Title: India’s Leap in Space & STEM: Why It’s Time for More Women to Join the Mission

May 2025

India is making headlines again in the global space community, and this time with renewed momentum—thanks to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s recent announcement of its ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, scheduled to launch in 2025. While the nation celebrates this scientific milestone, there’s a louder call emerging from within our communities: Where are the women in the control rooms, in the labs, and on the launchpads?

The Current Landscape

Despite a growing number of women earning degrees in science and engineering, representation in core STEM jobs remains disproportionately low. A 2024 report by the Ministry of Education noted that only 18% of India’s STEM workforce is female—a figure that drops even further in high-tech fields like aerospace, AI, and robotics.

But Change Is Coming

There’s reason for hope. More women are entering IITs and NITs than ever before. Initiatives by the Government, private sector, and non-profits—like Sakkhi’s Women in STEM Network—are providing mentorship, visibility, and access to leadership opportunities for young women entering these fields.

Programs like ISRO’s “Space for Women” campaign and the DRDO’s internship drives for girls in science are laying the groundwork for inclusion. However, what we need now is community momentum—a network of support, recognition, and encouragement to ensure women not only enter but thrive in STEM careers.

How Women Can Lead the Next Wave

Here’s what’s needed to bridge the gap:

• Mentorship networks that support women at all stages—from students to senior professionals.
• Policy advocacy to ensure equal opportunities and safe workplaces.
• Platforms to showcase success stories and foster innovation.

Sakkhi’s Women in STEM initiative is designed to do exactly this—bringing together engineers, scientists, tech entrepreneurs, and innovators to form a support system that enables every woman in STEM to thrive.

Join the Movement

If India is going to the moon—and soon to Mars—it’s time more women were in the pilot seats. The Women in STEM Network by Sakkhi invites professionals, researchers, and students to come together, collaborate, and lead the future.

Become a Founding Member and help build a future where every girl in India believes that science is her playground, too.