For centuries, women have made remarkable contributions to science and innovation, often without the recognition they truly deserve. From Ada Lovelace, the visionary who became the first computer programmer, to Kalpana Chawla, whose journey to the stars inspired millions, their groundbreaking achievements have been essential to shaping the world of STEM as we know it today.
While history may have sidelined many women, the present tells a different, empowering story—one of leadership, trailblazing, and breaking barriers. These incredible women not only laid the foundation for future progress but also paved the way for today’s growing presence of women in STEM fields.
Today, women in STEM are reshaping industries, leading groundbreaking research, inspiring generations of young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, proving that leadership and innovation know no gender. As we look to the future, women are continuing to lead with creativity, vision, and determination, shaping a future where they are not just participants but pioneers in every corner of the S TEM landscape – redefining what’s possible and pushing boundaries in ways we’ve never seen before.
Current Positioning of Women in STEM
While women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, they now represent a growing and vital segment of the workforce. Yet, despite these gains, disparities persist. Globally, women make up just 28% of the STEM workforce, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to encourage and support female participation in these fields (source: MIT Professional Programs).
The gender gap is also evident early in education. According to a 2022 UNESCO report, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women, with some countries reporting that girls account for only 3% of students in engineering and computer technology programs (source: Frontiere.io). This underrepresentation highlights the critical importance of early interventions and encouragement to help girls pursue STEM careers.
Today, women in STEM are not just participants—they are pioneers, innovators, and leaders, shaping industries and driving transformative change. Across India and the world, women are making remarkable strides in fields that were once dominated by men, proving that talent, ambition, and innovation know no gender.
Women like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who revolutionized India’s biotechnology sector with Biocon, and Ritu Karidhal and Muthayya Vanitha, who played key roles in India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission, are leading groundbreaking advancements in science and technology. Debjani Ghosh, the first female President of NASSCOM, is spearheading India’s digital transformation and inspiring more women to take on roles in tech and IT.
The landscape is shifting rapidly. Today, women are not only entering fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space exploration, but they are excelling and reimagining them. Universities and workplaces are seeing increased female participation in engineering, data science, and robotics, creating a future where innovation is powered by diverse minds.
With greater opportunities, mentorship, and recognition, women in STEM are no longer just breaking the glass ceiling—they are reshaping the structure itself, ensuring that future generations will inherit a world where ambition is the only limit.
Venturing into Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields
Women are not only entering but excelling in fields historically dominated by men. In technology, pioneers like Grace Hopper, who created the first compiler for a computer programming language, laid the groundwork for modern computing. Today, women like Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, and Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, continue to lead some of the most influential tech companies in the world.
Initiatives such as Girls Who Code and Black Girls CODE are instrumental in empowering young women to explore careers in technology, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages them to pursue their passions. Similarly, in India, several organizations are working hard to inspire young women to enter the tech field. For example, AnitaB.org India is dedicated to supporting women in technology by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. One of its key initiatives, the Grace Hopper Celebration India, brought together over 3,000 women in technology in 2019 to celebrate achievements and promote diversity in the field. Another notable initiative is Tech Sakhis, a community of women in rural areas across 200 villages in India, who are trained in digital literacy and technology. These women are empowered to develop digital skills, opening doors to education and job opportunities in the tech world. Such programs are crucial in fostering an inclusive environment, enabling young women to pursue careers in technology and become leaders in the field.
Women’s increasing involvement in STEM has far-reaching impacts, contributing substantially to both societal and economic development. According to a 2020 McKinsey report, companies with more women in leadership positions have 21% higher profitability and 27% higher value creation. Diverse teams drive innovation and offer more comprehensive solutions to complex challenges, as diverse perspectives foster creativity and resilience.
To sustain and accelerate this progress, it is crucial to implement policies that promote gender equality in education and the workplace. Mentorship programs like Google’s Women Techmakers and scholarships from organizations such as the American Association of University Women are paving the way for more women to enter and thrive in STEM fields globally. In India, initiatives like Tata’s Women’s Leadership Development Program and Intel’s She Will Connect are also fostering women’s growth in technology. Intel’s She Will Connect initiative, for example, has reached over 5 million women across India, providing them with digital literacy and skills training to enhance their participation in the tech industry.
In recent years, many organizations in India are becoming more flexible and introducing policies that support work-life balance. Companies like Wipro, Infosys, and Accenture India are leading the charge with initiatives such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and gender-neutral parental leave policies. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where women can successfully balance their professional and personal responsibilities, thus enabling them to pursue and excel in STEM careers.
Women are not only defying stereotypes but also shaping the future of STEM. Their increasing participation enriches these fields, driving innovation and economic growth. By continuing to dismantle obstacles and promote inclusivity, society can harness the full potential of its members, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
Shared by: Ms. Jyoti Mehta,
EVP & Head Global Projects - Business Transformation & Development, GlobalCare Health
