Mathematrix | Podar

The hypothesis of maths as a part of discovery leads to understanding patterns, quantifying relationships, and predicting the future. With evolving minds come mind-blowing ideas. Is society given the right to block these ideas on the basis of gender bias? 

It is an unpleasant fact that gender bias can cause problems even when a woman is considered to be the greatest applicant for the job. Furthermore, responsibilities in the hands of a female only lead to downfall, as quoted by the majority of the leading individuals. Despite the null assumptions shamelessly pushed on the women out there, there has been a jump from one side of the wall to another. 

It all started in 370 AD when HYPATIA was born in Alexandria. She later turned out to be a Greek mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher in 4th & 5th century Egypt. Farly recognized for her commentaries on prominent mathematical works of her time, and known for digging the concept of hyperbolas, parabolas, and ellipses. The first woman to have such a significant influence on the persistence of early mathematical ideas was Hypatia. 

German mathematician Emmy Noether, born in 1882, is renowned for her seminal contributions to abstract algebra and theoretical physics. She was first denied admission to the university owing to her gender even though her father, Max Noether, was a professor there. Such prejudice followed Noether’s career. Eventually, she earned a Ph.D. and an undergraduate degree, but no university would take her on as a regular faculty member.

For over a decade, she was without an appointment, pay, or formal title, despite her mind-blowing achievements, and yet, she is recorded as one of the prominent females who fought against all odds. 

The name Shakuntala Devi must be quite familiar. She was given the name tag ‘Human Computer’. Her talent earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book Of World Records. Surprisingly, she never liked the name tag and quoted that the human mind has incomparably more capabilities than the computer.

And the list goes on. 

Less than 35% of STEM graduates worldwide are women, a persistent underrepresentation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Less than one third of researchers worldwide are women, making them a minority group in scientific research and development as well. One of the likely reasons for the gender gap in mathematics in nations with higher levels of gender inequality is the “Stereotype Threat.” When someone feels threatened by confirming unfavourable stereotypes about their group, this is known as stereotyping. Women may comply to gender preconceptions under the danger of stereotyping and perform poorly on performance evaluations. 

Being confined to four walls results in downwards-spiraling productivity. Women, out there, have immense potential, the only missing factor is motivation and encouragement. Respected Women today were discriminated against in the past. The ability to cross all the boundaries drawn is the most astonishing factor.