She grew up in a small town, where dreams like hers rarely took root. For years, her fascination with the world of science was something she cherished quietly, aware that her family’s limited resources and the societal expectations placed upon her made those dreams feel far-fetched. But when a scholarship from vivo’s Women in STEM initiative arrived, her life shifted from a series of “what ifs” to real possibilities. But this isn’t the story of one girl and she wasn’t alone.

Rooted in the fabric of rural and urban life alike, many young women across India face similar obstacles—financial strain, household responsibilities, and unspoken cultural expectations that discourage them from pursuing their higher education across fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Even if women break away from these cyclic issues and pursue STEM education, the industry underrepresents1 across various domain. Reports2 suggest that the rate of young female graduates seeking employment in STEM is lower than the number of women who graduate in STEM.

For a young girl and many others that follow, vivo’s initiative has become more than just a means of financial support; it’s a lifeline to something previously out of reach—a future driven by discovery, progress, and self-belief.

Financial Support with Purpose

The heart of the Women in STEM initiative lies in financial empowerment, which has proven to be a transformative force. With INR 2 crores channelized in scholarships till date, the program has opened doors for over 150 aspiring scientists, engineers, and doctors who would otherwise struggle to afford quality education for a brighter future. One of the students even shared that, “this scholarship doesn’t just fund my education but it also gives me a reason to believe in my dream.”

Nearly two-thirds of these students come from families earning less than INR 1 lakh annually, and 15% are raised by single parents who have shouldered the weight of multiple roles. For many, these scholarships have been the deciding factor between continuing their education and succumbing to the cycle of poverty.

Shifting Generational Norms

For 56% of the Women in STEM beneficiaries, this program has marked their journey as first-generation graduates—a milestone that breaks generational barriers and reshapes family legacies. In rural areas, where access to quality education is particularly limited, the scholarships enable young women to pursue rigorous STEM careers, transforming community perceptions of women’s roles in society.

Diversity in STEM Fields: Beyond Engineering

While Engineering dominates as a popular STEM pathway, with 73% of students from the initiative enrolled in Engineering programs, the Women in STEM program has brought a refreshing diversity to traditionally male-dominated fields. The remaining 27% of students have chosen to pursue medicine, adding much-needed representation in critical healthcare sectors. In addition, with 18% of beneficiaries studying in prestigious IITs and NITs, the program underscores the importance of quality education in shaping future leaders.

Empowering India’s Technological Growth

India’s technological future depends not only on innovation but on inclusivity, ensuring that a diversity of voices is part of the solution. By enabling more women to pursue STEM education, the vivo’s Women in STEM initiative is contributing to India’s larger mission of technological progress. These beneficiaries are essential participants in the STEM ecosystem, bringing fresh perspectives and driving change in ways that will influence the future of India’s tech landscape.

The Ripple Effect of Social Impact

In addition to the immediate educational and financial support, the Women in STEM initiative has fostered an enduring impact that extends beyond the formal classroom education. By setting a precedent, vivo’s specially curated mentorship sessions and corporate immersion experiences aim to empower young women by equipping them with real-time corporate exposure. Through the stories of these young women, the initiative has also created a platform for dialogue, encouraging policymakers, families, and communities to support women in STEM.

A Promise for the Future

As vivo continues this journey, its commitment to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields extends beyond mere statistics. This initiative is a testament to the power of purpose-driven programs that create lasting change, helping build a future where young women can dream bigger, push further, and achieve more. The Women in STEM program stands as an example of how socially responsible organizations who come forward in order to create real impact within communities, communities, and individuals can come together to foster real impact—creating not only skilled professionals but future leaders who will shape India’s future in STEM.

With each scholarship granted, each family supported, and each dream ignited, the vivo Women in STEM initiative redefines what is possible, inspiring young women to participate in the STEM fields.

1India STEM Foundation Report on Promoting STEM Careers Among Indian Girls

2Observer Research Foundation Report on Women and STEM: The Inexplicable Gap Between Education and Workforce Participation