4 DECEMBER2022Editor NoteGross Enrolment Ratio for Women Higher Than Men in India "When women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous". These words were said byMichelle Obama, who is herself a champion for education for the girl child. But much before her came several other reformers and thinkers who all echoed Michelle's sentiment that education is the single most powerful tool for a woman's growth.But even after several years the world is yet to reach true equality when it comes to education. Even today there exists disproportionate number when it comes to women enrolling in higher education across the globe. Although it is a global issue yet it has been observed that developing countries have a lower proportion of women enrolling in higher education as compared to developing nations. But the world is gradually moving towards making strides in women's education. The number of women enrolling in higher education has certainly increased over the years. It has nearly doubled over the past four decades as compared to male enrollment. The story is similar closer home too. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20, the gross enrolment ratio of female students is 27.3 percent. In comparison the gross enrolment ratio for men is 26.9 percent. The last five years have experienced an 18 percent increase in the gross enrolment ratio of female students in higher education in India.The survey found that there has been a sharp rise in women enrolling in master's degrees such as MA, MCom, and MSc. However, the one major area of concern has always been STEM field. Currently less than 30 percent of all researcher's across the world are women, which is a shocking number. The number is 15 percent when it comes to women researchers in STEM. This number is ironic since India is the leading nation in terms of women STEM graduates. If that is the case then where are the female researchers? These are certainly questions that need answering and immediate action as well. Needless to say quality education which is accessible both socially and economically is the key here.The current edition of Women Entrepreneur India magazine brings to you a list of some of the most prolific colleges for women in India. These institutions have played a key role in making education accessible to those who earlier were devoid of this basic right. We salute each of these institutions that are steadfast in their commitment to empowering the women of India with the superpower that is education. Read on and do let us know your thoughts. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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