Qualified But Not Employed: The Irony Surrounding Women Engineers In India

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Friday, 2 February 2024

Back in 1947, Ayyalasomayajula Lalitha became the first woman engineer to graduate in India. Gradually yet steadily, women in the field of engineering have been growing since then. A recent survey found that almost 40 percent of STEM graduates in India are women. The number of women enrolling in engineering and other science disciplines have constantly been on the rise.

But, how does this translate into women’s participation in the workforce? This is where India is lacking. When it comes to job roles such as scientists, engineers and technologists in research development institutions in India, women are at the backfoot. Out of the total 280,000 STEM employees in India’s R&D institutions, only 14 percent are women. Women have fared better in the Indian IT sector where their representation is approximately 30 percent. A lot of effort is required to make sure that the women STEM graduates also take up appropriate employment.

Women need to have inspiring role models that they can look up to. Role models show aspirants that what they dream and desire to do, is possible. In an effort to boost women in India to take up engineering roles, Women Entrepreneur India shines the spotlight on talented women engineers from across India. These women leaders are shining beacons of hope and aspiration for young women in India.

In this edition, we introduce you to Nirmala Bhat, Senior Vice President, Onward Technologies. She is an experienced leader with 23 years of experience in engineering services organizations, where she has played a pivotal role in steering growth and championing people-centric initiatives. Nirmala believes in embracing risks with the ultimate goals in sight. A forward-thinking leader, she suggests one must approach challenges as opportunities for growth.

We also tell you the story of Sorna Devi Balasubramanian, CFO at Shriram Engineering, blends retail expertise with a strong financial acumen. MBA and BE holder, she navigates challenges, thrives in crises, and envisions a dynamic future for women in engineering. Inspired by Sudha Murthy, she advises aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities in the evergreen engineering sector.

Sujata Singh, EVP & HR Head, Onward Technologies is another prolific leader featured in WE’s recent magazine edition. An experienced HR leader, Sujata brings to table varied experience spanning a host of industries such as Pharma, BFSI, IT, ITES, and ER&D services. She is a staunch proponent of constant learning and has been unwaveringly committed to organizational success since her early days as an HR executive.

We also introduce you to Nidhi Kanoi, co-founder, Tech Fab India. She founded the firm along with her husband in 2003 with a vision to produce geosynthetics tailored for the indigenous market. At Tech Fab, she scrutinizes the company's finances & accounts, and also plays a role in streamlining and optimizing the company’s systems. As a woman at the forefront of an engineering enterprise, she is an inspiration, showcasing the invaluable contributions that women make in shaping the male-dominated engineering industry.

Read in-depth conversations featuring these women leaders and know all about their successful career journeys in the Indian engineering space. Do let us know your thoughts.