Scholarly_Publishing\" >Quick Tips to Overcome Gender Bias in Scholarly Publishing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Underrepresentation_of_Women_in_STEM_industry\"><\/span>Underrepresentation of Women in STEM industry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The myth of the math brain is one of the most self-destructive concepts in the education system globally. Several studies and analyses have reported gender bias in STEM-related subjects. Since its inception, the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong> has significantly underrepresented women. Despite multi-faceted advancements across the globe, the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong> still lacks women in intellectually challenging positions, let alone in senior leadership.<\/p>\n<p>According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics fact sheet of 2019, less than 30% of the world\u2019s researchers are women. With not as many women researchers in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong> already, there also arise some challenges to publish your research as a female author.<\/p>\n<p>Another study conducted by The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford revealed gender bias in research authorship relating to COVID-19. Underrepresentation of women as authors of research papers in many scientific areas is not new to the world.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we will discuss how you, as a female researcher can overcome gender bias in the process of publishing your research work.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_of_STEM_Pipeline_in_Early_Academic_Years\"><\/span>Introduction of STEM Pipeline in Early Academic Years<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is rightly said \u201cAs you sow, so shall you reap!\u201d. Hence, it is important to give women equal opportunities to pursue and thrive in STEM careers to secure their economic growth. Early introduction of STEM education can instill better understanding of concepts at an early age. Providing adequate and equal training will encourage more women to pursue a career as a researcher in STEM and ensure a diverse and talented STEM workforce.<\/p>\n<p>One challenge that STEM educators face is to understand how to create lessons that integrate underlying STEM concepts into activities. These activities must be appropriate and effective for specific age groups and development levels.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ousting_Gender_Stereotypes_in_STEM\"><\/span>Ousting Gender Stereotypes in STEM<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Bad at Math!<\/h3>\n<p>Academic publishing system reports an underrepresentation of women in STEM as authors, reviewers, and editors. Initially, only men were encouraged to pursue careers in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong>. The first step to overcoming gender bias in STEM is eradicating the notion that women do not have same mathematical skills as men do. Introducing courses that develop interest for mathematics have to be incorporated in the learning curriculum.<\/p>\n<h3>No Work-Life Balance!<\/h3>\n<p>Despite contributing significantly to STEM, it is often considered that women are unable to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Post pregnancy and whilst experiencing motherhood, the intellectual capabilities are frequently underestimated. This attitude hampers the growth of diversity in any organization.<\/p>\n<h3>Can\u2019t Do Longer Shifts!<\/h3>\n<p>The physical strength of women is always associated with the number of hours they can devote to working. Systematically organizing your day would be a better option for everybody, irrespective of their gender. Although, in situations where committed tasks need to be completed in adherence to deadlines, women must take initiative and work for longer shifts to deliver results.<\/p>\n<h3>Can\u2019t Lead the Pack!<\/h3>\n<p>Taking orders from a woman may have pricked a lot in the past. Growing times have acknowledged and appreciated women in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong> for their intelligence, creativity, and contribution. Without a doubt, tenacious women researchers have pushed their boundaries and broke the glass ceiling by achieving leadership positions in their field.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Collaboration_with_Women_in_STEM_industry\"><\/span>Collaboration with Women in STEM industry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One step that a researcher can take to combat gender bias in STEM and publish his\/her research is by collaborating with more women researchers in your field. Jointly working on a research study or co-developing new initiatives in STEM publishing will increase the presence of women and eventually improve diversity.<\/p>\n<p>Associating with women authors for co-authorship in your paper will also act as a catalyst in overcoming gender bias. Apart from this, networking with women researchers from other universities will also positively affect your research outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structure_Processes_to_Evaluate_a_Submitted_Manuscript\"><\/span>Structure Processes to Evaluate a Submitted Manuscript<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Evaluate the quality of a submitted manuscript by setting up a scrupulous and systematic structure. Furthermore, establishment of a committee that represents heterogeneity is important to promote gender parity in STEM publishing. This involves non-disclosure of gender throughout the publishing cycle. Additionally, affiliations to authors must be duly published along with their article as per their contribution and sequence of authorship.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Tips_to_Overcome_Gender_Bias_in_Scholarly_Publishing\"><\/span>Quick Tips to Overcome Gender Bias in Scholarly Publishing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Anonymizing CVs in the recruitment process<\/li>\n<li>Inviting more women researchers as suggestions to journals for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/publication-support-services\/peer-review-process\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"115\" title=\"Peer Review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">peer review<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Encouraging double-blinded peer-review process<\/li>\n<li>Choosing journals that follow publishing ethics<\/li>\n<li>Decrease gender pay gap based on success rate<\/li>\n<li>Focus on equity, and not equality<\/li>\n<li>Collaborating with renowned women researchers in your field<\/li>\n<li>Not shying away from male dominance in the workplace<\/li>\n<li>Encouraging more women to pursue careers in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Promoting women to leadership roles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In conclusion, as gender bias is a serious problem in the world, we are now willfully addressing it and trying our way to have an equity based environment for all genders. Ideally, gender should not be a deciding factor for your intellectual capabilities. Breaking the stereotypes and proving yourself in your field of expertise should be your goal. Furthermore, encourage holistic developmental opportunities for all. Additionally, learn to respect your peers irrespective of their gender. You will only be as successful as the growth on your industry. Subsequently, the contributions made by each entity adds to the growth of an industry.<\/p>\n<p>Do you think gender bias in the <strong>STEM industry<\/strong> hampers your growth as a scientist? Have you experienced gender bias in your career? Let us know how have you overcome these issues? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section. You can also visit our Q&amp;A forum for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex; gap:10px;justify-content:\" class=\"wps-pgfw-pdf-generate-icon__wrapper-frontend\">\n\t\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32914?action=genpdf&amp;id=32914\" class=\"pgfw-single-pdf-download-button\" ><img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-content\/plugins\/pdf-generator-for-wp\/admin\/src\/images\/PDF_Tray.svg\" title=\"Generate PDF\" style=\"width:auto; height:45px;\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\"><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite tall talks about gender equality across streams, there hasn\u2019t been a significant rise in&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8232,"featured_media":32915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1932,751,761],"tags":[1561,1412,1658],"ppma_author":[1907],"class_list":["post-32914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diversity-and-inclusion","category-publication-stages","category-manuscript-submission","tag-gender-bias-in-research","tag-international-womens-day","tag-women-researchers"],"better_featured_image":{"id":32915,"alt_text":"STEM Industry","caption":"","description":"In the wake of International Women's Day, we discuss the challenges faced by women in STEM industry and how to overcome 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Bhosale","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/uttkarsha-profile.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/uttkarsha-profile.jpg"},"author_category":"","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"Uttkarsha Bhosale","job_title":"","description":"Uttkarsha Bhosale is the Executive Editor and Scientific Content Lead at Enago Academy. Being a  gold medalist in chemistry, she is a published author with 10+ publications in journals and conferences. She has previously worked as an editor and writer for premier chemical and medical English-language journals. Hitherto, she has developed around a 400+ scientific content pieces and features for regular as well as special issues for medical practitioners. Additionally, she also serves as a Medical Writer and Content Strategist for Enago Lifesciences, making medical communication easier for all. As an academic, she has a background in qualitative research and has also presented several papers at regional and national research conventions. She has been the chairperson of science association and English literary group at university level. With her flair for language and writing, she maintains a strong interest in resolving issues faced by academics and researchers."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8232"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32914"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48444,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32914\/revisions\/48444"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32914"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=32914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}