International Women's Day: Paving the road towards an Inclusive World

As a worldwide celebration of women's social, political, and economic accomplishments, International Women's Day (IWD) is observed on March 8. Gender equality and inclusivity are vital, and International Women's Day (IDD) serves as an agonizing reminder of these issues in the context of the IT sector.

While the IT industry offers boundless opportunities for innovation and growth, it also presents formidable hurdles for women. Despite concerted efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, women remain underrepresented in key leadership positions, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.

Challenges Faced by Women in the IT Industry:

1. Pay Parity: Studies consistently reveal disparities in pay between male and female professionals within the IT sector, with women often earning less for comparable roles and responsibilities.

2. Gender Biasness: Deep-rooted biases and stereotypes pervade the workplace culture, hindering women's advancement and impeding their access to opportunities for career progression.

3. Work-Life Balance: The demanding nature of IT roles, characterized by long hours and high-pressure environments, exacerbates challenges related to work-life balance, disproportionately impacting women.

4. Lack of Mentorship and Sponsorship: Women encounter barriers to mentorship and sponsorship, critical factors in fostering professional development and nurturing future leaders within the industry.

International Women's Day serves as a catalyst for change, sparking dialogue, advocacy, and action to address systemic inequities and promote gender parity in the IT industry. It offers a platform for women to share their stories, amplify their voices, and demand accountability from industry stakeholders.

International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for gender equality and inclusivity in the IT industry. By recognizing the invaluable contributions of women, addressing systemic barriers, and championing diversity and inclusion, stakeholders can collectively advance towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

This year the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and the tech industry has put in its efforts for women’s inclusion at workplace. Different perspectives, experiences and ideas by women solved complex problems through innovative solutions. The companies that are emphasizing on gender diversity are consistently outperforming their competitors.    

Nithya Cadambi, Senior Director, Finance, Operations and Facilities, Commvault

“Our journey has become an inspiring narrative of resilience and advancement as we continue to champion women's equality and empowerment. A recent report by the Ministry of Statistics demonstrates an increase of 4.2%, pushing female labour participation to 37% in India. This growth reflects a positive shift in the country's labour force dynamics, signifying a broader societal transformation. While every incremental gain fuels our progress and normalizes support for women, substantial work remains ahead.

The increase in female workforce participation requires a stronger focus and comprehensive approach from the private sector, government, and society. This year's theme, 'Inspire Inclusion,' stresses that investing in women has a ripple effect on society.  Diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas from women lead to more innovative solutions to complex problems. Companies prioritizing gender diversity consistently outshine their competitors, proving the business case for inclusion.

A multifaceted approach is imperative to foster investment in women. The competitive and demanding nature of jobs, especially in the tech sector, demands companies to focus on decisive actions to promote women's engagement. Flexible work arrangements and mentorship programs assist women in navigating career obstacles and building confidence. As we navigate the era of 'smart-everything,' let’s also prioritize a smart equation for the future prosperity and well-being of our societies.”

Madhushree Dutta, Head HR, Pure Storage India

"Investing in women and inspiring inclusion are the key themes for this International Women’s Day.

Investing in women benefits women and society as a whole. One of the key ways to do that is by increasing women’s meaningful participation in sectors where they are currently underrepresented including in STEM. At Pure Storage, we have implemented measures such as pay transparency, holistic benefits, equitable policies and practices to help achieve gender equality in the workplace. We have also increased gender representation across all levels over the past year, with specific efforts to drive equity in career growth and an increase in female representation in leadership positions.

Beyond focus on diversity, one of the fundamental ways to inspire inclusion is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table, but that their voices and ideas are heard and leveraged. We are focused on building an inclusive culture where women thrive and reach their fullest potential serving as an inspiration to the rest of the society.”

Natasha Rock, Geo Alliances Lead – GSI, EMEA, GoTo

“Breaking the glass ceiling is not just an individual triumph but a response to the structural disparities in career advancements, where women encounter barriers at entry levels. According to NASSCOM, despite women constituting 36% of India’s tech workforce, the proportion significantly declines higher up the corporate ladder. But it will take a lot more than women being part of STEM or companies adopting women empowerment programs. The ascent to leadership necessitates identifying mentors who can help navigate hierarchical barriers and consistent self-advocacy.

