Women in STEM: Act Beyond Enrolment
Breaking the Illusion of Progress
While enrollment numbers of women in STEM fields are steadily rising, the reality beneath the surface reveals a more troubling picture. Despite accounting for over 40% of STEM graduates in India, only a fraction of these women transition into the workforce. Globally, the gender disparity is even more stark in advanced areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The issue isn’t about capability but about confidence erosion, cultural biases, lack of role models, and insufficient support systems that gradually push women away from STEM careers.
The Workplace Disconnect
For women who do enter the STEM workforce, sustaining their careers remains a major hurdle. Rigid workplace structures, inadequate maternity support, and a lack of growth opportunities lead many women to exit mid-career. These challenges are even more pronounced in rural and marginalised communities, where societal expectations and economic pressures often override educational gains. As a result, the pipeline leaks not because women aren’t capable, but because the system isn’t built to retain them.
A Call for Structural Change
To truly empower women in STEM, India must go beyond boosting enrolment figures and focus on long-term retention and growth. Gender-sensitive teaching practices, inclusive curricula, and early mentorship can build confidence from a young age. In parallel, workplaces must evolve with policies that support flexibility, fair promotions, and work-life balance. It’s only through sustained, systemic reform that women can thrive in STEM, not just enter it.
