Mumbai: A recent EY report outlined that about 9.5 million students who enrolled for STEM courses in 2021, 43.2 per cent were women. However, the high participation in STEM education is simply not getting translated into more women taking up jobs in related sectors, the report posits.
In recent years, there has been a growing push to empower women in STEM disciplines, close the gender gap, and break down historical barriers to their involvement. As someone who has a unique window into the world of IT, I see inflection points that are helping narrow the gender gap in STEM and setting the foundation for success.
According to a report by Aon, today, diversity, equity and inclusion has become a boardroom agenda and there is growing interest, investment and resources going into fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. A gender-balanced workforce positively impacts the organization and also paves the way for more inclusive policies and diversification of customer base and strategy, the report outlines.
Below are industry inflection points that are helping the industry narrow the STEM gap:
DEI is now a boardroom agenda: Organisations across the board have made concerted measures to lead the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) charter. Needless to say, there is visible leadership action helping plug the STEM gap. However, despite the concerted efforts the gap is still wide and a holistic approach starting at the grassroots is helping drive gender parity in STEM fields. For instance, initiatives to enhance women’s participation in STEM at an early stage with educational and outreach programs are paying off. By introducing young girls to interesting STEM options while providing them with the support and tools they require to thrive, organizations are working towards closing the gender gap in STEM and helping everyone pursue their passions to reach their full potential.
Ramping up gender diversity in leadership roles: According to Great Place to Work, the representation of women in executive, C-level management, and CEO positions in India has remained stagnant at 16% over the past two years, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced gender diversity in leadership roles. As women in STEM climb up the corporate ladder, they usually settle for project management and other managerial roles rather than seize the reins of their career and aim for the top echelons of leadership. While the numbers bear out a grim story, we are seeing real change happen on the ground with women owning their careers. Organizations on their part are also working towards creating a healthy pipeline in leadership roles organizations that truly represent a vision for an inclusive future.
Building an Inclusive Future: Positioning women in STEM for success
In the STEM world, diverse teams are regarded as being more imaginative and creative since they bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. Gender diversity in STEM allows firms to tap into a larger talent pool and build an innovative culture that fosters corporate success. According to research, organizations with more diverse leadership teams outperform their less diverse counterparts, illustrating the real benefits of gender diversity in the workplace.
Thus, by empowering women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we can unlock untapped potential, drive innovation, and build a brighter future for all. It’s time to break down the barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable STEM workforce. The future of innovation depends on it.
This involves putting in place rules that encourage gender equality and diversity in hiring and promotion practices, offering mentorship and support programs for women in STEM, and cultivating an inclusive culture in which all individuals feel appreciated and respected for their contributions.
In order to position women employees for success, organizations must also focus on strategic programs with deep impact such as like leadership development. Creating a network of allies can help drive real change such as establishing an inclusive culture for all employees.
This International Women’s Day let’s strive for an inclusive world.
The author of the article is Aruna Gorur, Head of HR, Fujitsu India Global Delivery Center.
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