Women

Happy Friday!?

Welcome to this edition of “Women” (#265).

My elder sister grew up as the only girl among three siblings and often felt outnumbered — a feeling I never really understood or appreciated at the time. However, as I grew older, I began to recognize the challenges a woman must overcome to succeed, not just in their career but in life. To ensure this realization stays with me, nature has seen to it that I live as the minority in a household of all women.????On this International Women’s Day, let's explore the theme of representation.

The global gender ratio has?remained relatively constant?over the past century, with approximately 100 women for every 102 men. Despite this near-even distribution, the question remains: are women equally represented in society? Or rather, should they be represented equally in all areas?

Take, for instance, the shifts in the electorate and legislative priorities before and after women gained the right to vote in the US. The passage of laws prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education only became a reality after women entered Congress. This shift has had far-reaching impacts, such as the predominance of women in the healthcare sector in the USA. Was this rise possible without their representation?

A 2021?Pew Research?report?examining diversity in STEM careers noted stark contrasts: while 74% of healthcare roles are filled by women, only 15% and 25% of engineering and computer positions are held by women, respectively. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, this imbalance may hinder societal advancements.

Aligned with this year's International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” we must strive to enhance women's representation in tech and engineering. Doing so will ensure that AI and emerging technologies are free of bias and incorporate diverse perspectives, making them universally beneficial. Let’s commit to this cause and take deliberate steps to accelerate change.?

?Allow me to conclude with a quote from a Telugu movie that deeply resonated with me: "Only two hold the power to bring forth life: The earth, and woman." This statement beautifully captures the essence and profound impact of women. Like the earth, women nurture and sustain all that is vital for our survival and growth. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us acknowledge their invaluable contributions and honor the women in our lives and communities.?

Stay safe, Stay healthy and Stay blessed.?Thank you and have a great weekend.