"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

It’s a simple question that every child is asked at some point. The answers are often grand and full of dreams - an astronaut, a doctor, an engineer, or a scientist. But somewhere along the way, for many young girls, the path to science narrows, not because of a lack of curiosity or ability, but because of societal expectations, biases, and a lack of visible role models.

As a woman who has built a career in research and development, I often reflect on what shaped my journey. Was it my education? The encouragement from my teachers? The representation of women in science that I saw growing up? The truth is, it was all of these things and many more. And if we truly want to bridge the gender gap in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we must focus on these fundamental areas - education, mentorship, and cultural perception.

Early opportunities can empower women in STEM

Providing equal opportunities to women early is crucial to closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Schools must go beyond textbooks and create an environment where girls feel confident exploring science. Early access to STEM education and extracurricular activities, such as coding clubs, robotics workshops, or science fairs, encourages young girls to explore and develop a passion for these subjects. 

By ensuring that girls have access to mentors, role models, and equal resources in schools and communities, we can help dismantle stereotypes that suggest STEM is a male-dominated arena. For instance, incorporating real-life examples of women scientists whether it's Marie Curie, Kalpana Chawla, or present-day scientists and their contributions can help inspire girls to pursue STEM careers. Every time a young girl hears about a female scientist leading a groundbreaking discovery, she sees a future where she, too, belongs.

Teachers and educators play a vital role in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging girls to ask questions, explore, and learn. When women are given these opportunities from an early age, they are more likely to pursue STEM degrees and careers, continuing the cycle of representation and success. Experiential education, paired with equal opportunities, creates a dynamic pathway where women not only participate in but also lead in the scientific and technological advancements of tomorrow.

The role of mentorship and hands-on experiences

While education is crucial, it’s only one part of the puzzle. Financial aid and mentorship programs can also play a vital role in breaking barriers, providing scholarships, grants, and guidance to help girls – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds to overcome financial constraints and pursue their passion for science. Mentorship not only offers role models and career insights but also helps build confidence, develop essential skills, and gain exposure to real-world STEM applications. 

Equally important are hands-on experiences such as workshops, science fairs, and internships which allow young girls to explore STEM concepts practically and engagingly. These opportunities provide a platform to showcase their work, receive feedback, and learn from their peers and professionals. Internships further help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry applications, equipping girls with the experience and networks needed for future success. 

Closing the gender gap in STEM

The future of STEM depends on channeling the talents of all individuals, regardless of gender. Yet, despite the critical role women play in driving innovation and progress, they remain vastly underrepresented in STEM fields. The numbers are stark: globally, women comprise only one-third of the scientific community, and in India, the situation is even more dire. According to UNESCO, only around 30% of the world's researchers are women. 

This imbalance isn’t just about statistics; it’s about missed opportunities for progress and innovation. When half the population is underrepresented in shaping the future of science, we limit the breakthroughs that could transform our world. Closing this gap is not just about fairness - it’s about ensuring that the brightest minds, regardless of gender, have an equal chance to contribute, lead, and redefine what’s possible in STEM.

India's Progress in Promoting STEM Education for Girls

India has taken significant strides in promoting STEM education for girls through targeted initiatives. Programs like 'Vigyan Jyoti', which are actively supporting girls from underprivileged backgrounds, are already showing promising results. Similarly, organisations like the Indian Academy of Sciences are working to promote STEM education among girls through various outreach programs. Moreover, the Indian government's initiatives, such as the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme, aim to promote girls' education and empowerment, including in STEM fields. These initiatives are crucial in creating a supportive ecosystem - one that nurtures aspirations, breaks barriers, and fosters long-term participation of women in science and innovation.

Also Read:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Women in STEM and path to gender parity

Empowering women through scholarships to build an equitable future

Creating a more inclusive tomorrow

Closing the gender gap in STEM requires more than just policy interventions—it calls for a fundamental shift in how we introduce, encourage, and sustain women’s participation in science and technology. If we educate, inspire, and empower, we will see more young girls stepping confidently into labs, research centers, hospitals, and engineering firms. The time to bring a change is now and we must take a stand to make this place a better space for women with balanced opportunities to pursue their careers in STEM and make a meaningful stance on society. 

When that happens, the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" will no longer be met with hesitation or limitations. Instead, it will be answered with confidence, ambition, and a fearless pursuit of possibilities. The future of STEM is brighter when everyone has a seat at the table  - and it’s up to us to make that vision a reality.