Special Feature | ChannelDrive.in
In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology (IT), women are playing an increasingly pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and shaping the future of global business. As the IT sector continues to expand, the contributions of women are not only transforming the industry but also empowering societies and economies worldwide. Their leadership, creativity, and technical expertise are breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for excellence.
One of the most significant ways women in IT are empowering the world is through their ability to bridge the gender gap in technology. Historically, the IT industry has been male-dominated, but women are now stepping into leadership roles, founding startups, and leading groundbreaking projects. By doing so, they are inspiring the next generation of female technologists and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. This shift is not just about equality; it’s about leveraging diverse perspectives to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
Women in IT are also at the forefront of developing technologies that address global challenges. From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to cybersecurity and data analytics, female IT professionals are designing solutions that improve healthcare, enhance education, and promote sustainability. For instance, women-led teams are creating AI-driven platforms to detect diseases early, developing apps to support remote learning, and building systems to optimize energy consumption. These innovations are not only advancing industries but also improving the quality of life for people around the world.
Moreover, women in IT are championing ethical technology practices. As concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the societal impact of technology grow, female leaders are advocating for responsible innovation. They are ensuring that technologies are developed with fairness, transparency, and accountability in mind. This ethical approach is critical in building trust and ensuring that technological advancements benefit all of humanity.
The rise of women in IT is also driving economic growth. According to studies, companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to outperform their peers financially. By bringing unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches, women are helping organizations stay competitive in a fast-changing digital economy. Additionally, the increasing participation of women in IT is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and skill development, particularly in emerging markets.
To sustain this momentum, it is essential for businesses and governments to support initiatives that encourage women to pursue careers in IT. This includes providing mentorship, offering flexible work arrangements, and investing in STEM education for girls. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, we can unlock the full potential of the IT industry and ensure that its benefits are shared globally.
Here are some comments from the women working in the IT arena.
Sunita Cherian, Chief Culture Officer, Wipro Limited, commented, “Creating an equitable future requires consistent and meaningful action. At Wipro, we foster a culture that truly appreciates every associate, nurtures their development and offers equal opportunities to all. We are committed to consistent education & training, attentive listening, and evolving our practices to embed inclusion into every aspect that grows our business.”
“At Qlik, equity isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment we uphold every day. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where women from all backgrounds have the support, opportunities, and resources to thrive. Through initiatives like Women in Technology, equitable pay policies, mentorship programs, and our Diversity Scorecard, we hold ourselves accountable for building a more balanced and fair workplace.
Women are a cornerstone of growth and innovation in companies worldwide, yet systemic barriers persists across industries. We remain committed to driving meaningful action toward gender equity, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to grow. According to the World Economic Forum, the global gender gap has narrowed marginally by just 0.1 percentage points—from 68.5% to 68.6%, this progress demands greater urgency and action. Achieving true equity requires continuous effort—ensuring women have a seat at the table, their voices heard, and their contributions valued. At Qlik, we take pride in championing gender equality by creating leadership pathways, supporting working caregivers with flexible policies, and collaborating with global organizations to drive lasting change. This International Women’s Day, we are not only envisioning a more inclusive future – we are taking action to make it a reality,” comments, Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik.
Pallavi Katiyar, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tech Mahindra, says, “Women in leadership bring a powerful mix of intelligence, empathy, and innovation—critical for today’s complex business landscape. As we embrace this year’s IWD theme, fostering gender diversity through leadership programs and mentorship becomes even more crucial. With continuous efforts and support, these actions will drive a revolution, making opportunities in technology more inclusive, holistic, and impactful.”
Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO, comments, “Accelerating action for gender parity isn’t just the goal but a necessity. Instead of waiting for change, we must step up and be the change. Women have talent, resilience, and vision to drive national growth, yet they continue to struggle with access to finance, skill development, and leadership roles. Having experienced the power of financial independence, I believe empowering women is not just fair but essential for economic progress. At FICCI FLO, we are committed to driving this change through impactful skilling initiatives across levels, like the recent 100 Girls Empowerment Program and the Women Directors Program. Strengthening these efforts, recent MoUs with ICA Eduskills, Yes Bank, and Support a Skill Care Foundation further support women’s skill development. With projects like India’s first 100% women-owned industrial park in Hyderabad, we are setting new benchmarks. Progress happens when we take action, and the time to act is now.”
