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By  Neeraj Sharma International Women’s Day (IWD) is a crucial reminder of the ongoing efforts towards gender equality. While this day plays a key role in building awareness and highlighting achievements, it is vital to acknowledge that true progress requires consistent efforts that extend beyond one day of celebration. Thus, there is a need to build a sustainable culture of gender equality. While significant strides have been made, women and other marginalized genders still face numerous challenges in the workplace and society. The gender pay gap still exists. Under-representation of...

Shanthakumari Manickam - Senior Manager, Engineering at Netskope Location: Bengaluru   “It is one thing to work in STEM, but another to reach leadership positions, and there’s still a glass ceiling for women in the industry to do so. As I personally continue to grow in the tech industry, I have identified enablers that are instrumental in helping women get to the top of the chart and ensure our career does not stagnate: skills, reputation, credibility and network, which in the end are all intertwined.   Building a solid network...

By Madhav Kasturia The Ecommerce industry globally continues to navigate its way out of quite some challenging waters. The underlying takeaway from my conversations with Indian brands of varying sizes has changed from ‘growth at all-costs’ in 2021 to ‘only sustainable growth’ in 2024. Complexities of Ecommerce Fulfillment still pose challenges, yet open up endless opportunities. Below are some trends shaping up: The most pressing issue currently for 3PLs globally is the labour shortage– resulting in skyrocketing labour costs. Whether catering to B2C or B2B fulfillment… operations differ significantly. Having...

The business landscape has undergone a transformative shift in recent decades, witnessing the remarkable rise of women entrepreneurs who have not only made significant contributions to the business world but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of various industries. In this ever-evolving dynamic environment, there are opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women-working professionals to harness their unique perspectives, thus actively contributing to the creation of diverse and inclusive business environments. These women have surmounted numerous challenges to excel in their respective fields. By celebrating and acknowledging...

According to UN Women, a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality by 2030 is the alarming deficit in financing, with a staggering USD 360 billion annual shortfall in spending on gender-equality measures. This funding gap underscores the persistent inequalities that continue to hinder progress, despite increasing recognition of women's rights. It's important to acknowledge these disparities and collectively strengthen the effort towards women’s inclusion. Encouraging diverse perspectives is critical to spurring creativity and innovation at the workplace and in society. Even as India Inc. has set an example with a proactive...

Begin. Again. is Hexagon’s initiative to help women in technical and management roles re-enter corporate work. The imperative to help women re-enter the workforce, especially, in the Technology and Research & Development world had become more visible after Covid. Hexagon launched Begin. Again. as a part of its Diversity & Acceptance focus. This program not only allows women a safe and steady way to re-enter the technology workplace, it also aims to bridge the resource gaps - helping them reskill and rebuild their confidence if they are hesitant to take on real world opportunities immediately. It...

By Ms. Manu Saigal The Indian tech industry is teeming with innovation and growth, yet when it comes to female representation, the landscape remains imbalanced. While strides are being made, women entrepreneurs in tech continue to face a unique set of challenges. Although most employers acknowledge these hurdles and strive to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and support for women in this dynamic field.   Funding Hurdles: A Broken Ladder? Securing funding is a critical, often...

As the world celebrates International Women's Day on 8th March, the theme for this year, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," resonates deeply in the tech industry. Aligned with the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), focusing on "Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls," it underscores the pivotal role of technology in advancing gender parity. A recent report by ACT For Women, in collaboration with The Udaiti...

By Swati Saxena The theme of this year’s International Women's Day, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,' resonates very well with famous quote of William Golding - “I think women are foolish, to pretend they are equal to men. They are far superior and always have been. Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater”. However, women were pushed into roles inferior as compared to their capabilities for so many centuries that at times they have largely started believing themselves as inferior. Society has played its own role in strengthening...

By Mr Sanjeev Verma   Sheryl Kara Sandberg, an American technology executive, philanthropist, and writer was once quoted as saying "Women are the real architects of society”. It is a firm belief that women are at the forefront of redefining society, infusing technology into every aspect of our lives to create a future that is more connected, equitable, and sustainable. Their unique perspectives and creative approaches are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and shaping a world where technology is harnessed for the greater good. Female tech leaders serve as inspiring role...