Building a Sisterhood

It is recognized globally that STEM education is an essential component for sustainable and inclusive growth within society. A World Bank study has shown that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world. However, the statistic changes drastically as these graduates branch out into careers. Indian female STEM careers numbers drop significantly as graduates face social responsibilities that may not favor their continued presence in STEM fields.

Stronger Together by Priya Pattathil

The goals of the Joy Thomas Foundation Women in STEM team are two-fold

1 Target continued growth in female STEM graduates in India

2 Nurture and sustain this growth as the women branch into careers after graduation

We have a multi-pronged approach with our award initiatives, our annual events, and our efforts to build support networks within the community and through partnerships with other STEM related efforts within India.

AWARD INITIATIVE

Joy Thomas Prize

The Joy Thomas Prize is awarded each year to the top ranked woman in the annual Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for entry into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The overarching goal of the Prize is to inspire a passion for STEM among school-age female students in India, and organically increase women in STEM fields in India. With the growing number of JT Prize winners, JTF aspires to build an influential sisterhood that will mentor each other as well as grow into a network of budding mentors for female students and young women scientists, engineers, and technologists.

Annual Events

JTF Women in STEM hosts webinars and panel discussions with leading women scientists, technologists, science journalists, and women just starting on their STEM careers journeys to discuss their life journeys and challenges overcome.

Partnerships

With partnerships, JTF Women in STEM efforts seek to (i) inspire students at school and college levels, and (ii) connect our young STEM award winners with female corporate and academic mentors for lifelong learning.