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India Leads in Women Pursuing STEM Degrees, Faces Workforce Gap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 9:15 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: INDIA

New Delhi, January 22nd, 2026 - A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) paints a complex picture of female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. While India boasts the highest percentage of women pursuing STEM degrees globally, a significant disconnect exists between academic achievement and actual workforce participation.

The report, released this week, reveals that 43% of STEM graduates in India are women - a figure that surpasses that of most other nations and is even higher than the proportion of men pursuing these fields. This is a remarkable achievement, suggesting a strong commitment to STEM education for girls and women within the country. However, this potential is hampered by a stubbornly low female labor force participation rate, currently hovering around 22.8%. This highlights a critical issue: women are obtaining the qualifications needed for STEM careers, but are not consistently finding those careers, or thriving within them once employed.

The Disconnect: Education vs. Employment

The core of the problem, as the WEF report emphasizes, isn't a lack of qualified women. It's the failure to translate that qualification into meaningful employment. This gap isn't unique to India, the report notes, it's a global phenomenon. Across numerous countries, women pursue STEM degrees and then face obstacles that prevent them from entering or advancing within the STEM workforce.

Economic Imperative: Closing the Gap

The potential economic benefits of addressing this discrepancy are substantial. The report estimates that closing the gender gap in STEM across the Asia-Pacific region could unlock a staggering USD 1.3 trillion boost to GDP. This isn't merely about fairness; it's about maximizing the region's economic potential by fully leveraging the skills and talents of its female population. Achieving gender parity in the labour force, more broadly, promises to stimulate economic growth and innovation across multiple sectors.

Root Causes and Multifaceted Challenges

The report identifies a complex web of factors contributing to this persistent problem. These include deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms that often steer women away from traditionally male-dominated fields, inequalities in access to opportunities, and a significant lack of pay equity. Implicit biases and stereotypes play a crucial role, influencing perceptions of women's capabilities and suitability for STEM roles. Additionally, the scarcity of female role models within STEM and limited access to mentorship programs further hinder women's progress.

Recommendations for Change: A Holistic Approach

The WEF's report calls for a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to create a more equitable and inclusive STEM ecosystem. Key recommendations include:

• Investing in STEM Education for Girls: Ensuring girls have equal access to high-quality STEM education from a young age, encouraging their interest in these subjects, and challenging gender stereotypes.
• Mentorship and Networking: Establishing robust mentorship and networking programs specifically for women in STEM, providing guidance, support, and connection to industry professionals.
• Inclusive Workplace Cultures: Promoting workplace cultures that value diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively combating gender bias and harassment.
• Policy Changes: Advocating for policy changes that actively promote gender equality in STEM, such as enacting and enforcing equal pay for equal work, providing generous and accessible parental leave, and implementing flexible work arrangements.
• Addressing Leadership Barriers: Creating pathways for women to advance into leadership positions within STEM fields, breaking down the "glass ceiling" and providing visible role models for younger generations.

Collaboration is Key

The report underscores the need for collaborative action involving governments, businesses, and educational institutions. Sustained commitment and investment are essential to dismantle systemic barriers and create an environment where women are not only encouraged to pursue STEM careers but are also empowered to thrive and reach their full potential. Failure to address this issue represents a significant loss of human capital and a missed opportunity for economic advancement for India and the wider Asia-Pacific region.