Islamic Women in Science and Technology
In almost every corner of the world, there is a persistent issue; women are vastly under-represented in scientic fields and are much more present in the arts and humanities. While these subjects have many benefits to society, it is important for women to get involved with science and technology because our world is increasing its focus on these subjects. Women cannot afford to be left behind in this brave new world.
Unfortunately, females still face many barriers to success worldwide. Recently, the Iranian government announced that women would be excluded from many areas of study in universities, like nuclear physics, electrical engineering, computer science, business, and English literature. Iran is not alone in this discrimination; several Chinese universities require that women earn higher entry grades in science courses than men.
In many Islamic nations, women face insurmountable obstacles when pursuing careers in science. This may seem confusing when one considers the fact that the percentage of female scientists is actually higher than the world average in Islamic countries by about 3%. According to a 2012 report by the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research Centre for Islamic Countries, the percentage of female scientists in Muslim nations exceeds that of the European Union, Japan, and the United States. Still, these statistics are only a small part of the story.
"[Islamic countries represent] one fifth of the world's population and more than one fourth of the developing world; Islam's first divine message was 'Read'. But in some countries of the region, more than half of the adult population is illiterate and more than 70 per cent of the women are illiterate," notes a 2005 document published by UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Also, even though the Islamic world has a high rate of female scientists, there have only been two Nobel prize winners from these areas; both were men. This indicates that the female scientists may be working at lower-level jobs than their male counter-parts, thereby blocking their career advancement.
It is important to remember, however, that the situation is not the same in all Muslim countries. For example, in Jordon, Malaysia, and Turkey, women are often promoted to high-level positions, although bias is still an issue. Also, Saudi Arabia -- an extremely conservative society in which women represent less than 5% of researchers -- is improving in this regard. Out of the five female scientists on the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women List, three are Saudi Arabian
Unfortunately, females still face many barriers to success worldwide. Recently, the Iranian government announced that women would be excluded from many areas of study in universities, like nuclear physics, electrical engineering, computer science, business, and English literature. Iran is not alone in this discrimination; several Chinese universities require that women earn higher entry grades in science courses than men.
In many Islamic nations, women face insurmountable obstacles when pursuing careers in science. This may seem confusing when one considers the fact that the percentage of female scientists is actually higher than the world average in Islamic countries by about 3%. According to a 2012 report by the Statistical, Economic, and Social Research Centre for Islamic Countries, the percentage of female scientists in Muslim nations exceeds that of the European Union, Japan, and the United States. Still, these statistics are only a small part of the story.
"[Islamic countries represent] one fifth of the world's population and more than one fourth of the developing world; Islam's first divine message was 'Read'. But in some countries of the region, more than half of the adult population is illiterate and more than 70 per cent of the women are illiterate," notes a 2005 document published by UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Also, even though the Islamic world has a high rate of female scientists, there have only been two Nobel prize winners from these areas; both were men. This indicates that the female scientists may be working at lower-level jobs than their male counter-parts, thereby blocking their career advancement.
It is important to remember, however, that the situation is not the same in all Muslim countries. For example, in Jordon, Malaysia, and Turkey, women are often promoted to high-level positions, although bias is still an issue. Also, Saudi Arabia -- an extremely conservative society in which women represent less than 5% of researchers -- is improving in this regard. Out of the five female scientists on the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women List, three are Saudi Arabian
International Women in Physics
Women's representation in physics varies across different countries. One reason for this is the difference in culture and attitudes, as well as a difference in support networks. For example, in France, families with two sources of income can take advantage of state-supported child care. Coincidentally, France has one of the highest percentage of PhDs earned by women - 33%.
In contrast, this child-care support is absent in Germany where only 10% of physics PhDs are earned by women. In addition, a 2001 international study showed that, when successful, women stated that the support of their families (parents and husbands) was one of the most important driving forces of their careers. This does not suggest that child care or familial support is the sole factor in determining whether women will pursue advanced degrees in physics. It merely offers us a glimpse into the core of the problem and the solution. If women are offered more support balancing their lives, it may become much easier for them to contiune studies in physical science. While the child care difference is not solely responsible for the difference in physics degrees earned by women, it does illustrate the importance of societal support for women in science.
In contrast, this child-care support is absent in Germany where only 10% of physics PhDs are earned by women. In addition, a 2001 international study showed that, when successful, women stated that the support of their families (parents and husbands) was one of the most important driving forces of their careers. This does not suggest that child care or familial support is the sole factor in determining whether women will pursue advanced degrees in physics. It merely offers us a glimpse into the core of the problem and the solution. If women are offered more support balancing their lives, it may become much easier for them to contiune studies in physical science. While the child care difference is not solely responsible for the difference in physics degrees earned by women, it does illustrate the importance of societal support for women in science.
Percentages of Physics Degrees Awarded to Women Around the Globe
AIP: 2001 International Study of Women in Physics