Why is Increasing Women's Participation in STEM Crucial for Viksit Bharat?
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Synopsis
The advancement of women in STEM is essential not only for social equity but also for driving national innovation and economic competitiveness. With India facing a significant underutilization of its female STEM talent, the call for action is urgent. Discover what steps can be taken to realize the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
Key Takeaways
- Women constitute 43% of STEM enrollments but only 14% transition to careers.
- The ‘leaky pipeline’ represents wasted talent and innovation potential.
- Boosting female participation could add 150-170 million jobs by 2030.
- Systemic barriers need to be dismantled for effective change.
- Government initiatives play a crucial role in promoting women's STEM inclusion.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) The inclusion and advancement of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is not just a question of social equity; it is a vital necessity for national innovation, economic competitiveness, and the effective realization of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. This was emphasized by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the premier body representing businesswomen in the country, on Thursday.
A recent report from FLO highlighted that India's greatest underutilized strategic asset is its vast and expanding pool of qualified women in STEM.
“India is a global leader in producing female STEM graduates, with women making up about 43 percent of total enrollments in STEM. Yet, only 14 percent of these women transition into STEM careers,” stated Poonam Sharma, National President of FLO.
This situation, referred to as the ‘leaky pipeline’, represents a significant waste of human capital and a direct barrier to innovation. In major Research and Development (R&D) sectors, women comprise merely 16.6 percent of the workforce. The economic impact of this exclusion is substantial,” Sharma added.
Studies indicate that enhancing women’s participation in the labor market could significantly boost GDP. Furthermore, promoting women's entrepreneurship alone could create between 150 to 170 million jobs by 2030.
“A recent FLO study dissects the systemic barriers—ranging from entrenched socio-cultural norms and the unequal burden of unpaid care to workplace biases and a daunting ‘glass ceiling’—that contribute to this leaky pipeline. It also sheds light on the positive influence of supportive measures such as targeted government programs (e.g., WISE-KIRAN, GATI), the motivating presence of role models like the women scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the thriving startup ecosystem bolstered by Startup India,” Sharma noted.
FLO advocates for closing the gap between educational achievement and workforce engagement, implementing gender-disaggregated data and pay gap disclosures, and establishing a dedicated ‘Deep-Tech Women's Fund’ to enhance women’s participation in STEM fields.
Point of View
NationPress
02/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are women underrepresented in STEM careers in India?
Women face systemic barriers such as socio-cultural norms, unpaid care responsibilities, and workplace biases that hinder their transition from education to careers in STEM.
What is the economic impact of increasing women's participation in STEM?
Enhancing women's involvement in the labor force could significantly boost India's GDP and create millions of jobs, especially through women's entrepreneurship.
What initiatives can support women in STEM?
Targeted government programs, role models in the field, and dedicated funding for women in STEM are essential to bridge the gap between education and employment.
