Empowering Women in IT: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
As International Women’s Day approaches, the spotlight turns to the remarkable contributions of women in the IT sector in India. Women are not only breaking barriers but also redefining leadership, innovation, and success across industries. Despite the progress, challenges remain, and industry leaders emphasize the need for a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Current Status of Women in IT in India
Women in India have made significant strides in the IT sector, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a global technology hub. As of 2023, women constituted approximately 34% of the IT workforce in India, with a notable presence in various roles ranging from software development to leadership positions. Despite this progress, the journey has not been without its challenges.
Challenges Faced by Women in IT
- Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Women in IT often face gender bias and stereotypes that question their technical competence. This bias can manifest in various ways, from unequal pay to limited opportunities for career advancement.
- Lack of Female Role Models and Mentors: The scarcity of female role models and mentors in the tech industry can make it difficult for women to envision themselves in leadership roles. This lack of representation can also hinder their professional growth and confidence.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments remains a significant challenge for many women in IT. The demanding nature of tech jobs can exacerbate this issue.
- Limited Networking Opportunities: Networking is crucial for career growth, but women often have fewer opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders in the male-dominated tech sector.
Initiatives to Empower Women in IT
Several initiatives have been launched to support and empower women in the IT industry in India:
- Corporate Programs: Companies like Philips and Infobip have implemented mentorship programs, leadership training, and continuous upskilling initiatives to prepare women for leadership positions in tech.
- Government Schemes: The Indian government has introduced various schemes to promote gender equality in STEM fields, such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme and Ujjawala Yojna.
- Industry-Specific Initiatives: Programs like ‘FoundHer’ by India Accelerator provide women entrepreneurs with platforms to connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders, fostering a more inclusive startup ecosystem.
Success Stories of Women in IT
- Falguni Nayar: Founder of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar left her high-profile job to start India’s first beauty e-commerce platform. Nykaa became a unicorn and went public in 2021, making her India’s wealthiest self-made female billionaire.
- Ghazal Alagh: Co-founder of Mamaearth, Ghazal Alagh focused on natural, toxin-free personal care products. Today, Mamaearth is a unicorn startup with a valuation of over $1 billion.
- Upasana Taku: Co-founder of MobiKwik, Upasana Taku launched the fintech platform in 2009. Despite initial skepticism, MobiKwik has become a trusted name in digital payments in India.
These success stories highlight the potential for women to excel in the IT industry, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Anjali Sharma, Director, Global Head of L&D, Fulcrum Digital: “The digital revolution isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Women must not only participate but lead in shaping its course. At Fulcrum Digital, we believe learning & development is key to ensuring women are equipped for today’s digital demands and tomorrow’s innovations. With India leading in AI skill penetration among women—at 1.7 times the global average—we are witnessing a powerful shift. Yet, the real challenge lies in translating these skills into greater influence, as women continue to break technological barriers but remain underrepresented in leadership. Today, AI is no longer just a tool; it is enabling Unified Intelligence—where human potential and machine capabilities work together to create lasting impact. As Unified Intelligence moves toward Human Intelligence Amplification, AI is helping women break barriers, access new opportunities, and drive meaningful change—without replacing their expertise, creativity, or leadership. This Women’s Day, let’s focus on accelerating this transformation by making learning more adaptive and accessible. With the right opportunities and support, more women can step into leadership roles and shape the future of technology.”
Vasanthi Ramesh, Managing Director, NetApp India: “We recognise that diversity isn’t just a metric — it drives innovation. Women currently hold 10.4% of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, this presents tremendous opportunities for more women to break the glass ceiling and make an impact. A three-pronged approach can pave the way for future leadership: proactive networking to build meaningful relationships, clear and confident communication to amplify our voices, and a strong mentorship culture to support one another. At NetApp, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive ecosystem where women thrive as innovators and decision-makers. Our Women in Technology (WIT) group, one of our largest employee resource groups, champions mentorship, networking, and professional growth, ensuring women have access to the opportunities they deserve. With AI and intelligent data infrastructure reshaping the industry, it brings an incredible opportunity for women in tech. Progress isn’t just about representation, it’s about empowerment. As leaders, we must ensure equal access to skills, invest in growth, and foster an inclusive culture. When we step out of our comfort zones and uplift one another, we don’t just change the industry—we redefine it.”
Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head, Clover Academy: “A career in technology has been both fulfilling and transformative for me. I’ve always been fascinated by how dynamic the tech industry is—it constantly evolves, creating endless opportunities to learn and grow. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ is a powerful reminder that progress happens when we step forward with confidence and purpose. To young women aspiring to build a career in STEM—do not be intimidated. The path ahead may have its challenges, but many women before you have walked it and paved the way. Keep learning, keep exploring, and remember—you belong here.”
Vandana Singal, Pre-sales Head – PDES, Happiest Minds Technologies: “International Women’s Day 2025 is an inspiring reminder of the amazing advancements women are creating in the technology landscape. Leadership by them isn’t about taking seats of power; it’s about promoting cooperation, driving humane innovation, and advocating for inclusion. The innovations led under women leaders propel the creation of revolutionary technologies, and their courage is inspiring the next generations of woman technologists. Let us help them to further build a fairer and technology-driven world through mentorship, resource access, and spaces in which they will be heard.”
Deepti C Moolya, Associate Director People Practice & D&I Lead, Happiest Minds Technologies: “As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, we need to go beyond gestures of acknowledgment and adopt a long-term commitment to equal opportunities. This involves a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond equal hiring practices and open promotion channels to include strong mentorship initiatives that develop talent and mentor women through their careers. We need to break down systemic barriers that block progress, and proactively foster a culture where every woman, no matter her background, feels empowered to achieve her full potential. Knowing that diverse viewpoints drive innovation, we know that our shared success is inextricably tied to the empowerment of women leaders and innovators across our organization.”
Anita Kukreja, Head – Strategic Alliances & Brand, IceWarp India : “International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women’s achievements but also a call to action for a more equitable and inclusive world. Women today are driving change across industries, leading with resilience, innovation, and determination.”
Anamika Luthra, Key Business Account Manager, 5Tattva : As we celebrate this day, let’s commit to uplifting each other, challenging outdated norms, and championing the cause of gender equality. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the freedom to dream, the courage to lead, and the opportunity to succeed without limitations. Let’s inspire change, break stereotypes, and create a world where equality is not just an ideal but a reality.”
Conclusion
While women in IT in India face numerous challenges, the ongoing efforts by corporations, the government, and industry-specific initiatives are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. The success stories of women leaders in IT serve as a testament to their resilience and potential, encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology and contribute to India’s growth as a global tech powerhouse.
