Women, Stem Careers and a More Receptive Industry

editorial-analysis
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Context

  • On World Youth Skills Day, the editorial highlights the stark disconnect between high female representation in STEM education and their low participation in STEM careers in India. It argues that beyond skilling, industry reforms, workplace inclusivity, and mindset changes are crucial to closing this gender gap. 

Background

  • Education-Employment Paradox: India has 43% women among STEM graduates, the highest globally among major economies. Yet, only 27% of the STEM workforce comprises women, reflecting a significant disconnect between education and employment.
  • Gendered Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted beliefs like "mechanical means masculine" or "coding isn't for girls" act as invisible yet powerful deterrents. 
  • Unwelcoming Workplaces: Women often leave STEM careers not due to lack of ability, but due hostile or unsupportive work environments.
  • Limited Awareness and Support from Families: Many families and communities lack knowledge about STEM career pathways, resulting in low encouragement for girls to pursue or continue such careers. 
  • Urban-Rural Divide in Labour Participation: While rural women's FLFPR has reached 47.6%, urban participation remains low at 25.4%, underscoring systemic gaps in formal, skill-based employment access.

Government Initiatives

  • GATI (Gender Advancement Transforming Institutions)
  • WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering - Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) 
  • WOS (Women Scientists Scheme)
  • BioCARe (Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation)
  • INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
  • WEST (Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology) Program

Way Forward

  • Reimagine Industry's Role: Industry must transition from passive hiring to actively enabling women's career transitions.
  • Create Structured Mentorship and Career Pathways: Programs like UN Women's WeSTEM, supported by state governments and private sector foundations, serve as models.
  • Engage Families and Communities: Bringing families, educators, and community leaders into the conversation helps shift social norms and builds local support systems for women in STEM. 
  • Design Gender-Responsive Skilling Policies: Expand access to technical training in rural and semi-urban areas through vocational institutes and ITIs, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.
  • Recognise Women's Participation as a National Economic Imperative: According to McKinsey, adding 68 million women to India's workforce could boost GDP by $700 billion by 2025.
  • The World Bank projects a 1% GDP growth increase with 50% female workforce participation. Inclusion is not optional — it is economically strategic.


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