Women, STEM Professions, and a More Welcoming Sector

Female Representation in STEM Fields: Workforce Participation

Worldwide, women constituted roughly 28.2% of the STEM workforce in 2024.

In the UK (2022/23), females constituted 26% of the STEM workforce, an increase from 21% in 2016.

In India, around 27% of the STEM workforce consists of women, even though approximately 43% of the country's STEM graduates are female (which is among the highest rates worldwide).

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India has risen to 41.7%, significantly influenced by rural women (47.6%) in contrast to only 25.4% in urban regions.

It conceals ongoing structural obstacles—particularly in formal fields such as STEM—related to safety issues, societal norms, and restricted access to career options.

The McKinsey Global Institute projects that integrating 68 million additional women into India’s workforce might increase GDP by $700 billion by 2025.

The World Bank also discovers that achieving 50% participation of women in the workforce might boost GDP growth by 1%.

Obstacles & Hurdles: The Missing Connection in Women's STEM Careers

Significant Attrition: Almost 50% of women in technology exit their jobs by mid-career, frequently because of societal expectations or rigid work settings.

Research from the World Bank and UNESCO confirms that women exit STEM not due to lack of ability, but because of hostile workplaces, insufficient family support, and entrenched gender roles.

Wage Discrepancy: Female professionals in STEM positions frequently receive 20–30% lower salaries compared to their male colleagues.

Leadership Disparity: Despite increasing numbers of women entering the Indian tech sector, they occupy less than 10% of leadership positions.

Government-Driven STEM Training: For Inclusion and Opportunity

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 combines STEM education with life skills development, enhancing long-term retention.

Renewed Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and broadened vocational programs are increasing access to technical education in rural regions.

The Gender Budget has risen to 8.8% of the overall budget in 2025-26, with ₹4.49 lakh crore designated for gender-specific projects.

The Union Budget 2025-26 presented specific initiatives such as term loans for female entrepreneurs, the establishment of new National Skill Training Institutes, and investments in technology-driven skill development.

India’s Policy Structure: Initiatives like Vigyan Jyoti, UDAAN, Skill India to Digital India, and from ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ to PM Vishwakarma Yojana encourage school-aged girls to explore STEM careers from an early age.

Hybrid and remote work arrangements promote an improved work-life balance.

Firms such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS provide re-entry programs for women returning after career interruptions.

Promising Approaches to Industry Involvement

Organized mentorship schemes, collaborations between industry and academia, and practical training programs are connecting education to employment.

A notable initiative is the WeSTEM program by UN Women, backed by the Micron Foundation and executed in collaboration with the Governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The initiative:

• Provides skills development and internship opportunities;
• Involves families and communities to change perspectives;
• Facilitates safety training sessions in the workplace;
• Presents female role models in STEM within educational settings.
• Indian industries must concentrate on these aspects to completely realize India’s economic potential:
• Partner with educational institutions to customize skill enhancement.
• Create mentorship networks that support women in navigating STEM careers;
• Implement workplace policies that assist with life changes and guarantee safety.

Conclusion: Abilities as a Driving Force for an Inclusive India

On World Youth Skills Day 2025, it is essential to acknowledge that equipping women with STEM skills is more than an educational objective—it is a priority for national development. Government assistance has established the foundation. Now, the industry needs to take the lead by developing an environment where every talented woman discovers an inviting, fulfilling, and respectful position in the labor market.