Indian Women and mathematics

The Mathematical Intelligencer, 1987

Science for All, 2015

This article, getting its first Bangla publication (2015) in a Jadavpur University based students’ magazine named ‘Science for All’, makes an attempt to delve deep into the educational and disciplinary practices of Mathematics in search for the masculine roots of the subject. The artefact used is a book written in Bangla by a Mathematician and historian of Mathematics, Dr Pradip Kumar Majumdar. The article analyzes the book to make sociological and historical comments on the role of the patriarchal society informing the Mathematics academia. It also criticizes Dr Majumdar's stance in toning down the detrimental role of masculinity in shaping the community of practitioners in Mathematics to the form it is in now.

2017

The aim of the workshop is to build a bridge between research on the situation of women in mathematics at the beginning of coeducative studies and the current circumstances in academia. The issue of women in mathematics has been a recent political and social hot topic in the mathematical community. As thematic foci we place a double comparison: besides shedding light on differences and similarities in several European countries, we complete this investigation by comparing the developments of women studies from the beginnings. This shall lead to new results on tradition and suggest improvements on the present situation. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 01A55, 01A60, 01A70, 01A80. Introduction by the Organisers The aim of the workshop was to build a bridge between research on the situation of women in mathematics at the beginning of coeducative studies and the current circumstances in academia. The issue of women in mathematics has been a recent political and social hot topi...

1981

This report is divided. into two main parts. The first part, The Problem of WOmen and Mathematics, emphasizes results of ten research projects initially funded ty the National Institilte'cf , Education (NIE) in 1979. They are euphgpized because the findings are current and the projects touched on all major issues.: Ttis part has sections on Sex Differehces in Mathematics, Factors Influencing.the Study and Learning of Mathematics, and Factors Influencing'Cateer Interests and choice. The 'second settion, Where Do We GcFrcm Mete,. is drawn from the book Women and the Mathematical, Mystique." part suggests directions for research and directions. fcr change. The document concludes with a list of references. (MP) *

International Journal of Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, 2024

As India marches towards its centenary of independence in 2047, the nation’s progress is closely tied to its advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, the journey towards an equitable STEM landscape, where women are equal stakeholders, remains a critical challenge. The underrepresentation of women in mathematics, a foundational discipline within STEM, poses significant hurdles to achieving national and global goals of scientific innovation and technological leadership. This paper explores the critical role of empowering women in mathematics, both as a standalone discipline and as an essential pillar of the broader STEM ecosystem, and its potential to shape a new paradigm for India’s future. The history of mathematics is rich with contributions from women, yet their stories have often been marginalized. From Hypatia of Alexandria to India’s own Shakuntala Devi and contemporary mathematicians like Neena Gupta, women have consistently broken barriers to leave an indelible mark on mathematical thought. Despite these successes, systemic challenges such as gender bias, societal expectations, and lack of mentorship continue to hinder women’s full participation in the field. This paper examines these barriers in the Indian context and explores how they can be dismantled through targeted interventions at the educational, institutional, and policy levels. India’s recent strides in promoting girls’ education and STEM participation through initiatives like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" and STEM education programs have created a favorable environment. However, the representation of women in higher-level mathematics education, research, and academic leadership roles remains disproportionately low. The paper highlights the importance of nurturing young girls’ interest in mathematics from school to university, and the role that academic institutions must play in creating inclusive environments where women can thrive. Practical strategies for encouraging this interest include the establishment of women-led mathematics clubs, mentorship programs, and scholarship initiatives aimed at fostering early engagement with mathematics. As we look towards 2047, the integration of women into the fabric of mathematical research and STEM professions is essential for national growth. Mathematics is increasingly at the core of cutting-edge STEM fields like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing. Women’s participation in these fields can have far-reaching effects, not only in advancing technology but also in addressing societal challenges like healthcare optimization, environmental modeling, and resource management. By fostering a culture that supports women’s contributions to mathematics, India can enhance its global standing in STEM innovation and leadership. This paper also presents a case study of the author’s research on mathematical modeling, showcasing how interdisciplinary approaches rooted in mathematical principles can drive societal progress. The author’s work exemplifies the potential of mathematics to not only solve complex technical problems but also to influence cultural and historical understanding, as seen in projects like Vedic Geometry and the mathematical underpinnings of ancient temple architecture. In conclusion, empowering women in mathematics is not just an issue of gender equity but a national imperative. As India envisions a new Bharat by 2047, women mathematicians and STEM professionals must be at the forefront of this transformation. By breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women to excel in mathematics, India can build a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous future. This paper calls for a collective effort from educational institutions, policymakers, and industries to invest in women’s STEM education and career development, ensuring that their contributions shape the future of a technologically advanced and equitable India.

Purpose – Finding reference sources on women in mathematics can be challenging. With the increasing interest in encouraging women to go into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related careers, there is a need for a list of recommended resources in the literature. Design/methodology/approach – An exhaustive literature review was performed on books addressing women in math that were published in the last 15 years. Findings – An exhaustive literature review was performed on books and online reference material addressing women in math that were published in the last 15 years. Research limitations/implications – These resources are mainly useful as places to begin research on women and mathematics. This list is not designed to be comprehensive. Originality/value – This annotated bibliography will be helpful to librarians interested in helping others understand the challenges women face in STEM careers, specifically mathematics.

Oberwolfach Reports, 2018

The aim of the workshop is to build a bridge between research on the situation of women in mathematics at the beginning of coeducative studies and the current circumstances in academia. The issue of women in mathematics has been a recent political and social hot topic in the mathematical community. As thematic foci we place a double comparison: besides shedding light on differences and similarities in several European countries, we complete this investigation by comparing the developments of women studies from the beginnings. This shall lead to new results on tradition and suggest improvements on the present situation.

Isis, 2019

An autobiographical account of being a woman mathematician in India draws on personal experiences to look at the interactions between gender, caste, class, language, and mathematics. The aim is to look beyond the lack of numbers when we consider women in science and to examine the myriad layers that are a part of any such reflection. Maybe, coming from a particular caste background aided in becoming a mathematician, but being from the South in North India created another set of problems. Mathematics, however, was the safe haven within which much of this played out, or was it? See http://www.epw.in/journal/2017/17/review-womens-studies/feminist-science-studies.html and http://www.epw.in/journal/2017/17/review-womens-studies/woman-mathematician-india.html Woman Mathematician in India An Autobiographical Account. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316685776_Woman_Mathematician_in_India_An_Autobiographical_Account [accessed May 5, 2017].

Journal of the American Statistical Association, 1998

The goal of this seminar was to reveal the concept of number in modern mathematics. The title was inspired by Kirillov's book (1993). My original idea was to use it as the main source for the seminar, but unfortunately, it is too sophisticated for the students, and I ended up using only his general philosophy of consequent extensions of the notion of number, which appears in the beginning of this article. The material is presented in a series of problems with a skeletal framework that provides a context for them. In the seminar, students solved these problems and worked on projects, individually or in groups. Solutions and hints to some of these problems are included in the Appendix.