Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said access, funding and support systems remain critical as participation crosses 40 percent in India and 56 percent in parts of the UAE
Global participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is increasing across regions, even as concerns grow about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment trends.
Recent data indicates that women now account for over 40 percent of STEM participation in India, while in parts of the UAE, the figure has reached 56 percent. Germany has also recorded a rise, with participation levels at approximately 36 percent.
The trend reflects a gradual shift in long standing perceptions around technical and engineering careers, which were traditionally seen as male dominated fields.
Across regions such as Malaysia and Tunisia, participation levels are approaching gender parity, while countries including the United States and the United Kingdom are seeing steady but slower progress.
Within STEM, fields such as artificial intelligence and engineering are drawing increased interest from women. Global data suggests that women now represent around 22 percent of the AI workforce, compared to about 15 percent a decade ago.
Despite this progress, disparities remain, with women accounting for roughly 35 percent of STEM students globally, highlighting uneven access and participation across regions.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “Opportunity alone is not enough. Progress depends on support systems, clear pathways and reducing barriers that prevent women from entering and continuing in STEM.”
She added that challenges such as financial constraints, visa delays and limited access to resources continue to affect participation at critical stages.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence workforce structures, the trend reflects both rising participation and the need for sustained support to ensure balanced representation.
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