Engineer's Day Special: Women Shaping The Future Of STEM In India

As we celebrate Engineer's Day, it's imperative to recognise the profound contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in India. Many organisations have now made diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a top priority, monitoring and measuring their progress regularly. However, despite these concerted efforts, the gender gap in STEM fields remains substantial.

From an economic perspective, it is essential for women to have a more significant presence in growth areas, many of which are in STEM sectors. In India, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the IT industry contributed to 7.4 per cent of the country's GDP in FY22, and this figure is projected to rise to 10 per cent by 2025. Another rapidly growing STEM-related sector is pharmaceuticals, with the Indian market expected to expand from US 42 billion dollars in 2021 to US 130 billion dollars by 2030. Additionally, life sciences and healthcare are predicted to face a talent shortage in the coming years.

“A significant part of India’s young and diverse talent pool is waiting to be discovered. While we have made strides of progress, women in the country continue to face social barriers affecting their careers. To bring a systemic change, it is vital to invest in measures which would support women associates, help them remain employed and avail equal opportunities to succeed,” shares Ram Prasad, Director- HR, Carelon Global Solutions India. 

To fully leverage the opportunities presented by STEM-related growth sectors, both India Inc. and the government must address the challenge of translating women graduates into talent. Presently, there exists a significant gap between women graduating with STEM degrees and those actively seeking employment in the related fields.

Government Initiatives

The Gati and Kiran programmes, championed by the Indian government, are designed to empower women in STEM. Gati focuses on fostering a gender-responsive environment in academic institutions and research organisations. Kiran, on the other hand, encourages women scientists to take up research and development activities. These initiatives have been welcomed as significant steps towards promoting gender diversity in STEM. By addressing gender-specific challenges and offering scholarships and fellowships, they have started to make an impact, albeit slowly.

The science, technology and innovation policy (STIP) is another critical milestone in India's quest for gender inclusivity in STEM. The policy recognises the importance of diversity in research and innovation and aims to provide equal opportunities for women. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on their successful implementation and the commitment of institutions to foster inclusive environments.

Additionally, the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, initiated by the department of science and technology (DST), is a transformative endeavor aimed at providing meritorious girls in high school with equal opportunities to pursue higher education in STEM subjects. Beyond that, it extends a helping hand to young female students hailing from rural backgrounds, offering them exposure and guidance.

Stereotypes, Low Pay and Scheduling: Deterrents for Women in STEM

The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields cannot be attributed solely to skill inadequacy; it is deeply entwined with a web of societal, cultural, and systemic factors. Stereotypes have played a significant role in perpetuating this gender gap, with preconceived notions about gender roles often discouraging women from pursuing STEM careers. Patriarchal attitudes further exacerbate the problem, influencing hiring practices, awarding of fellowships and access to grants, favoring male candidates.

“Diverse representation is critical to the success of any organisation and is particularly important for innovation to thrive. Diverse teams perform better, have more engaged members and have high retention levels. Despite these benefits, we have a long way to go to before we achieve gender parity in the workforce,” highlights Vidya Lakshmi, EVP and Head of HR, Wells Fargo India and Philippines.

Women in STEM also face unique stressors related to marriage, childbirth and familial responsibilities, which can hinder career advancement. Moreover, concerns about physical safety during the commute to work and the prevalence of workplace harassment, both sexual and otherwise, create hostile environments that deter women from pursuing STEM careers.

One of the most significant challenges for women in STEM remains the gender pay gap and inflexible work schedules. Studies indicate that women in STEM fields often receive lower compensation than their male counterparts. Additionally, inflexible work hours can pose significant challenges for women who balance career and family responsibilities. These issues must be addressed to attract and retain more women in STEM.

The Leadership Gap

In a survey involving 1,004 women tech professionals, only 7 per cent reported holding executive-level positions, while 13 per cent were at the director level (as per the Skillsoft 2022 women in tech report – India region). An additional 17 per cent mentioned occupying mid-level manager positions.

While there has been an increase in women's representation in STEM roles, the pipeline narrows when it comes to leadership positions. This phenomenon is often attributed to biases and structural obstacles that women face throughout their careers. Encouraging mentorship and creating an inclusive workplace culture can help bridge this gap.

Fostering Interest from a Young Age

The most recent All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reveals that in 2021, approximately 9.5 million students enrolled in STEM courses, with 43.2 per cent being women. Despite this robust participation in STEM education, a mere fraction of these women is pursuing careers in STEM sectors. According to the World Bank, women constitute nearly 43 per cent of all STEM graduates but represent only 14 per cent of scientists, engineers and technologists in research and development institutions and universities.

“Amid the current semiconductor revolution, women have a huge potential to stand at the forefront of creating ground-breaking innovation. As industry reports confirm, despite 43% of women entering STEM, fewer than 20% venture into electronics. These numbers make it imperative to create awareness, dispel myths and inspire young girls through STEM education. Contributions of dedicated women in STEM organizations is essential to encourage young girls and budding talent to take up STEM roles. Within an organization, nurturing a culture of equal opportunities, work-life balance, and bias eradication remains paramount,” says Anita Christopher, Talent Development Head, Samsung Semiconductor India Research.

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects from a young age is vital. Schools and parents play a crucial role in inspiring young girls to explore such fields. Initiatives that promote hands-on learning, STEM clubs and female role models can be instrumental in breaking stereotypes and nurturing interest in STEM.

Challenges in Training and Education

At the university level, attracting women to STEM courses can be challenging. Institutions must create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that addresses the specific needs of female students. Mentorship programs and scholarships can play a vital role in encouraging women to pursue STEM education.

“Over the last few years, organisations have started focusing on career advancement and providing growth opportunities to employees. Organisations need to offer meaningful job roles with clear career paths that contribute to solving business problems and allow for innovation. With evolving opportunities across STEM, employers are being deliberate in their efforts to close the gender gap through initiatives such as mentorship, support groups, visible role models, investment in building technical and functional expertise and early talent initiatives that mutually benefit both the organisation and the individual. Gender-agnostic policies and leadership training to check unconscious biases in decision-making also go a long way,” adds Lakshmi.

Role of Men in Reducing Gender Disparity

Reducing gender disparity in STEM requires a collective effort. Sensitising men to gender bias and promoting allyship is essential. Men can champion gender diversity, challenge stereotypes and actively support female colleagues in their STEM careers.

“It is integral for male colleagues and leaders in STEM to support, guide and encourage women to pursue their passion and collaborate with them on innovative projects. We must all work collectively towards a more equitable industry through changing some individuals’ mindset, providing better opportunities and contributing to everyone’s professional growth,” adds Prasad. 

Future of Women in STEM

The future for women in STEM is bright but requires continuous effort. As more women break barriers and take on leadership roles, we can expect greater gender equality. Government policies, educational institutions and industries must work together to create a more inclusive STEM landscape.

On Engineer's Day, let's celebrate the achievements of women in STEM and recommit ourselves to the cause of gender diversity. Government initiatives like Gati, Kiran and STIP are steps in the right direction, but their success hinges on effective implementation. Addressing issues like low pay, inflexible schedules and the leadership gap is vital. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM from a young age, improving education and training, sensitising men and fostering a supportive ecosystem will shape a brighter future for women in STEM in India.