DNA Edit: Bridging gender gap

The Human Resource Development Ministry’s survey on gender gap in higher education shows how women have not only caught up with men, but have become numerically stronger in eight disciplines in the 2016-17 academic session.

Courses such as the Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Nursing) are being dominated by women. There has been a sea change in the sex ratio in higher educational institutions. Between 2011-12 and 2016-17, the gender gap has narrowed down from 31.5 lakh to 21.5 lakh with a substantial increase in women’s participation in certain disciplines.

However, in undergraduate technical and professional courses, men continue to rule the roost. This should be viewed in two ways: One, men are failing to qualify for higher education courses, and second, at some level, women aren’t being provided societal and institutional support to climb up the education ladder.

Still, India has come a long way since Independence when the number of women in all levels of education was minuscule compared to the overwhelming majority of boys and men. One thing is for certain: Men are no longer looked upon as the sole breadwinner of the family as parents are investing in the education of the girl child.

This is in sync with the zeitgeist. Women have stormed traditional male bastions, and in many cases have shattered the glass ceiling, owing to their professionalism and commitment. Still, world wide, top corporates continue to show hesitancy in employing women at the top posts.

This lack of confidence is completely unfounded, especially when women professionals are found to be far more responsible than men. The change in Indian scenario in higher education will pave the way for more women to enter the work force.