The rise of Indian women in global classrooms is a sign of changing times, ET Education
Co-authored by Dr Sapna Poti, Director, Strategic Alliances, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Tara Kapur, India Market Lead, Duolingo English Test
Education has long been a powerful tool for transformation and today, Indian women are rewriting the script on a global scale. According to leading reports, women now make up one-third of all Indian students studying abroad. Additionally, education consultants have observed a significant rise in female applicants for overseas courses and financial assistance, with their share increasing from 20-30% of total aspirants in FY21 to 40-45% in FY24. This is a remarkable shift that speaks to both progress and potential. Their presence in the world’s top universities is more than a statistic; it is a testament to India’s evolving landscape, where barriers are being dismantled and new opportunities are being forged. As they step into some of the most prestigious classrooms, Indian women are not only investing in their own futures but also contributing to India’s global influence, economic growth and leadership pipeline.
The power of global exposure
The impact of studying abroad goes far beyond acquiring degrees. It is an experience that shapes leaders, innovators and changemakers. Studying in diverse classrooms exposes Indian women to new ideas, cultures and cutting-edge research. This cross-cultural immersion sharpens their critical thinking, broadens their worldview and nurtures their ability to lead in complex global environments. Learning alongside some of the brightest minds in the world helps them in building global networks and provides access to better career opportunities. In fact, their contributions are already visible such as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw who founded Biocon, revolutionizing India’s biotechnology sector, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the chairperson of HCL Technologies and the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India, Dr. Gagandeep Kang, a pioneering virologist and vaccine researcher, who has played a crucial role in vaccine development and public health initiatives.
But the exchange is not one-sided. Indian women also contribute significantly to these academic ecosystems. Growing up in a multilingual and multicultural society, they bring their own unique strengths such as resilience, adaptability and a deep-rooted understanding of diversity to these global institutions. They are naturally able to navigate complexity, offering perspectives that enrich classroom discussions with more inclusive discussions and well-rounded debates. In essence, they are not just learning from the world, they are teaching it too.
Brain gain, a catalyst for national growth
For decades, there has been concern about India’s brightest minds leaving for better opportunities abroad. However, this narrative is shifting. Indian women who pursue education overseas are not just expanding their horizons, they are building bridges between India and the world. Many return with world-class expertise, fueling innovation and economic growth in sectors such as STEM, healthcare, business and policy-making. Women are spearheading research breakthroughs, leading multinational companies and founding businesses that drive economic progress.
Even those who build careers overseas become influential ambassadors, forming networks that open doors for future generations of Indian women. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a paediatrician and expert in tuberculosis and HIV research, who served as WHO’s Chief Scientist has made a significant impact on global health. Rashmi Sinha, a Brown University graduate, demonstrated the power of women in leadership by co-founding SlideShare. Their success is not a loss for India, it is an expansion of India’s influence, an investment in a more connected and competitive future.
Bridging the gap
Despite these achievements, systemic barriers still hinder their full participation and much remains to be done to ensure that education translates into leadership and impact. Despite women making up 43% of STEM graduates in India and 36% of the country’s tech and engineering workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented as tech founders. The leadership gap is even more striking, just 8% of startups are led by female CEOs and between January 2022 and October 2024, startups with women co-founders received only 16% of the total capital raised. These numbers highlight the urgent need for systemic support and structural change.
Recognizing this, the Government of India has been working to create pathways for more women to access world-class education and leadership opportunities. Initiatives span across demographics: Vigyan Jyoti is a mentorship programme for high school students, motivating them to pursue higher education in STEM; WISTEMM (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) provides women scientists international research opportunities; and NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) supports women entrepreneurs with capacity building, incubation facilities and early-stage capital. Additionally, the DETermined Scholarship launched by the Duolingo English Test further offers financial support to the tune of USD 30000 for aspiring Indian women in STEM. One deserving candidate will gain access to global education and mentorship, thus ensuring that opportunities are no longer restricted by geography, gender or resources. These Government and private initiatives are providing talented women with the right educational opportunities and empowering them to innovate in India for the world.
The ripple effect of this is undeniable. The success of Indian women is not just their own. It is a win for society at large. These women are the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and leaders who will drive India’s growth and global standing. By championing their aspirations today, we are building a world where their leadership is not the exception but the norm.
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