In recent years, corporate India has taken significant strides in empowering women within the STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) sectors, driving efforts to bridge gender gaps and foster an inclusive work environment.
As women continue to break barriers and assume leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields, businesses are introducing several initiatives aimed at equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
One of the most notable trends in Indian corporate spaces is the growing focus on gender equality in leadership positions. Companies across sectors are increasingly prioritizing diversity and inclusion, implementing policies to ensure that women can progress to senior roles. This includes setting gender diversity targets, offering mentorship programmes, and investing in leadership development for women.
Anasuya Mohan Rao, Clinical Partnerships Leader at Philips Innovation Campus, Bangalore, emphasized the importance of celebrating women in science and technology. “Empowering women in STEM is about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment where talent can flourish,” Rao said.
Programmes like ‘Get Ready for Opportunities at Work’ (GROW), designed to help women in technology enhance their skills, and ‘Catapult,’ a mentorship initiative aimed at sustaining women’s career aspirations, are key in shaping the future of women in the sector.
Philips, one of the leaders in this domain, has actively worked to increase women’s representation in leadership roles, a step that reflects the company’s commitment to gender parity and sustainable innovation in healthcare and technology.
As the tech industry sees rapid growth, women in India are increasingly stepping up, breaking stereotypes, and challenging conventions. However, industry leaders like Harsha Solanki, Vice President and General Manager, Asia, Infobip, believe more needs to be done. Solanki pointed out that mentorship programmes, leadership training, and continuous upskilling are essential for preparing women for leadership positions in tech and STEM fields.
“The landscape of the tech industry is witnessing a visible shift towards inclusivity and diversity. Women are not just participating but leading in sectors like technology. The right support and mentorship are crucial to sustaining this momentum,” Solanki said.
Corporate giants like Infobip have focused on developing robust training and mentorship ecosystems that help women not only advance in their careers but also lead transformation in the tech industry.
While in-office initiatives are vital, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are also playing a pivotal role in empowering women in underserved regions across India. Companies are investing in community development programs that provide educational opportunities, skill-building, and vocational training to women in rural and economically backward areas.
These CSR programs, such as tech training, scholarships for women in higher education, and healthcare initiatives, aim to bring women into the fold of the knowledge economy and equip them with tools for success. Businesses are recognizing that empowering women in the workplace should extend beyond their corporate walls, and by doing so, they help foster greater societal impact.
Sanjeeta Mohta, Talent and Finance Manager at Learning Spiral, highlights that corporate India is transforming how women view their roles in STEMM fields. According to Mohta, businesses in India are dismantling traditional barriers to women’s participation by offering leadership programs, flexible work schedules, and equal opportunities for career advancement.
“Support for women in STEMM is revolutionizing the way businesses approach diversity. By funding leadership programs, providing flexible work options, and supporting women with scholarships and business connections, companies are helping women thrive at every stage of their careers,” Mohta added.
Moreover, these initiatives are having a broader impact on businesses themselves. Studies show that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones in creativity, problem-solving, and overall company performance. By empowering women in STEMM fields, Indian corporations are fostering innovation that drives business success while contributing to India’s broader growth in science, technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors.
As India continues to push for economic and technological progress, the empowerment of women in STEMM remains a crucial component of this vision. Companies are now realizing that empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic move that benefits both business outcomes and societal development.
Meanwhile, Promeet Ghosh, MD & CEO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals said that by nurturing talent, supporting leadership, and promoting an inclusive environment, we are helping women unlock new opportunities and build successful careers in STEMM.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s clear that empowering women in STEM is not just a necessity but a driving force for innovation and progress. Industries once dominated by men, such as consumer durables, are now embracing the power of diversity, reshaping the future with fresh perspectives and new opportunities,” Ghosh added.
The momentum toward gender equality in India’s STEMM sectors is accelerating, and as more companies commit to diversity and inclusion, the path to greater equality becomes clearer. By nurturing talent, supporting leadership aspirations, and breaking down long-standing barriers, corporate India is not only empowering women but also setting the stage for future generations of women leaders.
This shift is already apparent, with women in India increasingly represented at the top of their fields, whether it be in technology, healthcare, or engineering. With continued support, mentorship, and opportunities, the future of women in STEMM in India looks poised to be not only inclusive but transformative.
