vivo India launches ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ to empower young women in STEM on International Women’s Day

As India cements its position as a global technology powerhouse, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is surging. While 42.7% of STEM graduates in India₁ are women, their participation in the workforce remains disproportionately low, with women comprising only 29.2% of the global STEM workforce². Systemic barriers—gender biases, financial constraints, workplace discrimination, and lack of mentorship—continue to deter women from pursuing and sustaining STEM careers³. Addressing this disparity is not just about inclusivity—it’s an economic and technological imperative, as gender-diverse teams drive greater innovation, problem-solving, and economic growth⁴.
To combat these barriers, government initiatives like Vigyan Jyoti and GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) are fostering inclusivity by providing mentorship, scholarships, and institutional reforms. These programs aim to bridge the gap by equipping young women with resources, role models, and opportunities to thrive in STEM careers.
A catalyst for change: The role of industry initiatives
However, sustained impact requires stronger industry-academia collaboration, enhanced policy support, and role model visibility to inspire more women to not only enter STEM fields but also thrive in leadership roles. Recognising this urgent need, vivo India has launched Project ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’, a nationwide initiative that extends beyond financial aid— provides mentorship, skill development, and industry exposure, equipping women with the tools to break through systemic barriers.
The initiative has already impacted 150 young women, with over 60% from families earning less than Rs 1 lakh annually and 15% raised by single parents. By encouraging first-generation STEM graduates, vivo is helping create a more diverse workforce, ensuring that talent is nurtured regardless of societal barriers.
A movement for inclusion: The vivo KanyaGyaan Campaign
To amplify its impact, vivo has also launched a compelling digital campaign this Women’s Day that underscores the critical need for a diverse STEM workforce. The campaign film, conceptualised by FCB India, portrays the aspirations and struggles of young women in STEM through an interesting metaphor of ‘carrying their own chairs’. It highlights the real-life journeys of women from different parts of India, demonstrating that with the right support, they can carve their own paths in science and technology.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, encapsulates this initiative’s ethos: “Empowering young women in STEM isn’t just an initiative—it’s a necessity for real progress. Through the ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ initiative, we’re breaking barriers by providing education, mentorship, and opportunities that help them shape their own futures. Our Women’s Day campaign film captures this spirit with the metaphor of ‘carrying their own chairs’—a symbol of determination and self-empowerment. With this, we hope to inspire a larger movement toward empowerment and action in STEM.”
By bringing visibility to the struggles and triumphs of women in STEM, the campaign aims to inspire a larger movement this Women’s Day, urging corporations, policymakers, and educational institutions to take concrete steps toward gender inclusivity. As young women graduate and secure placements in leading companies, they are set to be a testament to the power of opportunity and the boundless potential of women in science and technology.
A future built on equal opportunity
For India to sustain its momentum as a global technology leader, it cannot afford to sideline nearly half its talent pool. By ensuring inclusion, investing in mentorship, and creating industry-linked opportunities, initiatives like ‘vivo KanyaGyaan’ are paving the way for a future where women are not just contributors but leaders in STEM.
As more women take their rightful place in this field, they bring with them fresh perspectives, diverse problem-solving approaches, and a more inclusive vision of progress. In doing so, they ensure that India’s future in STEM is not just bright but truly equitable.
References
¹https://nb.tgsession.com/7hz2925k45_5lxlrwtitlkxwpowklgxpmytilgo/6wachishi/3swgjn/4xjbtzp/1rkzylxlkqbnx/6riw72665wg-g19g-260h-n481-nw3m90w333m7/7hziedpjdp
²https://nb.tgsession.com/3sw663_1rkhqvukfnuki/2azhvgemkzdmfup/9satjsfuj-trqcrn-tuz-nrzsnh-8280/7hzvd-sqww/8qrvcejcm-vobk-te-wgc-zqmnxqmyc#:~:text=Women%20make%20up%20almost%20half,jobs%20(0.37%20percentage%20points).
³https://nb.tgsession.com/8ji003a6a02_3bifainfqufnrmvd/5prmllij/9cmSMV111097/
⁴https://nb.tgsession.com/3sw660_1kanrayoxqmrun/7ytsjnpqyjh-vdrvfzpr/3vdsndxbwneo-gfs-nfaqtwnvf/6xrwfshicfxv-tmxxhic-hshl-tdih-xbh-gmch-qdi-bdpfcxfg-ftkmgx
Disclaimer: The article has been produced on behalf of vivo India by the Times Internet Spotlight team.