For India to Shine, More and More Girls Must Take Up STEM: Isha Ambani

Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries Limited, emphasized the pivotal role of girls entering STEM fields for India’s advancement. Speaking at the ‘Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day India 2024’ event, she stressed that technology is crucial for India’s progress, urging both men and women in Science and Technology to excel. She highlighted the under-representation of women in the tech workforce as a significant challenge, attributing it to gender bias and hindrance to innovation. Bridging this gap is essential for holistic growth, she asserted.

While women constitute 36% of India’s tech workforce, their presence diminishes in higher corporate echelons. Executive-level positions are held by only 7% of women, director-level roles by 13%, and mid-managerial positions by 17%. Isha Ambani cited NASSCOM data, revealing that women comprise 36% of India’s tech workforce but only 14% of scientists, engineers, and technologists, as per World Bank data.

She addressed the struggles of women in the startup ecosystem, citing limited access to funding and resources. Despite their potential, women face greater obstacles in reaching leadership positions. Isha Ambani highlighted women’s innate qualities, such as empathy, making them effective leaders. Quoting her mother, Nita Ambani, as a champion of women empowerment, she stressed the transformative impact of empowering women on communities. Isha concluded that women are natural leaders, and denying them leadership roles hampers societal progress.