Women in STEM to Increase to 30 percent by 2030

A Women's Day panel discussion, comprising of industry leaders, innovators and policy makers was organized by FICCI today.

A Women's Day panel discussion, comprising of industry leaders, innovators and policy makers was orgzed by FICCI today.

The inaugural address was given by Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, Government of India, who acknowledged the role of women in the development of the country.

"Whether it is in Defence or in IT sector, women's impact has been very significant. I remember the growth of IT in the country. India becoming world's largest IT outsourcing destination would not have been possible without our women. More than one-third of the workforce in IT has been women. Even in Electronic Manufacturing, something in which I have been closely associated with, the role of women has been even more significant," said Dr Ajay Kumar, appreciating the diverse roles women have played in the development of the technology sector in India.

Handing over to the session chair, Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer, Zupee, Dr Kumar thanked her for orgzing this relevant and enriching discussion, "Subi Chaturvedi is a great (role) model for what women can achieve."

"Women in the leadership role in technology bring about an inherent user-centric approach that brings about solutions for the on-ground issues. Studies by Peterson Institute have concluded that wherever compes cross the 30 per cent threshold of female workforce, these compes demonstrated 15 per cent increase in profitability," said Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Session Chair - Women for Technology at FICCI, setting the agenda for an increased role of women in technology sector.

"We are finding women shining is spheres of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Management), and therefore it is not surprising that the Government of India through its various initiatives has been able to kick-start and make sure that women are finding an equal place and an opportunity in India to benefit not only India, but the rest of the world," said R Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, emphasizing the role of technology in empowering women.

The panelists included exceptional women leaders and experts in their respective fields such as Deepali Upadhyay, Program Director - Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog; Gowree Gokhle, Head Media & Entertainment Practice, Nishith Desai Associates; Swati Rangachari, Vice President and Country Leader, Public Affairs and Strategic Engagements, United Health Group; NS Nappinai, Eminent Lawyer, Founder Cyber Saathi.

The women's day panel was orgzed with the view of highlighting the importance of increased participation of women in leadership roles. Addressing the apparent shortage of women in STEM, Dr Chaturvedi highlighted the need to improve the percentage of women in STEM to 30 per cent by 2030. She also called for the use of innovative technologies, such as, gamification for learning, skilling and empowerment.

For International Women's Day 2021, the theme is #ChooseToChallenge and the panel amply highlighted the need to challenge gender inequality through education and empowerment. The panelists chose to challenge the inequality by celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality. This was the first such panel discussion orgzed by FICCI.

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( With inputs from ANI )