An NBER paper reveals that women tend to undervalue their performance, despite achieving similar scores as men. Therefore, being one's own self-advocate is a pivotal challenge in this journey to the top. Leaders within the organization play a key role in facilitating this culture. When you consider the correlation between leaders who deliver better business success with high levels of emotional intelligence, it makes a great case for gender equality. Women inherently possess exceptional leadership skills—listening, mentoring, emotional intelligence, and creativity. For companies, success lies in recognizing and rewarding emotional intelligence, adopting transparent recruitment processes, and prioritizing competence over confidence.

In 2024, women find themselves in a much-improved position; gender diversity is now a recognized concept, and companies are increasingly open to implementing change. This Women's Day, as we navigate a more evolved work environment, it is critical for us to inspire inclusion by demanding for inclusive practices, creating a robust ecosystem that genuinely empowers women.”

Hwa Choo Lim, VP, Human Resources, Asia Pacific, Equinix

“This International Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women who have overcome obstacles and shattered stereotypes. For years, Equinix has championed the empowerment of women through WomenConnect, which provides mentorship and support, ensuring every woman can excel within our organization.

Most recently, Equinix introduced “Equinix Hire Up Program”, an initiative incorporating Equinix hiring principles and a refined 6-step hiring process alongside comprehensive interview and talent selection skills training. This initiative underscores our dedication to fair and equitable hiring practices, attracting top talent to bolster Equinix's transformation journey.

[Specifically in India, we launched the Women Returnee Program to assist women on career breaks in rejoining the workforce to resume their professional journey. Through this pilot program, participants receive training and mentorship to equip them for the industry re-entry, fostering skills and confidence essential for success.]

Our proactive efforts to address gender bias and inequality have led to a notable increase in gender representation in recent years. Establishing 9 Employee Engagement and Collaboration Networks (EECNs) and 35 WeAreEquinix teams demonstrates our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. These endeavors yielded tangible results, with a significant 13% year-over-year increase in our global female workforce as reported in our 2023 earnings.

At Equinix, we recognize that diverse perspectives drive continued innovation and advancement. We remain unwavering in our commitment to creating opportunities that empower women and contribute to a more balanced and thriving organization.”

Monica Tomar, Regional Marketing Manager, South Asia Pacific, Axis Communications

“As we commemorate International Women's Day, we acknowledge the significant strides made by women in breaking the glass ceiling, particularly in the tech and surveillance industries. Studies consistently affirm that diverse teams lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and enhanced creativity. Organizations can enable a more equitable society by advocating gender diversity and empowering women in the modern workforce, thereby unlocking the industry's full potential to drive innovation and progress globally.

At Axis Communications, we cultivate a culture grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who have defied norms and forged their paths in the industry. With a 40:60 ratio of women to men across South Asia Pacific, Axis Communications prioritizes diversity and inclusion, recognizing its critical role in fostering innovation and success. Through collaborations with esteemed partners like MINE and our steadfast support of initiatives such as Security LeadHER, we actively champion diversity within our workplace and beyond.

Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where women are welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can envision a future where gender equality is not an aspiration but a tangible reality. By providing women with the opportunity to break down barriers and reach their full potential in the workplace, we can help build a more prosperous and inclusive society.”

Anupama Katkar, Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation and Chief Operational Excellence, Quick Heal Technologies

“Women are inherently gifted multitaskers and relentless achievers, balancing various roles with grace and determination. I am immensely proud to be a part of this incredible community, where every success is not just an individual milestone but a testament to the indomitable spirit that characterizes us. Standing amidst remarkable female achievers encountered on my journey with Quick Heal, their countless stories of collective triumphs deeply inspire me.

Recognizing the crucial role women play in shaping societies and communities, Quick Heal places a paramount emphasis on gender equality and inclusivity. Simultaneously, at the Quick Heal Foundation, we believe in empowering women with the tools they need to overcome challenges and fulfill their aspirations. As we celebrate Women's Day, Quick Heal Foundation remains committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive through education, healthcare, and skill development. We envision a brighter and more equitable future, where every woman is empowered to realize her full potential and contribute her unique talents to the betterment of society.”

