- The world is changing and innovating, and if we are to survive in this fast-changing world, we too must innovate: Isha Ambani
- A male-dominated STEM/ICT landscape, where women are under-represented, will rob India of its opportunity to rule the roost
- Only 36 per cent of India’s tech workforce are women: NAASCOM
- As per World Bank data, Isha said that women make up 43 per cent of the total STEM graduates in India, but account for only 14 per cent of all scientists, engineers, and technologists
NE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
MUMBAI, MAY 15
For India to shine, more and more girls must enter the realm of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) and opt for technology as a career, said Isha Ambani, director, Reliance Industries Limited, on Wednesday.
In her virtual address for Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day India 2024, she said that the world is changing and innovating, and if we are to survive in this fast-changing world, we too must innovate.
“So, for everyone present here today: Be ready to embrace the change. Be prepared to take up Science & Technology as career options because Science & Technology hold the key to the future,” she said. “The majority of future jobs are going to be in those realms. So, break the shackles to tradition… challenge yourself… and be the changemakers.”
The Department of Telecom, Government of India, the International Telecommunications Union (South Asia), the Innovation Centre, Delhi, and other agencies of the United Nations were hosting the Girls in ICT Day, 2024.
“The rapid advancement of technology has triggered a Digital Revolution that permeates every facet of our society. From Communications, Education and Healthcare to Business and Finance, the transformative power of technology is evident,” said Isha Ambani.
“STEM in general, and ICT in particular, are the drivers of this phenomenal progress in technology. As we move deeper into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the role of ICT becomes increasingly pivotal, underpinning innovations in every sector and ensuring that our journey towards digital and technological advancements continues unabated and propel our nation forward.”
Sadly though, she said, even today, there is a gender divide in India’s tech workforce.
“According to NASSCOM, only 36% of India’s tech workforce are women – blame it on age-old dogmas and societal stereotypes such as women are best suited as teachers and jobs involving soft skills. A similar disturbing aspect is the drop in the number of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-focused roles,” said Isha Ambani.
“Data from World Bank shows that women make up 43 per cent of the total STEM graduates in India, but account for only 14 per cent of all scientists, engineers, and technologists. India has favourable demographics to make tremendous progress in this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as the Digital Era, and emerge as a world leader. If we are to drive home the advantage of our demographics, both men and women should attain their fullest potential.”
A male-dominated STEM/ICT landscape, where women are under-represented, will rob India of its opportunity to rule the roost, she said.
“So, for India to shine, more and more girls – the women of tomorrow – must enter the realm of STEM and opt for technology as career. Because if we are to build the India of our dream, technology will be our driving force, and both men and women in Science & Technology must fire on all cylinders,” she added.
