National Engineers’ Day is celebrated in India every year on September 15 to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of the nation’s most esteemed engineers. This day recognizes his vision, creativity, and lasting impact on engineering practices and nation-building. On this occasion, Saket Newaskar, Director & Head of AI Transformation at Expleo, discussed with The Hans India the ongoing transformation within the engineering profession, traditionally male-dominated, where women are actively challenging deep-rooted stereotypes across various fields. As India positions itself as a global talent hub, this changing landscape is creating new opportunities for talent and organizations.
Despite ongoing under-representation in core engineering sectors and leadership roles, the number of women engineers is on the rise, supported by education, mentorship, and progressive policies. This shift is not solely about increasing numbers; it signifies a cultural change where women are influencing sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and technology while promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in engineering practices. Historically, women encountered significant stereotypes and limited access to engineering education. Currently, while approximately 1.5 million engineers graduate each year in India, only 250,000 secure relevant technical jobs. Among these, the disparity between educational attainment and workforce participation for women is pronounced: 40% of STEM graduates are women, yet only 14% enter the workforce.
This underscores structural obstacles, including societal expectations, work-life balance challenges, and a lack of visible role models. Nonetheless, women engineers are making notable advances in sectors like IT and high-tech. For example, in aerospace, India is unique globally, with women constituting 15% of pilots. However, overall female representation in engineering and technical roles is still in the single digits. In response, initiatives like the DGCA’s gender equality advisory aim to boost female participation in aerospace to 25% by 2025, reflecting a strong commitment to closing the gap. Similarly, the automotive sector, historically male-dominated, is witnessing women lead developments in electric vehicles, sustainable mobility, and user-centric designs.
The significance of this evolution lies not only in the entry of women into these fields but also in their ability to challenge existing norms. Women engineers offer perspectives that foster inclusive design and actively employ technologies that address diverse user needs, improve safety, and enhance accessibility. In sectors where AI and sustainability are pivotal, women are harnessing technical expertise and diverse thinking to create solutions that balance efficiency with social responsibility. The next stage of progress involves ensuring that women engineers not only join the workforce but also rise to leadership positions. Currently, the representation of Indian women in executive roles within engineering-focused industries remains low, indicating a lack of a strong talent pipeline.
Grassroots initiatives are vital in this context. Mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and women-oriented training forums are progressively empowering female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for executive roles. Concurrently, targeted recruitment efforts, such as women-only hiring initiatives, are establishing a more gender-diverse leadership pipeline in engineering and technology fields. Additionally, corporate strategies are making a difference. Policies that promote equal pay, flexible work arrangements, and structured diversity programs are paving the way for sustainable careers. Notably, male leaders are increasingly becoming allies, sponsoring women into significant roles and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. This collaborative approach promotes systemic change by framing diversity as a shared organizational goal rather than a standalone effort.
States like Tamil Nadu, which account for 17% of India’s annual engineering graduates and host one of the most gender-diverse manufacturing workforces, underscore the significance of inclusive regional strategies. Women from Tamil Nadu represent nearly half of India’s factory workforce, showcasing the state’s commitment to gender inclusion. This robust foundation of education, policy backing, and workforce diversity has positioned Tamil Nadu as a desirable location for organizations seeking to invest and expand. Overall, the journey of women engineers in India illustrates both significant achievements and ongoing challenges. Industries like automotive and aerospace are beginning to recognize the advantages of diversity. However, deeper systemic reforms are essential.
Early exposure to STEM, scholarships for technical education, targeted mentorship, and visible role models are crucial for sustaining progress. The future is likely to be influenced by AI-driven engineering and sustainability initiatives. AI is transforming daily operations in design, manufacturing, and maintenance. With their growing presence in IT and other emerging technologies, women engineers are poised to lead this transformation. Simultaneously, global sustainability objectives require innovative solutions in energy efficiency, green mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure—areas where women will manage projects and shape design philosophies in the coming years. With the right support, women engineers can bridge the gender gap and drive India’s leadership in cutting-edge sectors.
Their evolving role is not just about overcoming stereotypes; it is about guiding industries towards a future characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.