Vaishnavi Shukla, HR Head, Comviva

“We acknowledge the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of women in the fast-growing tech and telecom industry, and we take immense pride in the resilience and invaluable contributions of women within our workforce. Our dedicated programs ensure women are supported at each of the crucial stages and milestones of their life and that they have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organization's success. We are constantly engaged in accelerating our women leader’s careers and creating a workplace where every voice is valued and heard. From our comprehensive campus hiring programs to internal growth and promotions to an overall wellbeing intervention at each stage, we ensure a bias free mindset. As a result of this, our Gender diversity ratio has seen a rise of ~4% and we are absolutely thrilled about it. Comviva has put significant efforts in creating an enabling environment for female employees to grow where they can upskill themselves despite the daily challenges and we have made every stride towards that direction. Our commitment to supporting working mothers is demonstrated through comprehensive maternity leave benefits and on-site creche facilities at our offices. At Comviva, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every woman can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our collective achievements.”

Smriti Mathur, Senior Director, and Head of People, Pega India

“For this International Women’s Day themed 'Inspire Inclusion,' the tech industry reflects on the strides made in women’s inclusion at workplaces. Recognizing diverse perspectives, the tech industry today emphasizes leaders' pivotal role in driving innovation, where gender diversity is not just moral but strategic for competitiveness and innovation.

Today, technology has empowered us to dismantle physical barriers, paving the way for equity in the workspace. Yet, it is the cultivation of a culture of mindful inclusion and belonging that truly propels an organization towards its full potential and success.

At Pega, Inclusion is a core value for our products and people. We prioritize building a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness where people thrive. This includes creating equal opportunities for our diverse workforce. Identifying role models and mentors that can enable you to upskill and grow. Creating safe spaces and employee resource groups that encourage you to share your learnings and experiences as you bring your authentic self to work. We also believe in recognizing our allies who champion and equip others in this journey.

As women leaders, we must serve as allies, inspiring other women to pursue leadership positions and fostering a work environment that recognizes, appreciates, and celebrates them.”

Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik

“As we celebrate International Women's Day, we would like to emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity, achievements, and contributions of women from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. It means ensuring that the voices and experiences of all women, including those from marginalized communities such as women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, are provided with spaces and opportunities for dialogue, empowerment, and advocacy that are inclusive of all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability.

Qlik recognizes the unique struggles and experiences of marginalized women and are working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment where all women can thrive. We will continue to amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, to collaborate with organizations that work specifically with marginalized women and communities, to provide resources and support for women facing intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression and other programs to embrace inclusivity to build a more just, equitable and inclusive society where women are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Pratiti Bhaumik, Senior Vice President, HR Corporate, Virtusa

"Empathy, inclusion and collaboration are the essential traits of impactful leadership. They foster a culture of equal opportunities and respect, regardless of gender, race age etc. At Virtusa, we believe in nurturing the growth mindset of our employees and actively ensuring that every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every woman can thrive. As a woman leader, I strongly feel that growth is not just about career and comp progression, it is largely about having a free hand to create an impactful environment for the younger workforce – and that is how we pave the way for future generations of women leaders. This year, as we celebrate International Women's Day with a focus on Inspire Inclusion, women leaders must unite. They inspire others through their work, break barriers, challenge stereotypes, innovate and pave the way for diversity to be celebrated as our key to success."

Seetha Rani KP, Head of Human Resources, Philips Innovation Campus (PIC), Bengaluru

“Women have long been the unsung heroes especially in healthcare as evidenced during the pandemic. Their indomitable spirit coupled with unwavering determination will not only shape a promising tomorrow but also serve as an inspiration for others. International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge their time-tested and invaluable contributions. With technology being a leveller, and work flexibility more or less a norm, it is only fair to expect more women to unleash their hitherto restrained potential to envision grand possibilities, shatter barriers, and redefine the limits of achievement.”

Bharathy Venkataraman, Director, Delivery Excellence, Mindsprint

“Accepting and valuing women's involvement in professional domains, especially in the IT sector, goes beyond diversity. Today, we stand at a juncture where companies recognize the changing norms and are reflecting the same in their culture. However, to propel in the right direction, we must move beyond the 'quantity of diversity' in the boardroom and actively champion true inclusion, where 'the quality of outcomes' is the focus. Transparent hiring, robust upskilling programs, and mentorship are crucial. As we celebrate Women's Day, let's acknowledge the journey, address challenges, and create a future where inclusion isn't just a buzzword but an inherent part of the tech ecosystem.”

