Women have achieved incredible progress in once male-dominated sectors in recent decades. Women professionals are not just breaking into fields like science and technology, but also succeeding and changing the rules in sports and the military. At the Best Girls School in Mumbai, we believe in nurturing ambition, self-confidence, and leadership among our students. Exposing students to a variety of job options where women are increasingly making their mark is one of our main objectives. Here are a few of the most successful professions where women shatter stereotypes and establish new standards.
Historically, men have dominated STEM disciplines, but this is beginning to change. Careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are becoming more and more popular among women. This change is being facilitated by global initiatives such as mentorship programs, coding boot camps, and STEM scholarships for girls. Women like Dr. Gagandeep Kang in medical research, Tessy Thomas in missile technology, and Debjani Ghosh in technology leadership are shining examples of what’s possible. Girls from the Top Girls School in Mumbai are encouraged to step confidently into STEM through science fairs, robotics clubs, and math.
Today, women entrepreneurs are in charge of prosperous startups and businesses in a variety of industries, including fintech, IT, and fashion and beauty. Women are managing companies and revolutionizing industries because of increased access to capital, networking opportunities, and incubator programs. The path has been cleared by inspirational business people like Richa Kar (Zivame), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), and Falguni Nayar (Nykaa). We invite female entrepreneurs to speak and serve as mentors to potential student leaders, and we hold business plan competitions at our school.
The number of female lawyers and judges in the legal profession has significantly increased. Women are now prominent advocates, corporate counsels, and Chief Justices. Women like Justice Leila Seth and Indu Malhotra have shattered the “glass ceiling.” To develop their analytical and persuasive abilities, we at the Best Girls School in Mumbai encourage our students to take part in debates, mock trials, etc.
The aviation industry is another one where women have historically been underrepresented. However, women are now literally reaching new heights. Women are dominating the aviation industry as commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, aerospace engineers, and astronauts. Many girls have been motivated to look up to Indian trailblazers like Captain Zoya Agarwal and ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal, both literally and symbolically. To foster interest in these areas, we host space seminars and science exhibits.
An important stride forward has been the integration of women into combat roles, the air force, the navy, and even elite groups like India’s National Defence Academy (NDA). Brave women like Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi and Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi have broken stereotypes. Notably, Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, who was instrumental as a jet controller during the 2019 aerial duel with Pakistan, and Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami, the first female officer to hold the position of Flight Commander in the Indian Air Force, have made the country proud. These ladies displayed exceptional talent and showed how important it is for women to play important roles in national security.
At the Best Girls School in Mumbai, we believe that exposure, inspiration, and encouragement are key to empowering our students to dream big. In order to develop the next generation of self-assured, capable, and visionary leaders, we want to highlight career pathways where women are shattering stereotypes.
We encourage curiosity, honor the spirit of ambition, and give our girls the resources they require to overcome their obstacles. Every successful woman was once a young lady with the courage to dream and a partner who supported her in doing so.