Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Tech Sector Needs More Women Leaders for India's Future
India's tech sector wants more women leaders.
Many women leave the tech workforce, often for caregiving.
This is a problem because the country needs all its skilled workers to grow.
To help, programs called "returnships" can help women update their skills and get back to work.
Also, women need mentors and sponsors to advance in their careers.
While many women start in tech, fewer make it to the top.
This is due to a lack of specific training, and sometimes, unfair treatment.
To fix this, we need special training programs and changes to company policies.
Women constitute 36% of India's tech workforce, a significant portion of the total.
Returnship programs are suggested to help women re-enter the workforce after career breaks.
Mentorship and sponsorship are critical for women's success in the tech sector.
Women's representation decreases significantly at managerial and leadership levels in tech.
Investment in specialized skilling programs for women in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity is needed.
- Who
- Sindhu Gangadharan, MD of SAP Labs India and Chairperson of NASSCOM, and women in the tech industry.
- What
- Focus on increasing women's leadership and participation in India's tech sector.
- When
- As India aims to be a digital-first, developed nation by 2047.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To boost national competitiveness, promote inclusive innovation, and ensure economic resilience.
Stated Issue
Proposed Solution
Underrepresentation of Women
Stated Issue
Lack of women in leadership roles
Proposed Solution
Need to address systemic barriers.
- Tech Workforce
- 36% women
- Women in entry-level roles
- 34%
- Women in managerial roles
- 13%
- Women in leadership roles
- 7%
- Women in C-suite roles
- 8%
- Women with mentors
- 1 in 5
- Women aspire to senior leadership
- 58%