Women in STEM and Economic Implications in India
Despite a high percentage of women graduating in STEM fields, their representation in the workforce remains significantly lower. This disparity is not due to a lack of ability but rather unwelcoming workplaces, gendered roles, and a lack of awareness about career opportunities.
- India has the highest proportion of women STEM graduates among major economies, yet only 27% are part of the STEM workforce.
- The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has increased to 41.7%, with sharper rises in rural (47.6%) than urban areas (25.4%).
- Globally, women constitute only 31.5% of researchers, illustrating systemic barriers in STEM fields.
Economic Potential
There is substantial economic potential in integrating more women into the workforce:
- McKinsey Global Institute estimates a potential $700 billion boost to India's GDP by 2025 by engaging 68 million more women.
- The World Bank suggests a 1% GDP growth increase with a 50% female workforce participation.
Policy and Initiatives
The Indian government and industries have initiated several measures to increase female participation in STEM:
- The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to increase retention and opportunities in STEM.
- Government initiatives include ITI revitalization, vocational training, and increased gender-specific budget allocations.
- Industry efforts include mentoring programs, industry-linked training, and partnerships with educational institutions.
Overcoming Barriers
To bridge the education-employment gap:
- Address stereotypes like "mechanical means masculine" and "coding isn’t for girls."
- Ensure workplace safety, equitable pay, and support career transitions related to personal life changes.
- Industry partnerships can provide direct pathways from education to careers.
Conclusion
Investing in women’s STEM careers creates a more inclusive society and strengthens the economy. Empowering women through skills and training echoes positively across various societal levels and industries, laying the foundation for a future-ready India.