Supriya Goswami, Vice President of Product Marketing, Whatfix

“This International Women's Day, the theme of "Inspire Inclusivity" resonates deeply within the tech industry, particularly in the context of women returning to STEM fields after career breaks. It is required for companies to focus and recast the process that promotes women's return to work. Companies fostering an environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives not only champion gender equality but also drive innovation and growth.

As the pace of technological advancement increases, it's imperative for women on career breaks to proactively stay abreast of industry trends and enhancements. Upskilling and continuous learning become pivotal in ensuring they return as competitive, valuable members of the tech community.  As the whole world celebrates International Women's Day, let's commit to creating more inclusive workplaces where every woman has the opportunity to pursue her career ambitions, irrespective of the pauses life may require.”

Mani Sundarigari, Manager - Database Administration, Sabre

“#Inspireinclusion to me means active listening, offering encouragement, demonstrating kindness, and guiding individuals to showcase their talent, irrespective of gender. We all possess unique skills; all we need is a bit of guidance and support to help us achieve our true potential. Women face several challenges while pursuing their career aspirations, owing to societal expectations and gender biases. By embracing a positive outlook towards overcoming hurdles and work-life balance, and finding the right mentor, women can do anything they set their minds to!”

Parul Dhir, Head - Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Acuity Knowledge Partners

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to remember that the path to gender equality isn’t just about personal success; it’s about the collective empowerment of women. Empowering diversity and fostering inclusion isn't just a goal; it's our vision. I inspire inclusion by promoting self-reflection, continuous learning & growth. We as industry leaders are in a unique position to lead the way because when we empower other women, we don’t just elevate ourselves – we empower our workplaces, communities, and society as a whole. When we support each other, share knowledge, and open doors for one another, we empower ourselves to become unstoppable forces for change.

The best way to mark this International Women’s Day is for women to pledge to empower other women, lend them a hand and build a safe space that is inclusive for all. Let’s all commit to becoming mentors, allies and advocates, knowing that every woman’s success is a victory for gender diversity and that together, we can build an inclusive world that celebrates the contributions of every woman.”

Kavitha Mariappan, EVP of Customer Experience and Transformation, Zscaler

“The representation of women in India's IT sector is growing, but a significant talent gap still exists. Mentorship programs and targeted recruitment are pivotal for demonstrating the importance of diverse teams in shaping a more equitable future.

At Zscaler, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion because we recognize women’s essential role in driving growth and contributing to better business outcomes. I’m proud to say that, within the last year, Zscaler has hired 35 women to roles at director level and above and supported over 1,000 women through our dedicated employee resource group. We have also continued a successful effort to ensure high-performing women have access to the resources they need to advance into senior leadership positions. Our collaboration with academic institutions in India further underscores our commitment to equipping future generations with essential skills. We actively advocate for equal rewards and opportunities among women while collaborating with partners to drive systemic, long-lasting organizational change.”

Shalini Nair, Head - People and Culture, India and APAC, Amadeus

“At Amadeus, diversity has been at the heart of our being, and over the decades we have embraced diversity in everything that we do. Gender diversity continues to be a key imperative for the organization, fostering innovation by going beyond stereotypical solutions for the travel industry, adding a new dimension to team dynamics, and challenging status-quo.

Building awareness and orienting leaders, managers and teams is essential to building a strong foundation around diversity, Hiring young women from campuses, supporting girls to study STEM in various parts of the world, including India and Manila, and encouraging young girls in Singapore to dream big, by partnering with Girls in Aviation; is our attempt to open up possibilities for young talent. Ensuring women are part of learning cohorts for technical and leadership programs helps us provide them with several career paths within the organization and mentoring HiPO women to develop them for senior roles is helping us build talent for the future. In India, our UDAAN program welcomes experienced women professionals returning from career breaks, back into the workplace.”

