Neha Sampat, Founder & CEO at Contentstack
“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.”
Neha Bagaria, Founder and CEO at HerKey
“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.”
Kavitha Ramachandragowda, Co-founder & Executive Director, Routematic
“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.
”Simmi Dhamija, Chief Operating Officer at AIonOS
“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”.
Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO
“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.”
Radhika Subramanian, Director of Finance at Ennoventure, Inc. –
“The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for urgent and meaningful steps toward gender equality, recognizing that progress is only possible when women are empowered as leaders, innovators and changemakers. Studies consistently show that organizations embracing gender diversity are more resilient, forward-thinking and successful. A report by the World Economic Forum highlights that closing gender gaps in economic participation could boost global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025, making it an undeniable testament to the power of inclusive growth.
Women bring unique perspectives that drive innovation, encourage collaboration, and create lasting impact. Their leadership is not just beneficial; it is essential for sustainable progress. At Ennoventure, Inc., we believe that accelerating action means creating real opportunities for women to thrive, breaking barriers, and championing equitable access to leadership and growth.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender parity, promoting an environment where women can lead with confidence, and inspiring collective action to build a more inclusive, prosperous future for all.”
At Pantherun Technologies, we believe that true progress comes from action, not just intention. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, championing mentorship, and ensuring that talent—not gender—defines opportunity. Our focus on gender equality isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more secure digital world where diverse perspectives drive meaningful breakthroughs.”
Sevonne Eliyahu, Chief Revenue Officer, Onebeat
As technology and AI reshape the industry, bridging the gap between businesses’ perception of consumers and their actual needs is more critical than ever. Globally, women make up just 22% of the AI workforce. Given their pivotal role in retail and tech growth, advancing women into leadership is not just about inclusivity —it will also drive consumer-centric innovation and industry-wide progress.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to address these gaps. In line with this year’s theme of unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities, intentional efforts must be made to uplift women. Policies focusing on tech upskilling, training and mentorship can drive meaningful change, leading to better consumer-centric practices and a more equitable future.”
Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet Systems
“Progress on gender equity and inclusivity demands more than intent—it calls for fast-paced action, clear goals with measurable impact, committed tracking, and above all, an unapologetic drive to learn and grow. We must start early, cultivate strong internal sponsors and champions across our teams and organization, and foster a culture of shared learning.
At Visionet, we believe the most powerful inspiration comes from within. Through platforms like Women of Visionet, we provide a safe space for our people to share their stories—stories that are often more impactful, relatable, and actionable than those seen across the larger industry. By learning from one another, we accelerate progress and drive meaningful change. Real change happens when we lead by example, transforming ambition into decisive action and tangible outcomes. This International Women’s Day, let’s not just celebrate—let’s accelerate action!”
Anjali Sharma, Director, Global Head of L&D, Fulcrum Digital
“The ascent of women in tech in India is both a triumph and a call to action. Despite the challenges within the traditionally male-dominated realm, we have witnessed a remarkable shift as women rise through the ranks, particularly in cutting-edge fields like deep tech. In recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in technology development, women have proven to bring unique value for equity in tech, ethical innovation, and inclusivity
However, a significant gender gap still exists: in India today, 43% of STEM course enrolees are female, which is one of the highest in the world; however, only 14% of tech leadership roles in the country are held by women. This inconsistency exists due to barriers such as societal norms and biases that keep women from progressing in the tech industry.
When advocating for an increased representation of women in tech, learning and development (L&D) becomes essential. Investing in education, mentorship, and leadership initiatives empowers women to break barriers.
The journey towards gender equality in tech is a shared responsibility, with collaboration needed from individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Let’s move forward inspired by progress, committed to transformative education and mentorship, to shape a more inclusive and innovative .
Poonam Puthran, Executive Vice President – Banking at Aurionpro
“We are honoured to be part of a movement where women are at the forefront of technology, breaking barriers, and leading with vision. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women in tech who inspire and pave the way for others. Within Aurionpro Solutions, ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ isn’t just a theme, it’s the cornerstone of our approach.
Empowering women in technology is our commitment and we are dedicated to championing inclusivity, embracing diversity, and fostering a workplace where every voice is valued. Together, we ignite inclusion and cultivate an environment of innovation that propels us toward collective success.
