As the world celebrates International Women's Day on 8th March, the theme for this year, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," resonates deeply in the tech industry. Aligned with the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), focusing on "Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls," it underscores the pivotal role of technology in advancing gender parity.

A recent report by ACT For Women, in collaboration with The Udaiti Foundation, titled "The Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report (WISER)," sheds light on the potential of startups in India to generate two million new job opportunities for women by 2030, thereby fostering gender equity within the ecosystem. Notably, the report highlights that the startup environment is uniquely positioned to attract female talent, with women already constituting 35% of the startup workforce in 2022. With targeted actions and introspection, the startup community aims to elevate this figure to 50% by the decade's end, as revealed by insights from a survey of 200 startups nationwide.

Despite strides made, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector, facing challenges like unconscious bias and gender wage gaps. However, numerous trailblazing women have defied odds and emerged as leaders, inspiring others with their achievements. In the realm of startups, a cohort of remarkable Indian women is reshaping the landscape. These visionary leaders have shattered stereotypes and are driving meaningful change in the workplace.

Veronika Folkova, Sr. Director, People Business Partners, Global Legal Organisation and APAC Region
“Not only can women compete with men, they can excel too. Many women I talk to speak of imposter syndrome. Changing that mindset can be a difficult task. But it can be done. Women need to realize that they do have the skills to do jobs traditionally done by men. They need to be confident that their skills are good enough — not just to develop their career, but to excel and reach the top flight. Not only do Women need to believe in themselves, but they also need to create the foundations for success. They need to surround themselves with a support network that will help them grow.

Equal opportunity — having equal representation between men and women at all stages — is vital. Everyone brings something different to the table and everyone should be embraced as an individual. No matter who you are, believe in yourself. If nothing else, that’s one superpower we all possess”.

Madhushree Dutta, Head HR, Pure Storage India
“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”.

Chetana C, Director, Quantum Energy
“Investing in women in India is not just a matter of gender equality; it’s a strategic imperative for economic growth and societal development. Women comprise nearly half of India’s population, yet they face significant barriers to full participation in the economy. By investing in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, India can unlock immense potential for growth. When women are empowered, they contribute to higher household incomes, improved child health and education outcomes, and increased productivity across all sectors. Moreover, investing in women’s entrepreneurship and leadership can drive innovation and competitiveness in the economy. Addressing gender disparities in access to finance, land, and technology is crucial for unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of millions of Indian women. Furthermore, promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes at all levels of society can lead to more inclusive and effective governance. Ultimately, by investing in women, India can achieve not only greater economic prosperity but also a more prosperous future for all its citizens. As the statistics suggest, India has one of the largest opportunities in the world to boost GDP by advancing women’s equality, with a potential addition of $770 billion to the GDP by 2025”.

Aditi Balbir, Co-Founder, EcoRatings
“The first challenge to address is the issue of gender inclusion, particularly in the corporate sector, where the current landscape remains disheartening. In India, women account for only 22% of the workforce, lagging behind China at 40% and the United States at 47%. Furthermore, women hold a mere 11% of leadership positions in India, in stark contrast to 21% in China and 30% in the United States.

The disparity is even more pronounced in the IT sector, where women face severe underrepresentation. In technology and finance, their presence in the workforce is limited to 15% and 25%, respectively.

Another critical concern is the glaring gender pay gap, especially in leadership roles and CXO positions, where women receive 50% less compensation than their male counterparts.

To address these challenges, a concerted effort is required to increase the representation of women in the corporate sector and ensure gender inclusivity. Some companies are taking bold steps in this direction, such as Accenture, which has set a mandate to achieve a 50% gender ratio by the end of the current year.

Additionally, policies like the requirement for one woman director on every board contribute to creating a more equitable environment. However, further comprehensive measures and initiatives are needed to bridge the gender gap and promote a more inclusive and diverse corporate culture. Companies should prioritize implementing strategies that not only increase the overall representation of women in the workforce but also actively promote their advancement to leadership positions”.

Anita Kukreja, Head – 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”