Breaking Stereotypes: Women in Non-Traditional Careers
From flying fighter jets to leading tech startups, women across the world are entering fields once thought of as “male-only.” In India, Bhawana Kanth became the first female fighter pilot to qualify for combat missions, while Falguni Nayar built Nykaa into a billion-dollar beauty-tech company. These success stories challenge deep-rooted stereotypes and show how ambition, skill, and opportunity matter more than gender.
However, challenges persist. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women globally remain underrepresented in STEM, construction, and armed forces. The barriers are not just physical but also social, family pressures, lack of mentorship, and unconscious bias in hiring.
Encouragingly, initiatives like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” in India and global campaigns like “HeForShe” are helping to normalize women’s presence in these spaces. Educational institutions are also offering scholarships and mentorships specifically targeted at girls in STEM.
The way forward lies in normalizing women’s presence in every profession, celebrating trailblazers, and offering institutional support. When society stops treating “women in non-traditional careers” as a novelty, true equality will be achieved.
References:
- ILO Report on Women in STEM (2023)
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme, Govt of India
- UN Women, HeForShe Campaign
