Need to raise number of women in STEM to thirty per cent by 2030, says FICCI

She was setting the agenda at the Women’s Day panel discussion organized by FICCI, which revolved around increased role of women in the technology sector.

Dr. Chaturvedi (Session Chair – Women for Technology at FICCI) also pointed out that studies by Peterson Institute have concluded that wherever companies cross the 30 per cent threshold of female workforce, these companies demonstrated 15 per cent increase in profitability.

During his inaugural address, India’s Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar too acknowledged the role of women in the development of the country.

Appreciating the diverse roles women have played in the development of the technology sector in India, Dr. Ajay Kumar said, “Whether it is in Defence or in IT sector, women’s impact has been very significant. 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.”

Emphasizing the role of technology in empowering women, R Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission said, “We are finding women shining is spheres of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Management.”

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.

The panelists at the meet included 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; N.S. Nappinai, Eminent Lawyer, Founder Cyber Saathi.