International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Women's Leadership in Tech

Every year on the 8th of March, International Women's Day is celebrated. For this year's Women's Day celebration, the "Accelerate Action" theme is announced. As researchers have indicated that it will take another century to fully infuse gender equality. 

In the technology domain, women are continuously shining and making their mark. There are various startups which are founded by women entrepreneurs, as well as big MNCs that have women leaders in the top management. The IT workforce has a significant increase in the numbers when it comes to women's participation. STEM ecosystem is also growing rapidly and veterans who have started early in this field are mentoring the new generation of women to join the workforce as well as lead the way. 

According to the India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal over the last 20 years, there is a significant rise in the number of women working in the technology and innovation space. 

In the IT B2B domain, especially talking about the channel partner ecosystem, earlier it was more of a dominated section but with changing times, women are also exploring this area and have emerged as a significant part of the channel ecosystem. 

Women Leaders in IT Domain Voiced Opinion on International Women's Day

“This International Women’s Day, as we embrace the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ we must move beyond conversations to tangible change that drives true inclusivity in technology. True innovation flourishes when diverse perspectives come together. Bridging the gender gap in STEM is crucial for innovation and economic growth, as women currently make up only 28.2% of the global IT workforce and 22% of AI professionals. In India, women only make up less than one-fifth of overall workforce. This stark disparity reflects not just a loss of talent but a missed opportunity for industry-wide transformation. The gender gap in technology isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a challenge that impacts progress, economic growth, and the future of innovation. Bridging this gap requires deliberate action: fostering inclusive workplaces, ensuring equitable leadership opportunities, and embracing flexibility as a norm, not an exception.
 
At AceCloud, we believe technology should be a force for empowerment—both for individuals and businesses. We are committed to fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem where women have the support, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in technology. Our approach prioritizes skill-building, leadership development, and an organizational culture that values work-life balance. Because when women succeed in tech, businesses don’t just grow—they innovate, disrupt, and lead.”

Dr. Sangeeta Chhabra, Co-Founder & Executive Director, AceCloud

Giving back to society is something I am deeply passionate about, especially when it comes to empowering women. Women are natural leaders—balancing multiple roles at home and work, navigating challenges with resilience and adaptability. It is imperative that they harness the opportunities available today, stepping into spaces where their voices and skills can make a lasting impact."

The digital era demands that we not only equip women with technical expertise but also instill the confidence to lead. At Quick Heal Foundation, we launched Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha to address this very need. Through initiatives like Earn and Learn, we are accelerating action to train young women in cybersecurity awareness and public speaking, empowering them to educate their communities while gaining financial independence. This dual approach—skill-building and economic upliftment—has opened doors for countless women across both rural and urban landscapes.

When a woman understands how to safeguard her digital identity, she becomes a role model, inspiring others to follow. To me, being future-ready means creating ecosystems where women don’t just participate but thrive. We must actively dismantle barriers—whether through mentorship, accessible resources, or policies that support work-life balance. Every woman trained today is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

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

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.
 
- Vasanthi Ramesh, MD, NetApp India

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of women across all walks of life. Women today are not just breaking barriers but are also redefining leadership, innovation, and success in every industry. From boardrooms to classrooms, from science labs to startups, their contributions are shaping a more progressive and inclusive world. However, true empowerment comes when we create an ecosystem that nurtures equal opportunities, recognizes talent beyond gender biases, and fosters a culture of respect and support.

As we celebrate this day, let’s commit to uplifting each other, challenging outdated norms, and championing the cause of gender equality. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the freedom to dream, the courage to lead, and the opportunity to succeed without limitations. Let’s inspire change, break stereotypes, and create a world where equality is not just an ideal but a reality.

-- Anamika Luthra, Key Business Account Manager, 5Tattva.

From the girl in the corner to the boss lady, the journey has been incredible .Since that time and now i see so many women working  specially in technology industry. There has now been decent enough women who are chasing their dream Specially in IT but i still see few in Leadership positions.

To all those women who are climbing the ladder - would like to share just one thing " Keep MOVING " Challenges faced are challenges overcomed .Empower yourself. Unfold your brilliance and Claim it. Success is never yours alone it is shared and multiplied . Take others along with you and soon you will achieve what you want. Your potential is unlimited unfold your brilliance and claim it.

-- Minal Bhagat, CO-Founder EKIN

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.
 
- Vandana Singal, Pre-sales Head – PDES, Happiest Minds Technologies

Conclusion

With the current theme of Accelerate Action, India, and specifically the technology domain, is rigorously working towards the inclusion of women in the workforce and top positions. Companies have recognized the need to support and mentor those who are entering and provide equal opportunities for them. There are ample examples of women who started young and have achieved heights in the technology sector. Yet, we still have a lot to do, so that women's growth can be accelerated and sensitize the organizations promoting gender inclusivity.

Read More:

Opportunities for Women in Cloud Computing and AI

A Woman Leader who is at the Top of Channel Partner Business

GoDaddy Survey: Women Entrepreneurs in India Drive AI Adoption

AI, ML Integrated to Businesses, Gangarani Maayengbam, 3C IT Solutions