Impact of STEM-based Skilling on Psychological Well-being and Career Progression among Disadvantaged Women Demography

Abstract

This study highlights the role of STEM based skilling on career upliftment of marginalised females from Western India’s Skill based University. Female education predominantly STEM education has always been trivial in marginalised communities of India. Preliminary school education is insufficient for a woman to pragmatically sustain in an economic environment for her upliftment. To empower her and make her a financially independent individual a STEM-based skill upliftment program by the said university helps marginalised females to explore job opportunities which otherwise require a regular technical and vocational education. A curriculum was designed to provide a multidisciplinary program which is a blend of mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer control along with life-skills training ensuring formal STEM education. This study highlights an empirical data set which shows a step career progression and analytical acumen towards financial responsibilities. Beyond enhancing technical competencies and employability, the study examines how participation in STEM-based skilling contributes to psychological well-being by strengthening self-confidence, self-efficacy, sense of agency, and career aspirations among underrepresented women. Before undergoing the Skill course none of the respondents contributed to domestic income or supported siblings, while post-completion, 100% contributed towards family expenses and 98.5% supported siblings financially or educationally. Statistical testing which included paired t-tests and Spearman’s rank correlation have confirmed a progressive change between pre- and post-training economic indicators (p < 0.0001) and a strong co-relationship between savings and family contribution. These results deliver strong rational support towards Woman upliftment using STEM Education.