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IEEE Launches Women in Science, Engineering Project for Rural Indian Girls
The IEEE has initiated the Women in Science, Engineering (WiSE) project to support rural Indian girls in STEM education. This effort seeks to combat social barriers that contribute to higher dropout rates among girls, particularly between ages 11 to 14, by providing better access to educational resources and opportunities.
Key points
- IEEE's WiSE project aims to retain girls in STEM education.
- Dropout rates for girls in rural India spike between ages 11 and 14.
- Social barriers include early marriage and traditional gender roles.
Introduction to the WiSE Initiative
The IEEE has recognized the significant gender disparity in STEM fields, where only 28 percent of the global workforce is female. In response, the Women in Science, Engineering (WiSE) project has been launched to support rural Indian girls and keep them engaged in their education.
Challenges Faced by Rural Indian Girls
In rural India, educational challenges intensify as girls approach their teenage years. According to the Mahadev Maitri Foundation, social expectations and early marriage pressures lead to increased dropout rates for girls, especially between the ages of 11 and 14. These limitations often deter interest in STEM subjects before it can be cultivated.
Leadership Behind WiSE
IEEE Fellow Rajiv Joshi and Senior Member Rajesh Zele have spearheaded the WiSE initiative. Joshi is a principal scientist at IBM, while Zele is a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology. Both are committed to enhancing educational opportunities for girls in STEM fields, believing that despite universal talent, access to opportunity remains unequal.
Goals and Impact of WiSE
The WiSE project aims to provide the necessary resources and mentorship to rural girls, enabling them to overcome social barriers and pursue STEM education and careers. By fostering an inclusive environment, this initiative hopes to inspire more girls to adopt STEM subjects from an early age and reduce dropout rates.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
The IEEE has initiated the Women in Science, Engineering (WiSE) project to support rural Indian girls in STEM education. This effort seeks to combat social barriers that contribute to higher dropout rates among girls, particularly between ages 11 to 14, by providing better access to educational resources and opportunities.