Publication: CXO Today / Link: https://reurl.cc/qpmDxg
Today, we celebrate the unbreakable spirit and extraordinary achievements of women globally. From breaking glass ceilings to nurturing communities, your courage fuels progress and inspires change. We honor your past struggles, applaud your current triumphs, and stand in solidarity as you continue to shape a more equitable and brilliant future.
Pallavi Katiyar, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tech Mahindra
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ highlights the importance of sharing knowledge, opportunities, and leadership to drive innovation in the digital economy. At Tech Mahindra, we are committed to creating inclusive technology ecosystems by supporting women’s advancement across AI, cloud, data, and cybersecurity. Through digital upskilling, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives, we enable more women to take active roles in shaping innovation-led growth. By empowering diverse talent, organizations not only improve representation but also strengthen problem-solving, enhance customer outcomes, and build resilient, future-ready digital enterprises
Dr. Parul Purohit Vats, Dean, School of Performing Arts, World University of Design
“On Women’s Day, we celebrate the elegance, courage and creativity within every woman. Through the performing arts, we discover our voice, express our truth and honour our heritage. Let every woman continue to rise with confidence, inspire others with her vision and shape her own destiny with passion and unwavering belief in her potential. May art and resilience illuminate our paths and remind us that our stories matter”
Bhagwati Chhabbarwal Shetty, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Comviva
“Enduring progress comes from investing in others. When organisations create space for mentorship, support women returning to workforce, sponsor emerging leaders, and build a strong sense of belonging, the benefits extend beyond individual careers. Shared opportunity builds stronger capability across teams. Inclusion improves when collaboration is rewarded and people feel safe to speak up. At Comviva, we focus on practical actions that help women grow into leadership: through merit-led opportunities, continuous learning, and visibility on high-impact work. This reflects our EVP: Rise at global scale, Reinvent your growth, and Outshine with impactful work. When more women rise, the organisation rises with them.”
Simmi Dhamija, Chief Operating Officer, AIONOS
“Companies with gender-diverse leadership are significantly more likely to outperform financially, yet women remain underrepresented in executive roles. The real question for businesses today is simple: how much potential are we leaving untapped by not bringing more women into leadership? As we enter the AI era, innovation will not come from algorithms alone. It will come from the diversity of human perspectives shaping them.”
Anita Gurnani, Founder – ArtAware & Titliya
“True empowerment begins when people are seen, heard, and valued. A little girl carries an entire future within herself. My experience at Titliyan, has shown me that when a young girl is educated and emotionally supported, she feels seen. She begins to believe in her own voice and that is just the beginning of a strong foundation we build for our women. To me, women are living works of art. They are powerful in spirit, gentle in strength and transformative in their presence.
Through art, film, and education, we have the power to amplify their voices, and create meaningful change. In the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, I believe that when nurtured with dignity and opportunity, women don’t just shine, they inspire the world around them. As India grows into a stronger economy in an AI-led future, it is important to ensure that women and young students are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to participate and lead. This way, society as a whole gains in strength, innovation, and progress.”
Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation and VP – Marketing Communications & Brand at IDEMIA
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women with the right skills and opportunities can transform communities and economies. At IDEMIA India Foundation, we are committed to advancing digital inclusion by equipping women with future-ready skills in technology and innovation. Our initiatives focus on access to learning, mentorship, and meaningful career pathways, especially for those from underserved backgrounds. When women are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy, they not only build stronger futures for themselves but also drive sustainable progress for society. Investing in women’s potential is investing in a more inclusive and resilient tomorrow.”
Vasudha Madhavan, Founder & CEO, Ostara Advisors
“International Women’s Day is a moment to spotlight the growing role of women entrepreneurs and investors who are redefining the future of climate finance and clean energy. Across markets, more women are building ventures, mobilizing capital, and driving solutions that support a low-carbon and more resilient economy. The climate transition needs diverse leadership, and there is immense scope for women to shape how capital, technology, and policy come together to build the next generation of sustainable businesses. I strongly encourage more women to explore opportunities in climate tech and climate-focused sectors, where their ideas and leadership can make a real difference. Creating stronger support systems, access to funding, and leadership opportunities will help more women step forward and scale impactful climate solutions worldwide.”
Mr. Avinash Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, DJT Microfinance
“At DJT Microfinance, we know that a woman’s financial independence is the ultimate catalyst for change. Across the communities we serve, we are witnessing a profound shift: women are becoming entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and the backbone of their local economies. Through small, need-based loans and dedicated field support, we empower them to build sustainable livelihoods and gain a decisive voice within their households. This Women’s Day, we aren’t just celebrating resilience we’re investing in it and driving inclusive, woman-led transformation.”
Prof. Lolita Dutta, Dean, School of Communication and Visual Arts, World University of Design
“Every woman’s creative journey adds colour, vision and meaning to our world. Visual art and design are powerful ways to express identity, challenge assumptions and build connections that enrich culture and community. May every woman continue to bring her bold ideas to life, shape narratives with confidence, and inspire others through courage, insight and empathy. In celebrating creativity we celebrate the strength, resilience and infinite potential of women everywhere.”
