India’s Stark STEM Reality
India proudly stands as a beacon of progress with a staggering 43% of female STEM graduates. Yet, a mere 14% make their mark in the STEM workforce. This substantial decline between education and career uncovers a pressing issue of workplace gender disparity.
Understanding the Drop-Off
In a recent study commissioned by Olay India, an overwhelming 81% of participants identified the lack of influential female role models as the main deterrent from pursuing STEM careers. With 88% expressing that notable female figures in the sector could encourage their return, it’s evident that having a mentor is paramount. A staggering 91% concurred, emphasizing the necessity of female role models for continued dedication to a STEM profession.
Olay’s #STEMTheGap Initiative: Lighting the Path
Moved by these revelations, Olay has revamped its #STEMTheGap initiative, shining a spotlight on the pressing need for female mentors. Teaming up with renowned filmmaker Anand Gandhi, Olay India has launched an evocative digital film, chronicling India’s storied past of illustrious women in STEM. The likes of Dr. Anandibai Joshi, Kamala Sohonie, and Kalpana Chawla take center stage, underscoring the current demand for female figures in STEM while addressing deep-rooted societal biases.
The Dawn of Virtual Mentorship
Furthering their commitment, Olay has introduced a beta-version of a virtual chat mentor, aimed at guiding budding STEM aspirants. Co-designed with leading women from diverse STEM fields, including Shannon Olsson and Dr. Vandana Prasad, this mentor is set to be an indispensable resource for knowledge, tools, and encouragement.
Priyali Kamath, Senior Vice President at Procter & Gamble (P&G), remarked, “At Olay, we understand the critical importance of female role models in the STEM field, and our commitment to bridging the gender gap is unparalleled. This year’s theme, centered on the significance of role models and the introduction of mentorship initiative, highlights our commitment to ensuring every young girl knows that she can be the next leader in her field. Through initiatives like #STEMTheGap and our commitment to gender equality, we are working hard to double the number of women in STEM by 2030 and create a more inclusive and equitable future. We’re proud to recognize and support the next generation of women in STEM who will one day be making history in their respective fields, and become role models for young girls in the future.”
Also read: Singapore Leads the Charge: Insights from the 2023 Asia Pacific AI Readiness Index
Ajay Vikram, of Publicis Groupe, shared, “There are many accomplished women leaders in STEM in India today. Yet, a “lack of mentors” is often cited as a big reason why so few women make a career in STEM. This got us thinking. How do we not just celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, but actually be useful …to be there at the very moment when needed, a friend and guide to any girl or woman looking for answers as they stand at the crossroads of choosing their path forward. Technology came in handy as a way to help…but we can’t wait to see how much more Ai-shu can do to help women find their way to a future of their choosing.”
Previous Triumphs & Future Endeavors
Following the overwhelming success of the 2021 #STEMtheGap campaign, Olay has partnered with vLookUp, connecting female scholars with online STEM mentors. The collaboration with LEAD, a leading School EdTech provider, further advances their cause, providing STEM scholarships to over 250 underprivileged girls, ushering in a brighter, more inclusive future.
