What if the next breakthrough in sustainable energy or biotechnology hinges on a woman who has yet to receive the tools or encouragement to lead? As the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this is a question worth reflecting on. There is no denying that the strides made by a few women over the last few decades in the STEM sector have been remarkable. However, much remains to be done on the journey towards true representation and leadership. Today, women comprise 40% of India's STEM graduates, a statistic that reflects the impact of government initiatives, mentorship programmes, and institutional support. Yet, unless this becomes the era of leadership and not just participation, the progress made may lose its momentum.
The notion of women leading large-scale industrial initiatives was once rare, almost unthinkable. Over time, programmes such as Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN, spanning from undergraduate education to postgraduate studies and entrepreneurship, have laid the foundation for young girls to pursue careers in STEM. However, a strong foundation is not the end goal; it is merely the starting point. It is about ensuring that women's voices are heard in boardrooms, on factory floors, and in R&D labs—where the crucial decisions shaping industries are made.
The power of diverse leadership cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse teams make better decisions and drive higher innovation revenue. Yet, fewer than 12% of STEM leadership roles globally are held by women. This gap is even more pronounced in entrepreneurial ventures, where only 2.3% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups. The question, then, is how can participation be transformed into influence?
The answer begins with shifting mindsets—both societal and institutional. Women are often encouraged to excel in "safe" areas of STEM, such as academia and research. While these fields are vital, they cannot be the sole focus. Ambition for leadership in core engineering, manufacturing, and industrial roles must be fostered. For this to happen, workplaces need to evolve, offering mentorship opportunities, flexible policies, and funding initiatives aimed at women-led projects.
Organisations that integrate sustainability with inclusivity are already driving meaningful change. Whether it is assessing the carbon footprint of bio-based chemicals or leading ESG strategies, bringing more women into decision-making roles benefits businesses and society alike. Scaling such efforts requires a concerted push from both the public and private sectors. Governments can expand initiatives like the Women Scientists Scheme, which supports women returning to research after career breaks. Corporations can build on programmes such as Google's Women Techmakers, which offer mentorship and resources to women entrepreneurs in technology.
The journey from participation to leadership is not linear. It demands resilience and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone. Looking back to 1931, Dr E.K. Janaki Ammal (1897-1984) and, more recently, Dr Shubhada Chiplunkar and Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw exemplify what is possible when ambition meets opportunity. Their pioneering work in science and medicine underscores the transformative impact of women in STEM. Yet, these success stories must not remain exceptions; they must become the norm. The future will require women not only to participate in STEM, but to lead it—to shape industries and tackle global challenges ranging from climate change to healthcare.
As progress continues, the focus must shift towards building inclusive ecosystems that nurture women at every stage of their careers. Addressing biases, creating structured pathways for advancement, and recognising that diverse leadership is both an ethical imperative and a business advantage will be critical. The next generation of women in STEM deserves not just a seat at the table, but the opportunity to lead it. Every possible tool and encouragement must be provided to empower them to drive innovation and guide the world towards a more equitable and sustainable future.