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AI Upskilling Boosts Women in STEM: EY Report Shows 33% Participation

A new EY India report highlights that AI-driven upskilling is significantly increasing women's participation in India's STEM ecosystem, with their share in such programs rising from 22% to 33% between 2019 and 2023. This momentum is accelerated by generative AI, with related course enrollments surging 195% year-on-year in 2025, and 62% of employers reporting increased hiring of women for STEM roles. However, representation remains uneven, with women holding 36% of STEM jobs in IT but only 3% in heavy manufacturing and engineering. The report calls for expanded inclusive education, stronger mentorship, and highlighting women's achievements to fully harness their potential in STEM fields.

Key Points: AI Upskilling Increases Women in STEM, EY India Report Finds

  • Women's STEM upskilling rose from 22% to 33%
  • GenAI course enrollments surged 195% in 2025
  • 62% of employers hired more women in STEM
  • Representation varies from 36% in IT to 3% in heavy engineering
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AI-driven upskilling leads to increase in women's participation in STEM ecosystem: EY Report

EY India report reveals AI-driven upskilling raised women's STEM participation to 33%. GenAI course enrollments surged 195% in 2025.

"Generative AI and technology-enabled skilling are emerging as significant catalysts for expanding women's participation in STEM careers in India. - EY India Report"

New Delhi, January 20

The Artificial Intelligence-driven upskilling is leading to a steady increase in women's participation across India's science, technology, engineering and mathematics ecosystem, a latest report by EY India said.

Generative AI and technology-enabled skilling are emerging as significant catalysts for expanding women's participation in STEM careers in India. STEM-related upskilling has witnessed rapid adoption among women, supported by increased digital access, flexible learning pathways, and rising demand for future-focused skills, the report said.

As per the data released by the EY India in a report titled 'Breaking the code: The rise of women in India's STEM landscape', women's participation in STEM upskilling increased from 22 per cent in 2018-19 to 33% in 2023, reflecting a sustained shift in career aspirations and preparedness for high-growth technology roles.

This momentum has been further accelerated by the rise of generative AI, with GenAI course enrolments surging 195% year-on-year in 2025.

Meanwhile, companies are also signalling a positive trend. 62% of employers reported hiring more women in STEM roles in fiscal year 23-2024.

Despite strong graduation rates and growing enthusiasm for technical upskilling, women remain underrepresented across several STEM-intensive sectors.

In technology and IT, women account for 36% of STEM jobs, demonstrating comparatively stronger representation but still below parity. Representation drops significantly in heavy manufacturing and engineering, where women make up only 3% of the STEM workforce.

In India's rapidly expanding electric mobility space, women hold approximately 13% of roles in the EV/automotive sector. At a macro level, national employment patterns also shape STEM outcomes. India's labour force participation rate for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24.

To fully harness the potential of women in STEM, the report calls for a comprehensive approach that expands inclusive education, strengthens mentorship and career support, and highlights women's achievements to inspire future talent.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The progress from 22% to 33% in upskilling is a solid step, but the 3% in heavy manufacturing is a stark reminder of the long road ahead. We need targeted policies and perhaps apprenticeship programs specifically for these sectors. The potential is there, as the graduation rates show.
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Sarah B
The link between digital access and this increase is crucial. In many semi-urban and rural areas, affordable internet and smartphones have been game-changers for women's education. Hope this trend continues and the infrastructure support keeps up.
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Rohit P
While the report is positive, I have a respectful criticism. Celebrating enrolment numbers is one thing, but we must ensure these skills translate into long-term, well-paying careers with growth opportunities. Retention is as important as hiring. The 62% hiring stat is promising, though.
K
Kavya N
The focus on mentorship in the report's recommendation is spot on. Having role models and guides makes a huge difference. I chose engineering because a senior from my college took the time to advise me. We need more structured mentorship programs in colleges and companies.
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David E
Interesting to see the EV sector at 13%. It's a new and growing field, so there's a real chance to build inclusivity from the ground up. Companies in this space should be proactive in creating equitable hiring and work environments now, rather than trying to fix imbalances later.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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