According to a recent report by TeamLease Digital, a tech staffing and solutions provider, the proportion of women in technology roles within global capability centres (GCCs) is set to increase from 25 percent to 35 percent by 2027. The report, titled ‘Women at the Heart of India’s Digital Evolution’, extensively explores various facets of the female tech workforce in India. It delves into women’s employment in GCCs and non-tech sectors, examines city-wise trends in workforce expansion, and identifies in-demand and futuristic tech roles for women. Moreover, the report addresses the challenges encountered by women in the tech industry.
Anticipated to be in high demand in the upcoming years, tech roles such as quantum computing scientist, blockchain developer, AI ethics officer, AI researcher, cybersecurity analyst, 5G technology specialist, and edge computing specialist are highlighted within the report.
The report highlights a significant gender disparity within the tech industry, revealing that as of 2024, there are approximately 2.05 million women compared to 3.61 million men. This disparity stems from various challenges faced by women, including low educational enrollment, limited quality opportunities, gender pay gaps, safety concerns, societal norms, discriminatory workplace practices, and insufficient upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
To tackle these issues, the report recommends the implementation of return-to-work programs, bridging the gender pay gap, establishing prominent role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and creating accessible pathways for equal opportunities.
In non-tech sectors, the report forecasts that over 40 percent of women will be recruited for both tech and non-tech roles in industries such as banking, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail by FY25. Additionally, it predicts a 9 percent increase in the average number of women in tech positions within non-tech companies.
The tech sector is placing a greater emphasis on the recruitment of women, according to Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital. Sharma stressed the importance of boosting female involvement in tech roles within non-tech sectors. “With only 0.5 percent of the total female workforce currently engaged in tech positions in non-tech sectors, there is a critical need to increase female participation in this area. However, the tech sector is increasingly prioritizing the employment of women,” she remarked.
Sharma further stated, “We anticipate witnessing further growth due to sustained efforts by the government and women-centric programs that facilitate greater participation of women in tech, along with inclusive maternity and childcare support.”
The report underscores the significance of the next five years for India in achieving an 8 percent GDP growth rate. It predicts that women will make up more than half of the new workforce by 2030, as highlighted by Sharma.
