Throughout the history, as India is making huge projections across the business and industry driving the country's economic growth and development, significant industries like engineering are known to continue evolving experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure development and industrial expansion. Moreover, the increasing participation of women in engineering is a change to notice as they are critically accelerating technology-led economic growth inspired by their diverse perspectives.

In a recent interaction with Mandvi Singh, Managing Editor, siliconindia, Sindhu Ramachandran, Director - Technology, Leader of Center of Excellence (CoE) - Artificial Intelligence, Quest Global shares her enriching views on ‘The Striking Role of Women in Powering Engineering in India’.

India is experiencing a significant shift in technical education and workforce participation. What emerging trends are you observing in women's entry and progression in engineering design roles?

India is witnessing a positive shift in technical education and workforce participation among women. More women are enrolling in engineering programs, driven by increased awareness and encouragement from educational institutions and families. Companies are also actively promoting diversity and inclusion, leading to a rise in women taking on engineering design roles. Initiatives like scholarships, mentorship programs, and women-centric tech events are helping women progress in their careers

What specific challenges remain for women entering and advancing in engineering design fields in India, and what innovative approaches are companies implementing to address these barriers?

Despite progress, women still face challenges such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance issues. Companies are addressing these barriers through various innovative approaches. For instance, flexible work arrangements, leadership training programs, and creating supportive networks are helping women overcome these challenges. Additionally, organizations are implementing policies to ensure equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive work culture. Special skilling programs for women who have taken a break in their career journey are also very promising, helping them restart their careers and achieve their dreams.

How are educational institutions and industry collaborating to create more inclusive pathways for women in engineering design, particularly in technology-driven domains?

Educational institutions and industries are collaborating to create more inclusive pathways for women in engineering design. Partnerships between universities and companies are leading to the development of specialized programs, internships, and workshops focused on technology-driven domains. There are women networking events in almost all conferences and technical meet-ups and these collaborations provide women with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges, preparing them for successful careers in engineering design.

India is seeing a rise in women in engineering design roles, driven by educational and industry collaboration. Despite challenges, innovative approaches and technological advancements are creating new opportunities, paving the way for increased participation and leadership in the field.

How are technological advancements and changing workplace cultures creating new opportunities for women in engineering design, particularly in fields like AI, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing?

Technological advancements and evolving workplace cultures are creating new opportunities for women in engineering design. Fields like AI, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing are opening up exciting career paths. Companies are adopting inclusive practices, such as remote work and flexible hours, making it easier for women to balance their professional and personal lives so that they can learn, adapt and perform well in the dynamically evolving technology landscape. These changes are enabling women to thrive in technology-driven roles and contribute to cutting-edge innovations.

Many women report that finding the right mentors was transformative in their STEM journeys. Could you share a mentorship experience—either good or challenging—that fundamentally changed how you approach technical leadership?

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping careers, especially in STEM fields. One transformative mentorship experience I had was with a senior leader who guided me through a challenging project. Their insights and encouragement helped me navigate complex technical issues and develop confidence in my abilities. The guidance and the empowerment given to me helped me to look at problems from a different perspective and to understand the value of collaboration in technical leadership. This experience taught me the importance of mentorship and inspired me to mentor others, fostering a culture of support and growth within my team.

Looking ahead to the next five years, what potential shifts do you anticipate in women's participation and leadership in engineering design across Indian industries?

In the next five years, we can expect a significant increase in women's participation and leadership in engineering design across Indian industries. As more women enter the field and gain experience, they will take on leadership roles, driving innovation and diversity. Companies will continue to prioritize gender diversity, and we will see more women leading engineering teams and projects, contributing to the overall growth of the industry. Women in leadership positions can provide mentorship to other women engineers, groom more technical experts and become role models to aspiring young engineers.