In the dynamic world of technology, women play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape. With their leadership and resilience, we chart a course towards excellence, driving our organization forward with purpose and determination. Today, we stand together, proud of our achievements and inspired by the limitless possibilities ahead.”
Geetha Ramanna, Director, Software Development and Network Security, Sophos “Within the cybersecurity industry, there is a strong need to invest in and embrace the potential of women to transform the sector. In my experience, working in an environment where mentorship is encouraged, and robust support systems thrive, can be a game-changer and opens up several doors for our growth. Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic space, with its fair share of complexities. Being able to efficiently work in such an environment requires innovative thinking, adaptability and empathy- the qualities that women excel in. An increase in representation in the sector is not only about diversity, it’s about ensuring a more resilient and inclusive digital world. As we move ahead, we look forward to a world with increased inclusivity and seeing more women techies thrive in the cybersecurity space.”
“Witnessing the impactful role women play in sales and tech has been truly inspiring. I draw inspiration from their strength and tenacity. Their dedication and innovative approaches constantly drive our team forward. Women bring with them unique perspectives and unwavering determination which serve as a constant reminder of the limitless potential we possess when we embrace diversity and collaboration in the workplace.
Puneet Gupta, vice president & managing director, NetApp India/SAARC
Diversity is an important pillar for NetApp, and we are consistently increasing our women representation across ranks. At the same time, our journey is not confined to numbers; it extends to creating an ecosystem where every individual can thrive regardless of gender. I take pride in seeing the achievements of the women at NetApp. They’re not just driving technological advancements but are actively shaping a future where innovation breaks through gender stereotypes.”
Vasanthi Ramesh, Managing Director, NetApp India
“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.”
Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head, Clover Academy
“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.”
Vandana Singal, Pre-sales Head – PDES, Happiest Minds Technologies
“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.”
Deepti C Moolya, Associate Director People Practice & D&I Lead, 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.”
Eduarda Camacho, Chief Operating Officer at CyberArk.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief and rejecting limiting stereotypes. During my first tech job interview, I was told that, despite my strong work experience, being a foreign woman without a background in engineering would hold me back. But my heritage and gender are strengths, not weaknesses, and they do not define my career. Strength and ability are not bound by gender. This year’s theme, Accelerating Action, reinforces that collective effort drives workplace equality. By supporting one another, amplifying each other’s voices, and working towards breaking down these barriers, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world for all.”
Smita Hashim, Chief Product Officer, Zoom Communications, Inc.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s vital for leaders to recognize that ‘accelerating action’ for women begins with fostering a workplace where they feel a deep sense of belonging and are empowered to thrive. True belonging stems from an open environment—one where experiences are shared, learning is encouraged, and support is available at all levels.
For me, embracing a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning has been fundamental to growth. We are living in an unprecedented era of AI innovation, with Agentic AI poised to transform nearly every aspect of how we work and live. This shift raises the bar—curiosity is no longer just valuable; it’s essential for leadership success. At Zoom, we are committed to cultivating a workplace that fosters collaboration, innovation, and belonging, where every Zoomie has the opportunity to thrive. We encourage lifelong learning by actively investing in development through book reimbursements, internal knowledge sharing, and embedding learning as a core cultural value.
Success comes from working together as a team and deeply connecting with our customers. That means freeing up time from routine tasks to focus on what truly matters—collaboration and growth. Zoom Workplace is an AI-first platform designed to support this, with Zoom AI Companion available at no additional cost with paid licenses, ensuring every user can benefit. At Zoom, we leverage AI extensively, and we believe all leaders should be equipping their employees with the right tools to maximize their impact.
There’s no single formula for great leadership; we each shape what it means in our own way. However, having close and trusted mentors is instrumental in accelerating learning and building confidence. Mentorship from those who have walked the path before me has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I believe it’s essential for young women professionals to have similar opportunities—to learn from experienced leaders, avoid common pitfalls, and gain valuable insights to shape their own careers. Looking ahead, creating structured mentorship programs that connect emerging professionals with seasoned leaders is critical—not just for individual success, but for fostering workplaces where everyone feels they belong.
To all leaders striving to accelerate action for gender equality: embrace continuous learning, equip your employees with the right tools, and champion mentorship. And to the young women aspiring to leadership roles: never let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Your ideas matter. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. Glass ceilings are meant to be shattered—let’s keep breaking barriers together.”
