Bridging the Binary: Does access to education shape the Tech Dreams of Marginalized women

In this blog, we delve into tech industry which is hailed as the beacon of progress in India yet has deep structural exclusions with a particular focus on marginalized women. It explores only education is not sufficient to achieve the gender equality giving women the opportunity to work in the tech industries without being suppressed by the structural inequalities and deep rooted stereotypes. Drawing data from NSSO, NSO, NFHS, we highlight the mismatch between rising female enrolment in higher education with the falling rates of employment in STEM opportunities. We also look at how digital and caste divide has an invisible string that holds marginalized women back with the amount of other things they are expected to do. Through this blog, we attempt to understand inclusion, reimagining situations and transforming the environment to allow everyone thrive in.

In the glossy spotlight of India’s economy rising, diversity often makes a guest appearance – but seldom takes the center stage. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development plays a crucial role through equal access and participation in STEM. However, the progress has been rather slow. Women only comprised of 29.2% of the STEM workforce even when the percentage pursuing STEM degrees have increased. (Global Gender Gap report, 2023). Even if we consider that female participation in these sectors is increasing, it seems to be rather focused on Urban, Upper- Medium class women. While the nation celebrates women making up to 49% of college students, the deeper exclusion persists. The figures drop consistently after we factor for caste, religion and geography. The representation of women dwindles at managerial and leadership levels and invisible for marginal identities.

A striking disconnect reveals itself. The fractured pipeline from education to employment leaks at different places. Even if the statistics show that more women are entering higher education, far fewer are transitioning into careers- more so in high-skill, male dominated industries like IT. The problem here? Gender, Caste and Class barriers. Not education, not achievements but backgrounds which one cannot control. The control lies in the hands of who thrive there not the ones who imagine themselves in the industry.

When the question comes on Marginalized Women, the answer is straight forward negative. There is about 37% gap in log wages between the marginalized and forward-caste peers. (Springer). Discrimination is more pronounced in private sector. Using NSSO 2011-12 & 2020-21, Women in IT earn 26.2% less than men regardless of their caste. When the lens is further magnified, SC/ST engagement in IT sector is 10% compared to 27% among upper castes. The gap widened further. According to further findings in the report, Scheduled Castes workers earn 24.9% less, Other Backward Castes 22.5% less even after controlling for education and job type.

According to arxiv.org, Over 50% of the digital gap is due to differences in education and income: marginalized castes are left far behind.

Based on these findings, the question creeps on us. Where are the educated going? Did the pipeline leak into households due to pressure of hierarchy? Researchers call this root of exclusion “leaky pipeline”. Way before considering a career, girls face barriers in their education. Inaccessible schools, unsafe locations, dropouts, financial pressure, caste or gender based violence are only some of the situations that all limit educational attainment.

Patchy Infrastructure, caste and digital divide compound disadvantages in an increasingly digital world. In a survey by Dalberg and Omidyar Network, over 60% of women in rural areas reported never having used internet. It is not just about connectivity, it reflects the existing division of hierarchies and marginalization. The invisible line set in stone, unconsciously creeping at every stop of life.

Credentialism and Certifications fail to convert and guarantee employment. The systemic bias in hiring, lack of networks and alienation displays itself in the numbers within the tech sectors. A computer science degree will not protect a marginalized woman from being judged by her surname, accent, background and family history.

The question still remains. What do we need to fix this leak? Are power structures responsible for this? Or is the awareness alone going to increase the stats. By this tme, we know a computer science degree is not going to fetch you a job, you will be judged on your background no matter what. Access to education is necessary but not sufficient. Human capital can contribute only when they are given the opportunity to do the same. The industries especially in this context Tech industry must realize that inclusion is a process, not a requirement you need to check from the list. They need to move beyond per functionary hiring to create a safe, valued and sound environment for everyone to work in.

Even after you are hired, the question of retention does not leave the canvas. It includes anti-discrimination policies, affirmative opportunities, training and representation, crucial for development of inclusion among the most intricate organizations. Various organizations have modeled inclusive education pipelines that pair digital skill with social empowerment. Reservations alone are not going to change the situations they undergo. Inclusive spaces with consideration for backgrounds yet not discriminate them over it. Government interventions like Skill India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have attempted to bridge the gaps, but the implementation has had several leakages.

Improving access is not just a matter of justice in the tapestry of this economy but rather an economic imperative. The blank canvas of hope cannot be painted by leaving anyone behind due to their backgrounds or lack of access. A truly inclusive future includes fixing the pipeline, increasing the flow and balancing the supply.

The approach is multifold and cannot be sorted by only one measure or changes in the perspective of one organization or institution. It requires us as a society to deal with the questions head on, the irrefutable hold of power, privilege and voices that are amplified more than the others.

The question is not whether marginalized women are ready for the tech industry but the opposite. Is the Tech Industry truly ready for them? And if not now, then when will the time come?

References

1. Agrawal, T. (2013). Gender and caste-based wage discrimination in India: some recent evidence. Journal for Labour Market Research, 47(4), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12651-013-0152-z

2. P. Geetha Rani, 2014. "Disparities in earnings and education in India," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(1), pages 1-18, December.

3. Key Indicators of Household Social Consumption on Education in India NSS 75TH Round (JULY 2017- JUNE 2018). (n.d.). https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1593251

4. Vaidehi, R., Reddy, A. B., & Banerjee, S. (2021, June 30). Explaining caste-based digital divide in India. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2106.15917

5. Swargiary, Khritish. (2024). State-Wise Literacy Rates in India: Analyzing Regional Disparities, Gender Gaps, and Policy Impacts. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4692387/v1.