In Rajasthan a study has revealed that girls “especially from marginalized communities” have limited access to science and maths, and because of this, very few women science and maths teachers are available.
A study from Rajasthan on gender and equity goals in secondary education shows that its efforts are not misplaced and in fact the issue needs urgent attention.
One of the key highlights of the study undertaken with support of MacArthur Foundation shows there is a paucity of women maths and science teachers. Carried out in three districts – Baran (27.3% ST population), Barmer (16.8% SC population) and Ajmer (urban Muslim population of 11.2%) – the study also shows that girls “especially from marginalized communities have limited access to science and math education because most government girls’ school do not offer these subjects.” The study also says, “Further, social perceptions show that math, in particular, is beyond the inherent capabilities of girls. This deficit in math and science students continues into the college level and at B.Ed. level and as a result, very few women science and math teachers are available.”
Another fact highlighted by the study is that in Rajasthan, by and large, higher secondary schools are known as “boys’ schools” (the term is used for co-ed schools) with only a small number of girls’ only schools. In 2011-12, for instance, there were only 557 girls’ only secondary schools against 15,150 for boys in the state. At higher secondary level, there are 779 girls’ only schools against 7,741 boys’ schools.
The Reports of the study said that access is one of the biggest problems faced by girl students in some difficult areas/districts such as Barmer where the distribution of schools is mostly in urban and peri-urban areas. “Uneven distribution with concentration in just seven districts (Sikar, Kota, Ajmer, Dausa, Sriganganagar, Jaipur and Jhunjhunu) and mostly in urban and peri-urban areas exacerbates limited access for poor and marginalized girls in particular,”.
Src:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/Why-Rajasthan-faces-paucity-of-women-teachers-for-math-and-science/articleshow/46060768.cms