STEM is an umbrella term for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. With Industry 4.0 thriving, many aspirants, including female students, are pursuing their careers in the STEM domains. Did you know NEP 2020 encourages women to pursue STEM education, further breaking the barriers for women? Let’s understand the importance of women in STEM and how they can unlock education and career opportunities.
Key highlights:
- Women in STEM
- How to Support Women in STEM in India
- Societal Norms
- Structural Biases
- Gender Stereotypes
- Financial Hurdles
- Benefits of a Study Abroad Loan for Women
- Quality Education
- Atmanirbhar
- Save the Family Savings
- Credit Scores
- How Avanse Financial Services is Helping Indian Women in STEM
Women in STEM
Women play a crucial role in the STEM fields as they are responsible for solving problems through research and innovation, and shaping the future. They contribute to this world by taking on the roles of scientists, engineers, doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders.
According to UNESCO, in 2025, 35% of STEM aspirants worldwide are women. Back in 2024, women held 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries as per the UNESCO data. These numbers suggest there is a need to empower women in this field.
How to Support Women in STEM in India
Societal Norms
Biased societal norms tend to demotivate women from studying STEM-based subjects. Overcoming these biases begins within the home and the classroom, where boys and girls are equally encouraged to take up STEM courses. Bringing successful female role models to the limelight and triggering interest at a young age can start to change attitudes and unlock women’s potential throughout India.
Structural Biases
To assist women in STEM careers, organisations need to implement clear hiring, mentorship programs, and leadership development to benefit women. Educational institutions need to update curriculum content, add gender-sensitivity training, and provide access to labs and research opportunities so that more women in STEM can choose education and careers in STEM.
Gender Stereotypes
The misconception that boys are inherently good at Math or Computer Science can have a negative impact on a girl’s self-esteem. Empowering women is a group effort within the media, schools, and homes. Educators have to deliberately push back against stereotypes by promoting varied talent, giving equal recognition, and refraining from making assumptions about what girls or boys “ought” to excel at.
Financial Hurdles
Financial limitations may stop bright women aspirants from accessing quality STEM education. This is where an educational loan in India exclusively for female students comes into the picture. Student loans come with several benefits.
Benefits of a Study Abroad Loan for Women
Quality Education
You have the opportunity to study abroad at your desired university without having to make any compromises. Quality education is the base which will provide the required knowledge and skills needed to be successful in life. Abroad education loan cover the holistic cost of education, i.e., tuition fees, accommodation expenses, travelling expenses, the cost of learning devices, living costs and other education-related expenses.
Atmanirbhar
Nowadays, students don’t like to rely on their parents for financing their studies. An education loan will allow you to bask in the glory of your self-made badge by funding your education independently.
Save the Family Savings
It requires a lot of time and effort to accumulate family savings, which can come in handy during emergencies. You will have nothing in your hands in times of crisis if you use your family savings and assets to finance your education. So, instead of liquidating assets or family savings, you can opt for an education loan.
Credit Scores
You have now reached a stage in your life where you will eventually require other financial products, like a home loan, car loan, or credit card. If you repay your education loans, it increases your creditworthiness among the lenders. This will open up various advantages when you choose other financial solutions.
How Avanse Financial Services is Helping Indian Women in STEM
We have launched Swalaksh, a special education loan product for female higher education aspirants who want to study abroad. You can benefit from interest rate concessions, academic performance benefits, flat processing fees and more.
At Avanse, we believe every student must have access to quality education. Therefore, we offer several benefits such as 100% financing, quick loan sanctions, and flexible repayment options. If you have any further queries, please share them with us. We will be glad to assist you.
Also Read: Best Job-Oriented Courses for Women in 2025
