Sanchita, a young woman with her hair neatly braided down a side and a charismatic face adorned with glasses, majoring in computer science, walked alone among the herd of her 39 other classmates. She was used to this, being the only female, but how she wished for some company. Instead, she spent her breaks wondering about this margin.
One of the primary reasons for less percentage of women in computer science is the societal expectation to conform to traditional gender roles. Despite advancements in gender equality, many families and communities still prioritize marriage and domestic responsibilities over career ambitions for women. This cultural bias can discourage young women from pursuing STEM fields, including CS, or force them to abandon their careers prematurely.
The scarcity of female role models in computer science exacerbates these challenges. With few women in leadership positions, aspiring female computer scientists lack the mentorship and inspiration needed to navigate their careers. This absence of representation can perpetuate the cycle of underrepresentation and discourage young women from entering the field.
The struggles faced by Indian women in computer science are multifaceted, rooted in cultural, educational, and professional barriers. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society to create an environment where women can thrive in CS, thereby contributing to the technological and economic advancement of the nation, and help the Sanchitas in all colleges not be so alone.
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