By Nistha Tripathi
Education has always been a gateway to empowerment, personal growth and development for women. In recent years, there has been a notable trend of more girls from tier I,II, and III cities choosing to pursue study overseas. This trend reflects a shifting cultural perspective, where families and the society as a whole recognize the value of global exposure and quality education in crafting a brighter future for young Indian women.
Due to conservative norms, girls in India have traditionally faced barriers to pursuing education overseas or even higher education. However, as families and communities recognise the value of female education in attaining gender equality and growth, such barriers are gradually being dismantled. And this shift is also visible in data as According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, there were over 8.2 million Indian students studying abroad in 2020, with a substantial proportion of them being young women. Prior to 2020, female students made up only 21% of the study-abroad applicants. That figure is now 49%, or nearly half of the candidate pool.
Several factors have contributed to Indian female students making the most of the study-abroad opportunities.
Increasing Need for Global Exposure:
Studying abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth through a global exposure and a cross-cultural perspective. Standing on their own feet and widening one’s perspectives are becoming increasingly important to girls.
Awareness and Financial Aids:
Recently, Indian cities in Tier I, II, and III have seen an increase in collaboration with international institutions and colleges. This sows the seed of awareness in the mind of young girls which later matures into a life goal. Furthermore, with a growing number of financial institutions or NFBCs being available, the ability of families to take advantage of loans and that too without demanding collateral may have encouraged more female students from less-privileged sections of society to plan overseas education.
Quality Education:
Students, including girls, are choosing study abroad alternatives to access world-class education that not only provides them with valuable experience but also gives them a competitive advantage in the job market. According to a World Bank research, India has a sizable proportion of women pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), accounting for at least 43% of the global cohort. This increase in focus on STEM- designated fields of education among female Indian students are thereby bridging the gap seen earlier in terms of higher education.
Seeking Better Job Prospects:
Studying abroad can open doors to a plethora of professional opportunities and global networks. And Indian women are increasingly looking beyond national borders to secure a brighter future for themselves. They are aware that a foreign degree can lead to better career options, increased employability, and a chance to contribute to industries on the global stage.
As more and more girls embark on study abroad programs, they become role models for younger girls. Their stories are mimicked by thousands of bright young minds who straddle the various strata of the society. Their achievements inspire others behind them to follow suit and create a ripple effect that continues to break down gender and class barriers in education and career choices.
The author is founder and director of 24NorthStar. Views are personal.