“Technology has the power to level the playing field, and women are already leading its transformation across industries. To sustain this progress, businesses must go beyond symbolic representation and ensure that women have real influence in leadership, decision-making, and innovation. Diversity is not just about hiring—it is about creating environments where different perspectives shape the future of technology in meaningful ways. In an era of rapid change, the organisations that thrive will be those that recognise inclusion not as a concession, but as a strategic advantage that drives better outcomes for everyone,” says, Neha Sampat, Founder & CEO at Contentstack.
“Women in India are not just breaking ceilings; they are redefining the very structures that once held them back. The future of work is inclusive, and it is time for organisations to actively champion women’s leadership, not just as a goal but as a necessity for business success. By fostering a culture of mentorship, flexibility, and equal opportunities, we can unlock the immense potential of women in the workforce and drive meaningful progress for the economy. True empowerment comes when women are supported at every stage of their career journey, from entry to leadership, creating a cycle of growth that benefits all,” comments, Neha Bagaria, Founder and CEO at HerKey.
“According to the World Economic Forum, at our current pace, full gender equality may not be achieved until 2158. Women’s Day 2025 serves as a crucial reminder that we must accelerate progress. Encouragingly, more women today are breaking barriers in entrepreneurship, leadership, STEM, and mobility—proving that opportunities should be based on talent, not gender. However, systemic challenges persist, and meaningful change requires more than just policies or statements—it calls for consistent, everyday actions. Intentional hiring, fair promotions, and creating workplaces where women can thrive are vital steps forward. At Routematic, we are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce, enhancing mobility safety, and leveraging technology to create equal opportunities. While India has made significant progress, the journey is far from over. Gender equality should not be an exception or a distant goal, it must become the norm,” said, Kavitha Ramachandragowda, Co-founder & Executive Director, Routematic.
“At AIonOS, we believe progress starts with equal opportunities for all. Equality is not just a goal—it’s essential for innovation, stronger economies, and a better future. When women are empowered with skills and leadership roles, industries transform, and society thrives. As we align with the theme “Accelerate Action,” we recognize that real change requires commitment. We are driving this transformation by promoting an inclusive environment where diverse talent can thrive, lead, and shape the future of AI. Together, we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” explains, Simmi Dhamija, Chief Operating Officer at AIonOS.
“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,” says, Anjali Sharma, Director, Global Head of L&D, Fulcrum Digital.
“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,” opines, Vasanthi Ramesh, Managing Director, NetApp India.
“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,” says, Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head, Clover Academy.
“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,” comments, Vandana Singal, Pre-sales Head – PDES, 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,” says, Deepti C Moolya, Associate Director People Practice & D&I Lead, Happiest Minds Technologies.
Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Director of Software Engineering at Fujitsu Research of India (FRIPL) and Head of the MONAKA R&D Unit (HPC-AI Lab), Fujitsu, said, “Today’s woman is a leader who can shape up any obstacle into an opportunity. They can be mothers as well as leaders but, With only 29% of the global AI workforce being female, it’s time for women to step up, claim our space, and lead. In my experience of years in industry, academia, and research, I’ve seen how resilience opens doors especially in the case of women. They can be the catalysts for innovation and progress. As Director of Software Engineering at Fujitsu Research of India, I’ve led advancements in AI and computing—but my true passion is uplifting women in STEM.
On this Women’s Day, let’s turn underrepresentation into opportunity. Keep learning, keep pushing, and never settle. The future of innovation needs us—not just as participants, but as leaders.”
Aruna Gorur, Head of HR, Fujitsu India GDC, commented, “On this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and ambition that women bring to the workplace. As leaders, mentors, and change-makers, we have the power to shape inclusive workplaces where every woman feels valued and empowered. At Fujitsu India GDC, we believe learning and growth are key to unlocking potential. Investing in continuous development not only fuels careers but also creates a culture where women can thrive. It’s not just about breaking barriers—it’s about building pathways for future generations.
To all the women striving for excellence—keep learning, keep challenging norms, and never hesitate to take your seat at the table. Let’s uplift each other, create opportunities, and shape a future where women’s voices are heard and celebrated every day, not just today.”
Picture Courtesy: Pixabay.com
