Women empowerment can be considered as one of the strongest needs for social and economic progress in India. Over the past few decades, unprecedented efforts have been made to increase women's participation in academic fields, professional fields, and leadership. However, women were the least represented in the four primary core STEM fields across the world and for a long time, in Indian society as well. The need to bridge this gender gap has implications as the STEM field offers some of the most growing career opportunities and therefore plays a very important role in national development.
These initiatives will further accelerate innovation and economic growth and break down gender barriers. A lot of efforts have been made for women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in India. The efforts of academia have played a huge role in fostering this talent. The above-mentioned institutions can be exemplified by the Amritsar Group of Colleges in showing the idea of the impact of the education sector on women's empowerment through STEM education. Role of STEM in Women's Empowerment
In fact, STEM education focuses more on technical skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills. This ensures that women can compete in high-paying and high-impact fields from engineering to computer science and biotechnology. Ultimately, institutional focus on gender diversity will free countries from stereotypes and compel women to move into top industries—even in the least male-receptive fields.
Therefore, the inclusive programs run by the college in the field of engineering and technology at AGC Amritsar encourage women's participation at the STEM level. The already existing B.Tech and M.Tech programs at the college have been highly successful in enrollment and have nurtured many young women. It will provide an environment for a woman to thrive and facilitate advancement at both academic and professional levels through scholarship programs, mentoring programs, and career counselling.
What AGC Amritsar is doing differently?
While the focus on women’s development at AGC goes beyond enrollment, it focuses on inclusion and innovation through research opportunities, student-led technical projects, and industry partnerships. This gives women a chance to put the theoretical knowledge they have gained into practice to tackle real-life situations and, over time, develop the confidence and competencies required to function effectively in the workplace.
AGC, under the leadership of Chairman Amit Sharma, Principal Dr Gaurav Tejpal, and Dr Dipti Malhotra, has truly excelled in engaging women’s participation at all levels of STEM fields at AGC. Such efforts have earned AGC recognition as an institution that champions gender equality and academic excellence. The efforts made by AGC towards providing equal opportunities to girls in the STEM stream are well reflected through the innumerable success stories of its alumni, many of whom now hold leading positions at various engineering firms, IT companies, and research institutes. AGC Amritsar has earned several prestigious awards and recognitions over the years, including an 'A' grade accreditation by NAAC, which reflects its commitment to academic excellence. The institute is also ISO 9001:2015 certified, which reflects its adherence to international quality standards. AGC has been named the best engineering college in Punjab by the Times of India Education Survey, and has received the award for the most innovative group of colleges in North India for its focus on research and innovation. Additionally, The Week recognised AGC for its excellent placement record, while the institute has also been awarded as the best institute for Paramedical Sciences in Punjab, underlining its contribution to healthcare education.
Institutions like AGC Amritsar have truly reached out to girls with the highest priority towards women's empowerment. Its policies have taken the lead in allowing all students to study here; thus, highly advanced facilities along with effective management pave the way for establishing a more gender-diverse workforce. Education and knowledge empower people and society at large, as institutions like AGC provide women with the opportunity to become empowered through skills in STEM fields.