NewKerala.com

India Leads in Female STEM Graduates But Workforce Participation Lags

A report by EY India highlights that while India has surpassed global averages in female graduation rates for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a significant gap persists in translating this education into workforce participation and leadership roles. Progressive policies like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and corporate CSR scholarships are credited for boosting enrollment. However, unconscious bias, unequal pay, work-life balance pressures, and a lack of mentorship are cited as key barriers preventing women from entering and advancing in STEM careers. The report concludes that fostering an inclusive environment and continued policy and corporate efforts are crucial for unlocking innovation and economic growth.

Key Points: India's STEM Gender Gap: High Education, Low Workforce

  • India outpaces developed nations in female STEM education
  • Systemic barriers block workforce and leadership transition
  • Corporate and government initiatives driving enrollment
  • Report calls for inclusive culture and mentorship
2 min read

Female representation in STEM highest in India, workforce participation lags: Report

Report reveals India exceeds global average for female STEM graduates, but systemic barriers hinder workforce participation and leadership roles.

"India now exceeds global averages in female STEM graduates. However, there remains a stark gap between education and employment. - Aashish Kasad, EY India"

New Delhi, Jan 22

Even though India has outpaced many developed countries in terms of gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, the lesser participation of women in the workforce remains a concern, according to a report.

The report by EY India highlighted progressive policies and industry interventions that led to the advancement of women in STEM fields.

However, it also highlighted systemic challenges that continue to affect higher numbers in the workforce, especially in leadership positions. It called for multifaceted efforts to bridge the gender gap.

Citing education as the cornerstone for women's rise in STEM education, the report mentioned the vital role of government initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Vigyan Jyoti, and the Pragati Scholarship in increasing female enrollment in STEM education.

"India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has further emphasised skill-based learning and inclusivity, laying the groundwork for a more diverse and competitive workforce. Several corporates have also supported female enrollment in STEM courses through earmarked scholarships under their CSR programmes to encourage more women to pursue STEM courses," Aashish Kasad, Partner and India Region Diversity and Inclusiveness Business Sponsor, EY India.

"As a result, India now exceeds global averages in female STEM graduates. However, there remains a stark gap between education and employment, with many women not transitioning into STEM careers," she added.

Kasad attributed the STEM gap to "unconscious bias and workplace culture, where women in STEM face unequal pay and limited leadership opportunities; work-life balance pressures, lack of mentorship and networking, and restricted access to crucial career progression support".

The report cited the 2024 LinkedIn dataset, where women represented 41.2 per cent of the overall workforce, with sectors such as retail/e-commerce, healthcare, pharma, and IT, leading the way in hiring STEM-qualified women. It pointed to a positive momentum toward bridging gender disparities in these industries.

The report noted that many corporate-led initiatives are now providing resources offering career support and mentorship programmes, helping women navigate challenges in STEM careers and achieve professional goals.

"Addressing gender diversity in STEM can unlock immense potential for innovation and economic growth for the country," said Kasad.

She added that fostering an inclusive environment, encouraging mentorship, and challenging societal stereotypes can be crucial to boost the share of women in STEM careers in India.

Kasad called for "continued efforts in policymaking, corporate leadership, and societal transformation" to help shape the future of STEM careers for women.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The "unconscious bias and workplace culture" point hits home. I've seen brilliant female colleagues in my IT company get passed over for leadership roles. Mentorship programs are a good start, but we need a complete mindset shift from the top down.
A
Aashish K
As a father of two daughters, I'm proud of the educational progress thanks to schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. But the real test is after graduation. Companies must provide better childcare support and flexible hours to retain this talented workforce.
S
Sarah B
Working in pharma here, I can confirm the positive momentum mentioned. My company has excellent women-led mentorship circles. But the pay gap is still a silent issue no one wants to address openly. More transparency is needed.
V
Vikram M
While the report is accurate, I feel it places too much onus on corporates and policies. A big part of the "societal transformation" needed starts at home. Are families encouraging daughters to pursue demanding STEM careers, or subtly pushing them towards "safer" options?
N
Nisha Z
The NEP 2020 focus on skill-based learning is crucial! We're producing graduates, but are they industry-ready? Maybe more apprenticeship models and direct corporate-academia partnerships can smooth the education-to-employment transition for women.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50