"IITs have poor gender ratio because of skill issue"

img: this is what women have to go through every step of the way trying to succeed in tech.

1. Today a male coworker said that IITs have a poor gender ratio because of skill issues. His casual comment struck a nerve and made me think about my own journey.

2. Growing up, I was always fascinated by science and technology. My father was a Mechanical Engineer at Tata Steel and he would often bring home gadgets and explain their workings to me. I was captivated and my dream of studying at an IIT started in class 9th.

3. However, as I progressed through school in class 11th, I began to notice something troubling: there were very few girls in my class(PCM). This difference only grew as I entered coaching classes to prepare for the IIT entrance exam.

4. It was intensely competitive, and while I loved learning, I couldn't ignore the subtle messages suggesting that girls weren't as capable in these fields. Despite consistently being in the top batch at FIITJEE, there was always a sense of discomfort in these classes.

5. Don't get me wrong, my parents were incredibly supportive, but society was just the worst to women. Relatives would often say that I should consider "Humanities or Commerce", ones that would better suit my "future responsibilities" as a wife and mother.

6. These comments were disheartening. I was determined to prove that my passion and capabilities were not defined by my gender.

7. The journey to IIT was one of the hardest journeys I had undertaken. There were countless sleepless nights, endless DPS, and moments of self-doubt. But I persevered, and the day I got my AIR, was a special moment for me.

8. Going to an IIT for the first time was surreal, but it was also a stark reminder of the gender imbalance in STEM.

9. Being one of the few women in my program came with its own set of challenges. There were times when I felt isolated, questioned if I truly belonged, or if others saw me as an equal. to prove myself. However, these experiences also made me resilient. I sought out other female students, and together we formed a support network.

10. Despite the challenges, my time at IIT was eye opening. I graduated with a high CGPA and got a high paying job.

11. Hearing my coworker’s remark today reminded me of the importance of addressing and challenging these stereotypes. It's not a "skill issue" that causes the poor gender ratio at IITs.

12. It's a society problem and that's why women move abroad. Girls are just as competent(if not more) but they also need support, encouragement, and equal opportunities to succeed from the society.

My journey wasn't easy, but it was worth it.