Women in Stem Fields - Gap Between Education and Workforce Participation

India stands at the cusp of becoming a global STEM powerhouse, with millions of women graduating each year in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Yet, despite the high enrolment of women in STEM education, their participation in the workforce remains disproportionately low. This paradox an abundance of educated women but a shortage of women in STEM jobs highlights one of the most pressing challenges for inclusive growth in India.

Percentage of Women in Stem Fields

Global and Regional Figures:-

• Globally, women account for about 26% of the STEM workforce, based on recent labor market data.
• According to the International Labour Organization, the average female share in STEM employment across 84 countries stands at around 40%. Some countries with particularly high representation include Mongolia (~57%), the U.S. (52%), Belarus (54%), and Lesotho (52%). In contrast, the United Arab Emirates (23%), Burkina Faso (20%), and Iraq (17%) fall near the bottom.
• In cybersecurity—a critical STEM domain—women make up just 24% of the global workforce, highlighting a notable gender imbalance in this area.
• A recent Lifewire report notes that despite a 31% increase over the last decade, women still represent only 35% of the STEM workforce, underscoring persistent disparities.

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Promise of STEM for Inclusive Growth

The rapid adoption of technology in everyday life has made STEM education central to sustainable growth, innovation and social well-being. Women’s equal access and participation in STEM is also a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, directly tied to achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Globally, however women remain underrepresented in STEM. According to Global Gender Gap Report 2023, women comprise only 29.2% of the STEM workforce across 146 countries. Despite accounting for nearly half of overall employment in non-STEM sectors. Women who do enter STEM careers often publish less, earn lower wages and are more likely to leave their professions earlier than men.

India’s Unique Paradox

India presents a fascinating contradiction. On the one hand, it has the largest number of female STEM graduates in the world. Data from the World Bank shows that women account for 42.7% of STEM graduates in India, higher than the US, Germany, and Australia. According to the Ministry of Education’s All India Survey on Higher Education, the percentage of female graduates rose from 38.4% in 2014-15 to 42.6% in 2021-22.

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Yet, women account for only 27% of India’s STEM workforce. This sharp drop-off from education to employment reflects the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon. Where highly qualified women either do not enter STEM careers or leave prematurely due to structural barriers.

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India’s Women in STEM

India has made steady progress in closing the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), setting itself apart from many other developing countries. The country’s rapid digital growth, along with a stronger push on education. It making new pathways for girls and women, encouraging them to step into STEM fields with greater confidence.

From introducing STEM learning at the school level to expanding opportunities in higher education, research and innovation, India has created an ecosystem where women are empowered to contribute meaningfully to science and technology.

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Why Women Drop Out of STEM Careers

Several factors explain this gap:

• Domestic and care burdens: Women often shoulder family responsibilities that result in career breaks.
• Cultural biases and stereotypes: Persistent beliefs that STEM is “male dominated” discourage women from long-term participation.
• Workplace barriers: Unequal pay, lack of mentoring and limited support for returning after career breaks lead many women to exit.
• Systemic issues: Insufficient childcare facilities, inflexible work structures and lack of inclusive policies hinder women's retention.

These factors not only limits women's economic potential but also impacts innovation as STEM.

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Policies and Interventions

Indian government and institutions have rolled out multiple initiatives to address these challenges:-

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• WISE-KIRAN Scheme: Encourages women to return to science and engineering after career breaks.
• CURIE Programme: Builds infrastructure in women’s universities to foster research.
• GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions): Pushes institutions to adopt gender-sensitive practices.
• SERB-POWER Grants: Provides fellowships and funding to women scientists.
• Vigyan Jyoti Programme: Motivates rural schoolgirls to take up STEM.
• Pragati Scholarship & TechSaksham Programme: Run by AICTE to support technical education and employability for women.
• IITs & AICTE Initiatives: Additional seats and structured schemes to drive female enrolment in engineering.

While these policies have increased women’s enrolment in STEM courses, they have not fully addressed the barriers to workforce participation.

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Closing Gender Gap

To bridge the education-to-workforce divide, India must go beyond enrolment statistics. The focus should be on retention, career growth, and workplace equity. Key steps include:

• Creating flexible work policies and childcare support systems.
• Promoting mentoring, networking and leadership training for women in STEM.
• Eliminating biases in hiring, promotions and pay.
• Encouraging companies to design inclusive workplace environments.
• Raising awareness to dismantle cultural stereotypes around women in STEM.

Women in STEM - An Award-Winning Workplace

Atkins Réalis

AtkinsRéalis India has been certified as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work® Institute. We are committed to building a workplace where employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Our efforts have also earned us a spot in the list of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India, a recognition we value deeply.

DS Brar Center for Girls and Women in STEM

DS Brar Center for Girls and Women in STEM, supported by Mphasis at Plaksha University, is dedicated to building an inclusive and thriving ecosystem that encourages the growth of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

For over two decades, the Mphasis Foundation has championed the inclusion of women in STEM careers. The DS Brar Center is a strong reflection of this mission and of Mr. Brar’s vision—advancing STEM education while empowering women to lead, innovate, and succeed.

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Conclusion - Women in Stem

India has the potential to be a global leader in STEM, with the highest number of female STEM graduates as its greatest strength. But unless systemic barriers are addressed this vast pool of talent risks being underutilized. Ensuring that women not only study STEM but also thrive in STEM careers is essential for achieving sustainable development, gender equality and economic growth.

India’s future as a STEM powerhouse depends on closing this inexplicable gap between education and workforce participation and unlocking the full potential of its women innovators.