The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been the gold standard for technical education in India for decades. Established post-independence, these institutions were envisioned to lead India’s technological revolution. Over the years, while the institutes have produced numerous stalwarts in the field of engineering and technology, the journey of their female students and alumni has been particularly noteworthy. In the early years, female students at IITs were a rarity. The societal norms of the time, coupled with the challenges of pursuing a demanding curriculum, made their journey an uphill task. However, these challenges only served to steel their resolve, and the few women who entered the hallowed halls of IITs went on to set benchmarks for excellence.
A Shift in the Landscape: The Changing Gender Ratios
The landscape of IITs has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few years, especially concerning the representation of female students. A report from August 20, 2022, highlighted that four years after the introduction of the supernumerary female quota in IITs, almost every campus has achieved the 20% female student representation in the 2021-22 batch. This marked progress is evident in the numbers: while 100 women joined IIT Bombay in 2017, the figure rose to 271 by 2021. Similarly, IIT Delhi saw its female student intake grow from 90 in 2017 to 246 in 2021. The total number of female students across all IITs has almost tripled from 995 in 2017 to 2,990 in 2021.
Women in Technology: The Imperative for Inclusion
Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, cloud, intelligent edge, and 5G are reshaping our lives and workspaces. However, the real positive impact of these technologies can only be realized when they are designed, developed, and applied by a diverse pool of innovators and developers. In this context, the role of women and the importance of augmenting gender diversity becomes paramount. As India focuses on achieving sustained high growth, it is crucial to accelerate the inclusive participation of women in the workplace. India has the potential to boost its GDP by advancing women’s equality, adding up to US$770 billion to the GDP by 2025. While there have been earnest interventions to bridge the gender diversity gaps, achieving the desired impact requires sustained and concerted efforts. Collaboration between the government, industry, and academia is key to ensuring the equal participation of women at all levels of the workplace and economy.
Luminaries in the Limelight: Notable Female IITians
The impact of female IITians can be seen far and wide. Their ventures have not only achieved commercial success but have also brought about significant positive change in their respective sectors. In academia, female IITians have made their mark in institutions of global repute. Among these trailblazers, several women stand out, having weathered challenges to establish successful startups.
Neha Singh
Neha Singh, along with her co-founder, launched Tracxn in 2013. An IIT Bombay alumnus, Neha’s venture is a comprehensive database hosting information on over half a million companies worldwide. Tracxn is often likened to Bloomberg for startup research. Before her entrepreneurial journey, Neha worked as an investment analyst with Sequoia.
Anu Meena
An alumnus of IIT Delhi, Anu Meena founded Agrowave in 2017. Her venture aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector by optimizing the supply chain. By eliminating middlemen, Agrowave ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce. Anu’s inspiration stemmed from witnessing her grandfather’s struggles with logistics and pricing in the agricultural sector. Today, Agrowave procures fresh produce from various regions and directly distributes them to businesses.
Aarti Gill
Aarti Gill’s journey in the entrepreneurial world began with Fit Circle, a mobile app offering nutrition suggestions. However, her true success came with OZiva in 2016, a brand that blends the principles of Ayurveda with modern nutritional science. An IIT Roorkee graduate, Aarti’s venture offers a range of plant-based organic nutritional products.
Richa Singh
Richa Singh, an IIT Guwahati graduate, co-founded the Bengaluru-based emotional wellness platform, YourDOST. This platform offers free access to psychologists and psychiatrists, promoting mental well-being. Richa’s motivation to address mental health issues was deeply personal, stemming from the tragic loss of a hostel mate to suicide. YourDOST promises anonymity and has been instrumental in breaking the stigma around mental health, especially among the youth.
Parul Gupta
Venturing into the world of edtech, Parul Gupta co-founded Springboard in 2013. The platform curates online learning content, offering an alternative educational system. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Parul’s vision for Springboard encompasses content discovery, curriculum sequencing, mentoring, and connecting learners with potential employers.
Providing the conducive environment
While the successes are noteworthy, the path to achieving them has been fraught with challenges. Balancing the demanding curriculum of IIT with societal expectations has been a tightrope walk for many. The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, coupled with the inherent biases in a predominantly male environment, has often added to the challenges. However, the resilience and determination displayed by female IITians in the face of these challenges are what sets them apart. Their ability to turn adversities into opportunities has been their biggest strength.
The importance of a robust support system cannot be overstated. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by their female students, IITs have over the years established various initiatives aimed at their welfare. Mentorship programs, where senior students and alumni guide and support the younger ones, have proven to be particularly effective. Additionally, organizations like the Women in Engineering (WIE) chapters at various IITs have played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among female students.
Also read: Breaking The Mold: Why The British Education System Needs To Change
The journey of female IITians, while marked by challenges, is a testament to the human spirit’s indomitability. As they continue to break barriers and set new benchmarks, they inspire countless others to dream big. Their legacy is not just about the accolades and achievements but also about the path they have paved for future generations. As the world moves towards a more inclusive future, the story of female IITians will undoubtedly be one of its shining chapters.