Belinda Pervan, Vice President, APJ Marketing, Veeam

“International Women’s Day (IWD) is the time for everyone, not just women, to be reminded of the importance of ongoing education, making space for conversations, and celebrating the positive impact of diverse teams. It’s also a great time to check-in with ourselves for unconscious biases and how we can personally impact our community. I’m a passionate believer in the power of mentoring. Inspiration and confidence comes from meeting others who have been through relatable situations and learning from how they overcame challenges. For this very reason, I co-lead Mentor Walks in Singapore, providing women with bi-monthly walking mentoring sessions around the beautiful Marina Bay Sands I'm also part of a women’s networking group, LeanIn Circle, aimed at supporting women in their career ambitions and leadership challenges. These women come from diverse backgrounds, but all share similar challenges and vulnerabilities. The support I’ve seen and received in these groups has shown me the value of community and network, and that everyone needs support at different times. I’ve seen some incredible examples of inspiring inclusivity within these communities, for example mentees inviting and encouraging each other to network and embrace new opportunities.”

Anita Kukreja, Head of Strategic Alliances & Brand, IceWarp India

"As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's embrace the power of unity and inclusion in shaping a world where every woman's voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every opportunity is within reach. Together, let's forge pathways of empowerment and resilience, breaking barriers and redefining norms. Let this day serve as a reminder of the remarkable strength and potential inherent in every woman. As Head of Strategic Alliances & Brand at IceWarp India, I am proud to stand alongside incredible women everywhere, driving progress and shaping a future where equality and opportunity flourish"

Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO, Herkey

“To aspiring young women, my advice is simple but very important in today’s time. Leverage networks and communities to reach out to employers who can provide job opportunities, experts who can provide mentorship and learning, and each other to find support & motivation. Speak up with confidence, champion your own growth, and face biases with determination. Building a supportive network is key. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who encourage you to reach your full potential. When faced with setbacks, embrace resilience. Reject thoughts of giving up or self-doubt and keep your eyes on your goals. Believe in the extraordinary capabilities you have. As women, we possess the strength to achieve whatever we set our minds to.”

Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation & VP Marketing Communications & Brand, IDEMIA

“In today's digital world, skilling and development initiatives are essential for unlocking the vast potential of women. By providing access to opportunities and empowering women with relevant skills and knowledge, these programs enable them to close the gender gap in STEM fields and tech-related industries. Moreover, skilled women bring diverse perspectives and drive innovation, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries in technology and business. Economic empowerment follows suit as women secure higher-paying jobs and better economic opportunities, contributing to the prosperity of communities. Additionally, skilling programs cultivate adaptability and resilience, equipping women to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Ultimately, investing in the skilling and development of women not only benefits individuals but also drives societal and economic growth, creating a more inclusive and innovative future for all.”

Geetha Ramanna, Director, Software Development and Network Security, Sophos

"Within the cybersecurity industry, there is a strong need to invest in and embrace the potential of women to transform the sector. In my experience, working in an environment where mentorship is encouraged, and robust support systems thrive, can be a game-changer and opens up several doors for our growth. Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic space, with its fair share of complexities. Being able to efficiently work in such an environment requires innovative thinking, adaptability and empathy- the qualities that women excel in. An increase in representation in the sector is not only about diversity, it's about ensuring a more resilient and inclusive digital world. As we move ahead, we look forward to a world with increased inclusivity and seeing more women techies thrive in the cybersecurity space.”

Aruna C. Newton, Vice President, Head - Diversity and Inclusion, ESG Governance & Reporting, Infosys

"At Infosys, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of our women employees who are shaping the future of technology across industries. We have built several high quality, very intentional developmental interventions, that are active year-long, to affirm our commitment to enable women to enjoy the careers they aspire for. Some examples include,

'#amTheFuture' a leadership coaching program, in partnership with Stanford GSB, the Infosys 'Orbit Next' program for managers, 'Tech Cohere' a program that focuses on nurturing and building a vibrant and collaborative tech community of engineers, architects and technologists to refine architecture design and software engineering practices, and mentorship interventions. Our efforts extend to nurturing the creation of powerful supportive ecosystems that inspire inclusion. Our campaign for International Women's Day 2024 #SpotltToStoplt, focuses on action that all stakeholders including women themselves can take to create awareness around microaggressions that are the result of unconscious gender bias and act on them to inspire inclusion."