India presents a paradox when it comes to women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). From classrooms to laboratories, from faculty rooms to boardrooms, women remain under-represented. On one hand, the country boasts a relatively high percentage of female STEM graduates—around 43% according to some reports—one of the highest in the world. On the other hand, this number doesn’t translate into the workforce, with women making up only about 27% of STEM professionals. This significant gap, often called the “leaky pipeline”, shows that while women are entering higher education in STEM, they are leaving the field at disproportionately high rates before or during their careers. The issue is not about numbers but creating equitable opportunities for women to thrive as innovators, leaders, and decision-makers in STEM. Indian universities have a crucial role to play in plugging this leak and fostering an environment where women can thrive, not just survive, in STEM.

The challenges faced by women in STEM are multifaceted, extending beyond the classroom into society and the workplace. A scarcity of female faculty members, especially in leadership and administrative roles, means students often do not have visible mentors to look up to as Role models. Unconscious biases, both from peers and faculty, can subtly discourage female students. This might include stereotyping certain fields like Mechanical Engineering or physics as masculine. The societal expectation for women to prioritize family responsibilities often leads to career breaks. Without flexible academic and professional support systems, returning to a demanding STEM career after a break becomes incredibly difficult. Many universities lack gender-sensitive infrastructure, such as on-site childcare facilities, and robust, confidential grievance cells to handle issues like harassment and discrimination.

Closing this gap requires systemic change rather than fragmented solutions. Universities, being incubators of talent and leadership, can be at the forefront of this transformation. Universities must actively work to increase the representation of women on their faculty and in administrative roles. This sends a powerful message that women belong in STEM leadership. Implementing policies that address biases in the hiring and promotion processes is essential. Create formal mentorship networks that connect female students with successful women in STEM, both within the university and in the industry. These programs should offer guidance on academic pursuits, career navigation, and balancing professional and personal life.

Curricula should be updated to highlight the contributions of female scientists and engineers throughout history. This helps challenge existing stereotypes. Furthermore, pedagogical approaches should be reviewed to ensure they are engaging for all students, encouraging collaborative and hands-on learning. The university must actively cultivate a culture of respect and inclusivity. This means not only having a clear zero-tolerance policy for harassment but also conducting regular gender-sensitization workshops for all students, faculty, and staff. Events that celebrate and showcase the achievements of women in STEM can also help shift perceptions.

The vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” cannot be achieved if half the population remains under-represented in the very fields shaping the future. Women bring diverse perspectives, creativity, and resilience that are vital for solving complex scientific and technological problems. For Indian universities, closing the gender gap in STEM is not merely a question of fairness—it is a strategic necessity. The future of STEM in India depends on whether our universities can rise to this challenge and ensure that women are not just participants, but leaders and change-makers in the scientific enterprise. . By empowering women in STEM, we are not only unlocking individual potential but also fueling national progress and innovation.

– Dr. Reeba Korah, Ph.D. in Information & Communication Engineering, Professor & Dean – Alliance School of Applied Engineering