Catch them young..

Often when you think of why there is still a lower representation of girls and women in STEM and Engineering in India, one of the fundamental issues that surfaces is the lack of awareness, financial support and encouragement for girls to pursue STEM education after they complete their secondary schooling. This is true especially for students from lower income groups whose access to quality education may be impaired.

The gender imbalance that is so rampant in workplaces that fall within the Engineering services, R & D and manufacturing sectors can neither be overlooked or overcome with incremental measures.

This needs to be addressed at a grassroots level and that is what we have tried to do in our company, KBR. We are reaching out to schools and engaging students especially girls to talk about the world of engineering, the opportunities that lie ahead for them to learn, contribute and succeed and the support our organization can provide to help them achieve that.

The recent visit by a bunch of girl students from a local Government school to our office was a step in that direction.

The KBR team not only provided an overview of the business we are in but also explained the various facets of engineering that is involved in the process. At the end of the one-hour session, we were able to get them excited about wanting to become Engineers and pursue STEM education when they complete their school education.

Not only are we engaging with the students, but also sponsoring their school and higher education with a view to truly making a difference to their lives and paving the way for a bright future!

This initiative is now central to our strategy of building a more diverse workforce for the future and a key pillar of our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity.

Exciting times ahead if only we are prepared to be innovative and go the extra mile!