Source: The post India must bridge the gender gap in STEM has been created, based on the article “Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry” published in “The Hindu” on 15th July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
Context: On World Youth Skills Day, focus returns to India’s persistent challenge—while women form a high share of STEM graduates, their representation in the STEM workforce remains disproportionately low. This education-employment gap, despite progressive policies and skilling efforts, limits India’s economic potential and inclusivity. India must bridge the gender gap in STEM
For detailed information on Gender gap in maths begins in early schooling read this article here
India’s Gender Paradox in STEM and Labour Force
- High STEM Graduation, Low Workforce Inclusion: India leads globally with 43% of STEM graduates being women. Yet, only 27% of the STEM workforce is female, highlighting a serious inclusion deficit in a high-opportunity sector.
- Labour Force Participation Gains, but Uneven: As per PLFS 2023-24, India’s female labour force participation rate rose to 41.7%. However, the rise is rural-led (47.6%) compared to urban areas (25.4%), due to persistent formal employment barriers and social norms.
- Global and National Economic Stakes: Globally, women form just 31.5% of researchers (UNESCO). Domestically, enabling 68 million more women to work could raise India’s GDP by $700 billion by 2025 (McKinsey). The World Bank links 50% female participation to 1% additional GDP growth.
Government Initiatives and Skilling Reforms
- Policy Frameworks Driving Change: The NEP 2020 integrates education and life skills training, while schemes like ‘Skill India’ and ‘Digital India’ focus on employability. ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and PM Vishwakarma Yojana also reflect intent toward inclusivity.
- Improved Budgetary Support: The gender budget rose to 8.8% of the national budget in 2025-26, with ₹4.49 lakh crore allocated for gender-specific schemes, supporting entrepreneurship, skill training, and technical education.
- Focus on Rural Reach and Access: Efforts to revitalise ITIs and build new National Skill Training Institutes are expanding quality technical education in rural areas, increasing access for women and youth.
Industry as the Key Enabler
- Barriers Rooted in Social Norms: Cultural stereotypes like “mechanical means masculine” hinder women’s entry into technical roles. Studies show women exit STEM not due to lack of skills but due to unwelcoming environments and career discontinuities.
- Workplace-Level Interventions Needed
Industries must ensure workplace safety, fair pay, and support for career transitions like marriage and caregiving to enable long-term participation of women. - Private Sector Initiatives Emerging
Companies are launching mentoring programmes, training initiatives, and educational partnerships. The WeSTEM programme by UN Women, in partnership with two state governments and Micron Foundation, builds skills while tackling mindsets through family engagement and role models.
Way Forward:
- Integrated Industry-Academia Partnerships
To close the skills-to-jobs gap, industries must co-create curriculum, offer internships, and support mentorship networks to connect students with professionals. - Investing in Women is an Economic Imperative
Inclusive skilling is no longer optional. Empowered women transform not only homes but economies. Their voice becomes the foundation for a future-ready India.
Question for practice:
Discuss the key barriers and solutions for increasing women’s participation in India’s STEM workforce.
