How Women in Education Are Strengthening India’s Innovation Boom

Innovation is the pillar of progress, and education is its strongest support. Over the past few years, India has made incredible leaps in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from the 81st position in 2020 to the 39th position in 2024. This is not merely a number—it is proof of the knowledge economy of the country, spearheaded by the might of education, technology, and research. At the centre of this change is a force that has too often been taken for granted but is now more in the spotlight than ever—women in education. From the classroom to the boardroom, lab to policymaking table, women are influencing the way India learns, innovates, and prospers in an increasingly changing world.

Women in Education: The Revolutionaries

As President Draupadi Murmu highlighted, more than 60% of those who became educators in the last decade were women, underscoring the significant contribution of female leadership in education. The number of women teaching in government schools has risen by around 6% in recent years, further strengthening the foundation of our nation’s education system.

This is not merely a gender-inclusion victory—this is a revolution in the way knowledge is transferred, absorbed, a

Innovation is the pillar of progress, and education is its strongest support. Over the past few years, India has made incredible leaps in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from the 81st position in 2020 to the 39th position in 2024. This is not merely a number—it is proof of the knowledge economy of the country, spearheaded by the might of education, technology, and research. At the centre of this change is a force that has too often been taken for granted but is now more in the spotlight than ever—women in education. From the classroom to the boardroom, lab to policymaking table, women are influencing the way India learns, innovates, and prospers in an increasingly changing world.

Women in Education: The Revolutionaries

As President Draupadi Murmu highlighted, more than 60% of those who became educators in the last decade were women, underscoring the significant contribution of female leadership in education. The number of women teaching in government schools has risen by around 6% in recent years, further strengthening the foundation of our nation’s education system.

This is not merely a gender-inclusion victory—this is a revolution in the way knowledge is transferred, absorbed, and converted into innovation. More women educators are leading STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), AI, and Robotics learning, which makes young minds, particularly girls, future capable.

This transformation is important because education and innovation are inseparable. A strong education system does not just produce job seekers; it produces thinkers, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs—the very individuals who create economic growth and technological innovations. Women educators whose innate nature is to nurture are at the forefront of this transition, making sure that wholistic learnings are not only reserved for elite schools but spreads to every nook and corner of the nation.

Challenges Faced by Women in Education and Innovation

Despite significant progress, women in teaching and research continue to face several obstacles. Limited access to resources, including funding, mentorship, and institutional support, hampers their professional growth. Additionally, the pressure of balancing work and family responsibilities often discourages women from pursuing demanding careers in academia and research.

While urban areas are witnessing a rise in women educators in science and technology, rural regions still lack the necessary infrastructure and opportunities for women-led education. Overcoming these tasks requires a collective effort from governments, institutions, and society. Providing greater grants, leadership development programs, and enhanced digital access for women educators can help unlock their full potential and drive meaningful change in the education sector.

Government Support: Powering Women-Led Education

Recognizing the need to empower women in education, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to provide support and resources. Schemes like the GATI program (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) promote gender equality in higher education and research, while the Vigyan Jyoti program encourages more girls to pursue STEM subjects from a young age. 

Additionally, Women STEM Fellowships offer scholarships and research opportunities to women building careers in science and technology. These efforts go beyond increasing numbers—they aim to create an environment where women can thrive as leaders, researchers, and educators. By encouraging female faculty members, leaders, and policymakers, India is ensuring that its innovation ecosystem remains inclusive and diverse.

Investing in Women-Led Education: A Path to Economic Growth

Research shows that increasing women's participation in education and innovation leads to higher GDP, economic stability, and a more diverse workforce. Countries with greater gender equality in education tend to have stronger economies and higher innovation indexes. Women-led enterprises and research initiatives contribute significantly to job creation and technological advancements.

Moreover, educating women has a ripple effect, uplifting entire communities by improving healthcare, living standards, and economic growth across generations. By investing in policies that support women's education, India is not just addressing gender equality; it is making a strategic investment in its economic future.

The Future: Women in Education, Women in Innovation

Women play a very important role in Social and emotional learning; hence, they succeed in the role of educators and facilitators from early age education to hi tech research with ease and assurance. Adding to this teamwork being an integral part of education, comes naturally to women as they have a natura instinct for group play and women are believed to be more sensitive towards group dynamics. 

The future of innovation in India depends on increasing the representation of women in technology-driven leadership, providing greater funding for female-led research projects, and improving infrastructure for women educators in rural areas. Equally important is the need to shift societal mindsets, normalizing women's presence in technology, research, and academia. Women's influence in education extends far beyond classrooms—it drives change in startups, boardrooms, and policymaking spaces, shaping the future of innovation and progress.

Educated women are not only educators; they are nation builders, reformers, and innovators. Their work is remaking India's knowledge economy and making the nation not only catch up with the world's race to innovate but also lead the charge. Looking forward, one can say without a doubt: when women define education, they define the future of innovation and the economy and they contribute immensely in building the foundation of a society and the nation as educators, mentors and facilitators.

Authored by Dr. Neha Sharma, Director, Keystone Global | Catalyzer ventures by Shanti Educational Initiatives Ltd.