From Non-Tech Backgrounds To Tech Leadership: Women Claiming Space

Gone are the times when women were restricted to domestic spaces. As they shatter traditional norms and preconceptions, today's modern women are thriving in various aspects of life. Especially within the corporate sphere, women in leadership roles are achieving notable progress, attaining prominent roles and clearing the path for the upcoming generation of leaders. Roughly 14% of all Indian entrepreneurs, or 8.05 million out of 58.5 million, are women, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

In sectors ranging from electronics and automobiles to technology and e-commerce, contemporary women are actively contributing across every industry. Particularly within the technology sector, women are steadily establishing themselves as top-tier talent, shattering barriers and redefining the trajectory of technology-driven fields. As per a CFA analysis, the IT industry has the largest percentage of female employees (30%). These women are not merely spectators in the evolution of technology; instead, they are actively influencing it with their resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Reshaping the tech landscape

There are several preconceptions surrounding women in technology: there are not many of them, not tech-savvy enough, and better suited for ‘softer’ professions. In addition, gender bias, restricted access to top positions and a lack of representation have been significant obstacles hindering the advancement of women in the tech landscape. However, this scenario is quickly evolving. These misconceptions are being debunked by female leaders, who are actively participating in the tech sector and revolutionizing the industry as a whole. Breaking through the corporate glass ceiling, they actively secure top positions within major tech companies. The most recent report from AIM Research, titled 'Women in Tech 2023 (India),' indicates that women constitute 29% of India's total tech workforce, with 8% holding leadership roles in various tech sectors.

Women are becoming increasingly important in propelling the tech industry ahead by redefining roles, offering varied viewpoints and creating new standards for inclusiveness and innovation. Through their active participation, the technology environment stands to benefit from a wider range of viewpoints, creativity and excellence—not just gender parity.

Beyond their direct responsibilities and accomplishments, women in the tech industry are making substantial contributions. They are playing a vital role in establishing new norms that prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workspace. In addition to fostering equal opportunities, these principles aim to establish a culture that respects and encourages a variety of opinions and motivates each individual to make their greatest contribution.

To support women's advancement in the tech industry, the government has also launched various initiatives. Programs such as 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and scholarships that promote women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) reflect a deliberate effort to establish a solid educational foundation for women to excel in the tech industry. Additionally, government schemes like GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions), Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A), and KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) aim to bolster women's involvement in the tech sector, providing them with essential platforms to cultivate the skills and abilities necessary for success in the technology landscape.

The Tech Leaders Of Tomorrow

Over the years, women's roles have changed significantly; they are now leading important sectors and are no longer primarily responsible for home responsibilities. Making noteworthy contributions in the field of technology, modern-day women are challenging and breaking free from gender-related stereotypes within the tech sector. With more and more women assuming demanding tech positions, the gender gap in the industry is being bridged with renewed assurance, setting the stage for a future when women will lead the charge on the upcoming technological advancements.

Article by Vinishaaghayathri Narasimhan, Customer and Partner Support Head, Workhall