As of July 2025, women in India represent only _____ of the STEM workforce, limiting women’s access to career opportunities offered by the STEM sector.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The Status of Women in India's STEM Workforce (2025)
This highlights the gender paradox that exists in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field in India.
According to 2025 reports and surveys (such as the PLFS and World Bank data), the situation is as follows:
Education vs. Employment: Women constitute approximately 43% of STEM graduates in India, one of the highest in the world.
Workforce Participation: Despite this, women represent only 27% of the actual STEM workforce.
Leaky Pipeline: This gap reflects the problem of a leaky pipeline, where women are unable to enter or drop out of higher education careers due to social norms, domestic responsibilities, and workplace biases.
Key Challenges and Impacts:
Career Path: 43% of women graduate but only 27% gain access to jobs, limiting their access to innovation and high-paying opportunities.
Economic Impact: According to research, if this gender gap is bridged, India's GDP could increase by up to $700 billion.
Leadership Lack: The number of women in leadership roles in technical fields is even lower.
Government and Institutional Initiatives:
KIRAN Scheme: To provide research opportunities to women scientists.
Vigyan Jyoti: To encourage girl students to pursue STEM careers.
GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions): A framework to achieve gender equality in higher education institutions.