Article 1: Over and above
Why in news: The AISHE 2023-24 report highlights record female enrolment in higher education and improved gender parity, while exposing persistent gaps in STEM participation, academic leadership and women's transition into quality employment.
Key Details
- Record Enrolment: Total higher education enrolment reached 4.5 crore, with women accounting for 49.7% of students.
- Improved Gender Parity: Gender Parity Index (GPI) increased to 1.08, indicating 108 women enrolled for every 100 men.
- Inclusive Growth: Female enrolment among SCs increased by 51.4% and among STs by 75.7% over the past decade.
- Persistent STEM Gap: Women constitute only 31.1% of engineering and technology students despite making up 44% of overall STEM enrolment.
- Employment Challenge: PLFS 2025 shows lower female salaried employment (18.2%) and lower average monthly earnings (₹18,353) than men.
Rising Female Enrolment in Higher Education
- Female enrolment increased by 42% in a decade (from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24).
- Male enrolment grew by 22.16%, reaching 2.26 crore from 1.85 crore.
- Total higher education enrolment touched a record 4.5 crore students.
- Women now constitute 49.7% of all higher education students.
- Gender Parity Index (GPI) reached 1.08, indicating 108 women for every 100 men in higher education.
Progress Among Marginalised Communities
- Female enrolment among Scheduled Castes (SCs) rose by 51.4%.
- Female enrolment among Scheduled Tribes (STs) increased by 75.7%.
- Indicates improved access and inclusion in higher education.
- Reflects the impact of affirmative policies and social awareness.
- However, enrolment gains alone do not ensure economic empowerment.
Persistent Gender Gaps in STEM Education
- Women account for 44% of STEM enrolment overall.
- They form a 54.6% majority in general sciences like biology and chemistry.
- Engineering and Technology remain male-dominated, with only 31.1% women.
- Limited participation in emerging sectors such as AI, software engineering and advanced technology.
- This restricts women's access to high-growth, future-ready careers.
Structural Challenges in Higher Education
- Academic leadership remains male-dominated, with only 82 female teachers for every 100 male teachers.
- Women are underrepresented in senior administrative and leadership positions.
- Rapid expansion of private and low-tier colleges has strained quality.
- Many institutions suffer from faculty shortages and poor infrastructure.
- Patriarchal institutional culture continues to hinder women's advancement.
Weak Transition from Education to Employment
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains low due to social norms, domestic responsibilities and safety concerns.
- PLFS 2025 shows men dominate regular salaried employment (26.5% vs 18.2%).
- Average monthly earnings: ₹24,217 (men) vs ₹18,353 (women).
- 64.2% of women are classified as self-employed, often including unpaid household or farm work.
- Policymakers, educational institutions and industry must ensure quality jobs aligned with women's education.
Conclusion
India has made significant progress in expanding women's access to higher education, reflecting greater social inclusion and educational equity. However, true empowerment requires equal opportunities in STEM, leadership, and formal employment. Bridging the education-employment gap through skill development, workplace safety, institutional reforms and gender-sensitive policies is essential to realise the demographic dividend and achieve inclusive development.
Descriptive question:
Q. "Higher enrolment of women in higher education does not automatically translate into economic empowerment." Discuss in the light of the AISHE 2023-24 findings. Suggest measures to improve women's participation in quality employment. (250 words, 15 marks)