The rise of AI may force up to 160 million women across the world to move into higher-skilled jobs by 2030, says McKinsey & Co. In India alone, automation could put nearly 12 million women out of work. With industries changing fast, STEM education ensures women gain the skills needed to remain competitive. In fact, increasing women’s participation in STEM could close the gender pay gap by adding $299 billion to their collective earnings by 2027.
But here’s the problem. Women make up less than 30% of the world’s STEM researchers. In 2019, only 14% of STEM faculty in India were women. A 2023 study by Shruti Muralidhar and Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan, covering 100 Indian universities, found that just 16.6% of STEM faculty were women. That’s definitely not progress.
Recognising the gender gap in STEM fields, vivo India has launched ‘vivo KanyaGyaan,’ a nationwide initiative dedicated to empowering Indian women for a future in STEM careers.
Vivo India Project ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ to empower young women in STEM
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Vivo has launched Project ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’, a program designed to do more than just hand out scholarships. It’s a full-fledged CSR initiative providing mentorship, skill development, and industry exposure to young women from underserved communities. So far, the initiative has already reached 150 women, over 60% from families earning less than ₹1 lakh annually and 15% raised by single parents.
A key strength of vivo KanyaGyaan is its focus on first-generation graduates. Women who are the first in their families to attend college face more hurdles than those with graduate parents, even when they perform just as well. Financial struggles, lack of guidance, and limited career exposure make it harder for them to succeed. First-generation students are also less likely to attend elite universities and more likely to drop out. Programs like vivo KanyaGyaan help bridge this gap by offering mentorship, training, and industry connections.
Ashima Mehra, CEO of FCB India, said:
When you give a woman the support she needs, there’s absolutely nothing that can stop her from getting what she deserves. ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ is a testament to just that. A world where women are empowered in STEM is a world where everyone wins. It’s not just about opportunity—it’s about unlocking untapped potential, driving innovation, and solving global challenges. This campaign shows us that when we lift women up, we create a brighter, better future for all.
Carrying their own chairs: A journey of determination
As part of the KanyaGyaan initiative, Vivo launched a digital campaign that captures the determination of young women fighting for their place in STEM. Created by FCB India, the campaign film follows students from different corners of India, crossing villages, walking long distances, riding buses, and even travelling by small boats, all to reach their dream colleges.
Religion, background, or geography doesn’t matter. What stands out is their relentless effort. Each woman carries her own chair, a simple yet powerful symbol of taking charge of her future instead of waiting for a seat at the table.
Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India, said:
Empowering young women in STEM isn’t just an initiative—it’s a necessity for real progress. Through the ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ initiative, we’re breaking barriers by providing education, mentorship, and opportunities that help them shape their futures.
Our Women’s Day campaign film captures this spirit with the metaphor of ‘carrying their own chairs’—a symbol of determination and self-empowerment. With this, we hope to inspire a larger movement toward empowerment and action in STEM.
The final thoughts on Vivo KanyaGyaan: A future where everyone has a seat at the table
Project vivo KanyaGyaan goes beyond symbolic gestures, providing real support where it matters most. By investing in mentorship, skill-building, and industry exposure, vivo is breaking down barriers for first-generation graduates and young women in STEM. For young girls watching, the campaign shows that success isn’t out of reach, even when challenges stand in their way.
Right now, women in STEM often have to fight for opportunities, whether it’s overcoming financial struggles, societal expectations, or limited access to education. While their determination is inspiring, the real goal should be to create a world where they don’t have to struggle in the first place. If one gender already has a seat at the table, why should the other have to bring their own chair? True progress means they shouldn’t have to bring their own chairs at all because the system itself should remove barriers, provide equal access, and actively support their growth.
References
WOMEN in STEM Challenges and Opportunities in India
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
