5 Sectors planning to increase hiring of STEM-qualified women during FY 2023-24
NTT DATA, a digital business and IT services leader, and NLB Services – leading technology and digital talent solutions provider have recently released a comprehensive research report titled “Bridging the Skills Gap – Towards an Equal Workplace.” According to the report, 62% of employers in India intend to hire more women in STEM fields during the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24. The report also highlights the sectors that are expected to see a significant increase in the hiring of STEM-qualified women employees, with retail/e-commerce being the top sector on the list.
The study surveyed a total sample size of 250 employers from different organizations of 12 sectors spread across 15 Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. Furthermore, the study surveyed 500 women employees from organizations of various sizes, sectors, and cities.
As per the report, here are some sectors that are expected to witness the growth of STEM-qualified women in FY 2023-24.
- Retail/E-commerce- The retail and e-commerce sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years and is expected to continue in FY 2023-24. The Retail/E-commerce sector anticipates a significant increase of 12% in the hiring of STEM-qualified women employees in FY 2023-24. The rise of online shopping has increased the demand for technology-driven solutions, making the sector more reliant on technology and STEM-qualified professionals. This, in turn, has led to an increase in demand for women with STEM qualifications who can design and implement innovative solutions to improve customer experience, optimize supply chain management, and enhance data analytics.
- Healthcare and Pharma- The healthcare and pharma sector is another area where STEM-qualified women are in demand. The Healthcare and Pharma sector expects an increase of 11% in the hiring of women employees in FY 2023-24. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has seen a rapid transformation with the increased adoption of digital technologies such as telemedicine, AI-powered medical devices, and big data analytics. Women with STEM qualifications have a crucial role to play in this sector as they bring a unique perspective and skillset to address complex healthcare challenges.
- IT/ITeS sectors- The IT and ITeS sectors have been at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation, making them an attractive destination for women with STEM qualifications. The IT/ITeS sector anticipates an increase of 10% in the hiring of STEM-qualified women employees in FY 2023-24. These sectors are expected to continue growing in FY 2023-24, with increasing demand for professionals in emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. Women with STEM qualifications have a significant role to play in developing these technologies and driving innovation in the sector.
- Construction and Real Estate- The construction and real estate sector has been slow to adopt new technologies, but with the rise of smart cities and sustainable infrastructure, the demand for STEM-qualified professionals is increasing. Women with STEM qualifications can bring innovative solutions to optimize construction processes, improve energy efficiency, and enhance building safety and sustainability. The Construction and Real Estate sector predicts an increase of 10% in the hiring of STEM-qualified women employees in FY 2023-24.
- FMCG- The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has also seen significant growth in recent years, driven by changing consumer behavior and increasing competition. The FMCG sector expects an increase of 9% in the hiring of STEM-qualified women employees in FY 2023-24. The sector is highly reliant on technology to drive innovation, improve supply chain management, and enhance customer engagement. Women with STEM qualifications can play a vital role in developing technology-driven solutions that meet changing customer needs and improve business outcomes.
Overall, these sectors offer exciting opportunities for women with STEM qualifications to make a significant impact and contribute to the growth and success of their organizations and hence see the expected rise in hiring.