Women in the Economy and STEM

by Mitali Nikore, Economist, Founder & Director, Nikore Associates

• Date: 11 March 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Venue: Endoderm

Abstract:

Women’s participation in STEM is central to India’s aspirations for a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy. Yet, despite steady gains in female education, women remain significantly underrepresented across STEM education pipelines, research careers, and leadership positions in science and technology institutions. This gap is not simply a question of talent or interest; it reflects broader patterns in India’s labour market, where women’s entry into education has not translated proportionately into sustained participation in high-quality, formal work.

Drawing on economic data as well as policy and field research undertaken by Nikore Associates, this talk examines the structural barriers that shape women’s participation in STEM pathways. These include unequal access to skilling and professional networks, the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, lack of safety and gender responsive infrastructure, and structural barriers that impact retention and career progression. The talk places STEM participation within the wider question of women’s economic inclusion in India. As the country seeks to expand its innovation and research capacity, enabling more women to enter and remain in STEM careers is both an equity issue and an economic one. It will conclude by reflecting on the role that universities, research institutions, and scientists themselves can play in building more inclusive ecosystems that allow women to contribute fully to India’s scientific and economic future.

Speaker Bio:

Mitali Nikore, a pioneering economist with over 13+ years of experience, specialises in gender mainstreaming, development finance, and sustainable infrastructure development. She is the Founder and Chief Economist at Nikore Associates. She also advises leading multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and GIZ, as well as several G20 bodies, including Think20, Women20, and Urban20. Her areas of expertise include green infrastructure, public-private partnerships, industrial value chains, skill development, and gender mainstreaming strategies. In recognition of her significant contributions, Mitali was honoured with the India UK Achievers Honours, an award celebrating the impactful work of 75 Indian alumni from UK universities. In 2022, she was selected as one of the ‘75 Indian Women in STEAM’ by the Government of India and was named one of the ‘22For2022’ industry leaders by Forbes magazine. She was also honoured as Urban Infra Rising Women Leader of the Year at the 5th RailsTrans Expo 2025, on mobility transformation. Mitali is not only a TEDx speaker but was also recently recognised among the LinkedIn Top Voices for Gender Equality.

As a widely published researcher and writer, her work can be found in the Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, SheThePeople, and Financial Express. She has also lent her expertise to multiple news segments, including BBC News, NDTV, ET Now, DW News, and NewsX. Mitali holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi.