Encouraging More Women in STEM for the Future of GCCs in India

Encouraging More Women in STEM for the Future of GCCs in India

With the Global Capability Centre (GCC) sector projected to become a $100 billion industry by 2030, employing over 2.5 million professionals, the need for a diverse and representative workforce is more pressing than ever. Yet, despite efforts toward inclusivity, a significant gender gap persists in STEM roles within GCCs, limiting both innovation and business transformation.

Understanding the Gender Gap in STEM within GCCs

Women remain underrepresented in STEM careers due to various barriers, biases, and structural challenges. Factors such as work-life balance struggles, lack of role models, deep-seated stereotypes, and limited access to mentorship opportunities continue to hinder their progress. Addressing these challenges is essential to fostering an inclusive workforce that supports women’s success at every level of the organisational hierarchy.

Key Challenges and Solutions

1. Balancing Career and Personal Responsibilities

Many women in STEM face difficulties balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities. Implementing flexible work policies such as hybrid work models, parental leave benefits, and caregiving support can enable women to sustain and grow their careers while managing personal commitments. These policies should be available to all employees to promote inclusivity and shared responsibility.

2. Lack of Female Role Models and Mentorship

The absence of visible female leaders in STEM can make it difficult for aspiring professionals to envision themselves in leadership roles. Organisations must actively:

• Promote successful women in STEM to serve as role models.
• Establish structured mentorship programs that connect women with industry leaders.
• Foster a supportive culture that encourages women to pursue senior technical and executive roles.

3. Breaking Gender Stereotypes in STEM

Societal biases often discourage girls from pursuing STEM fields early in life. To combat this:

• Organisations and educators should promote STEM education for young girls through workshops, scholarships, and awareness programs.
• Success stories of women in technology and engineering should be widely showcased.
• Companies should engage in outreach programs with schools and universities to inspire young women to enter STEM fields.

Building a More Inclusive Future

1. Empowering Women Leaders in GCCs

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. Senior executives must:

• Encourage open discussions on gender diversity.
• Drive policy changes that create an equitable workplace.
• Incorporate diverse perspectives into decision-making processes to build a more innovative workforce.

2. Implementing Talent-Focused Hiring Strategies

Organisations can increase gender diversity in STEM roles by:

• Ensuring diverse hiring panels to reduce unconscious bias.
• Expanding recruitment efforts to target women professionals returning to work after career breaks.
• Offering second-career programs and upskilling initiatives to help women transition into STEM roles.

3. Investing in STEM Education for Women

Long-term gender balance in STEM depends on early intervention and education. Businesses can:

• Partner with educational institutions and NGOs to offer STEM scholarships.
• Organise internship and mentorship programs to introduce young women to career opportunities in GCCs.
• Encourage coding, AI, and data science training for women to prepare them for future tech roles.

Conclusion

The future of India’s GCC sector depends on a diverse, skilled, and empowered workforce. Addressing gender disparities in STEM requires a multi-pronged approach involving organisational policies, mentorship initiatives, and investments in education.

By bridging the gender gap in STEM, companies can unlock untapped potential, drive technological advancements, and foster long-term business growth. A collective effort from businesses, institutions, and society will ensure that women in STEM not only contribute but also lead the future of GCCs in India.