AIMING FOR EQUITY: CHALLENGES AND PROGRESS IN GENDER PARITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Women for long have faced discrimination by society. This bias is driven by gender-based stereotypes that make women inferior to men. Such unequal and unjust behavior against a gender (often women) that denies them equal status and opportunities as compared to the other one is termed as gender bias or disparity. A common manifestation of gender bias is the denial of access to education for women, resulting in lower literacy rates compared to men in many parts of the world. Even when women receive primary and secondary education, obstacles such as early marriage, poverty, and gender-based violence hinder their enrollment in tertiary education (higher education). Many significant steps have been taken to ensure gender parity in education. and slowly the enrollment of women has increased in universities and colleges. However, disparities persist, particularly in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where women remain underrepresented. The discrepancies in gender parity in higher education and research can have significant implications for future wages and career prospects. Despite progress, gender disparities also exist in research and leadership roles within academia. Achieving true gender parity requires addressing these remaining challenges and promoting greater representation of women in male-dominated areas of research. This entails implementing policies and initiatives to break down systemic barriers, challenging gender stereotypes, providing support and mentorship for women in academia, and fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals. This paper reviews the status of gender parity in higher education and research, highlighting the efforts required to address the existing barriers and inequalities. The aim is to ensure that every individual has equal access to educational opportunities, regardless of gender.


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