Kavitha Ramachandragowda, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Routematic
“Gender equality is no longer an emblematic dialogue; it is a strategic industry priority. Genuine progress is reflected in who gets hired, who advances into leadership, and who feels supported enough to build long-term careers. Inclusion cannot rely on intent alone; it must be embedded into systems, infrastructure, and everyday decision-making.
At Routematic, we recognise that safe and reliable mobility is a critical enabler of workforce participation, particularly for women. When organisations invest in equitable hiring, leadership pathways, and safety-first, technology-driven transport solutions, they remove structural barriers that often go unnoticed. Equality must be experienced in daily operations — not discussed once a year. The goal is simple: create workplaces where opportunity is determined by capability, and growth is accessible to all.”
Stella Joshua, Senior Director – HR, APJ, EverPure
“The International Women’s Day 2026 theme, ‘Give To Gain,’ emphasizes a powerful truth: giving is not a subtraction; it’s intentional multiplication. In the modern workplace, giving isn’t just about resources; it’s about giving visibility and standing for truth. When we give credit through ‘active crediting’—amplifying a woman’s voice in the room—we gain diverse perspectives. When we give women the tools to drop the ‘politeness tax’ of unnecessary apologies, we gain powerful leaders. And crucially, when managers dismantle their ‘protective hesitation’ and stop withholding honest feedback out of fear of being perceived as biased, we gain a culture of deep psychological safety and accelerated career growth. By giving our advocacy and precise feedback, we aren’t just supporting women; we are multiplying our collective success.”
Preeti Menon, Chief Operating Officer – Product & Digital Engineering Services, Happiest Minds Technologies
“Technology is a powerful equalizer, but its full potential is realized when diverse voices lead and innovate. This International Women’s Day, we embrace the spirit of ‘Give to Gain’ by rightfully recognizing that by giving women opportunities to mentor, learn, and lead, we strengthen the entire tech ecosystem. At Happiest Minds, we believe inclusive innovation is essential to building responsible, future ready digital solutions in the age of AI and emerging technologies.”
Nusrat Pathan, Head- CSR, HDFC Bank
“Women are integral to India’s social and economic progress. When they are supported with the right education, skills, and financial access, the impact is both immediate and intergenerational. At HDFC Bank Parivartan, enabling women and girls to participate confidently in education, enterprise, and the workforce remains a sustained priority.
Our commitment is reflected in the scale of our impact: we have reached 1.82 crore women through projects designed specifically for them. By providing over 13,000 scholarships to young women and supporting more than 14,000 women-led enterprises, we are ensuring that quality learning and sustainable livelihoods are within reach.
What we consistently see on the ground is that when women are equipped with knowledge, resources, and mentorship, they strengthen not only their own futures but also those of their families and communities. By fostering enabling ecosystems, strengthening financial inclusion, and encouraging entrepreneurship, we aim to support women in realizing their aspirations and contributing meaningfully to India’s growth journey.”
Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd
“Women today symbolise strength, resilience, and vision that continue to shape and influence the progress of our country. As we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Give to Gain,’ we are reminded that true empowerment is built on the foundation of proper mentorship, shared knowledge, and meaningful opportunities. At Vestige, we are committed to nurturing leaders, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling economic independence among women. Empowering them with the right platform fosters a powerful cycle of growth that benefits families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Through the power of direct selling, we remain dedicated to helping women take charge of their aspirations and contribute towards building a more inclusive, self-reliant, and prosperous India”.
Ashwini Patil, EVP – Head of Product Design, Lentra
“On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women whose ideas, leadership, and resilience help shape our organization every day. In an industry driven by innovation, diverse perspectives are essential to building meaningful and inclusive solutions. We remain committed to fostering a workplace where every voice is valued and everyone has the opportunity to grow and lead. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive future for our teams, our industry, and the communities we serve.”
Shishir Saxena, Executive Vice President & India Head, Innover Digital
“The best decisions emerge from teams that are willing to challenge each other- respectfully- while working towards the right answer. That kind of thoughtful debate only happens when the room reflects diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Yet, there is still considerable ground to cover when it comes to women’s representation in the roles shaping AI, data, and software engineering. That ultimately influences the technologies we build and the communities they serve.
At Innover, we recognize that responsibility. While we are not where we want to be yet, we are intentional about strengthening the talent pipeline, creating meaningful opportunities for Innovators to grow their careers, and ensuring that more diverse voices are present in the rooms where decisions are made.”
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice President – India, Thales
“On International Women’s Day, Thales proudly celebrates the achievements and growing impact of our women colleagues in India and around the world. We remain committed to advancing gender equality and increasing the representation of women in STEM. In 2025, women accounted for 33% of our total recruitments in India, reflecting our continued focus on building a more inclusive and balanced workforce. Our efforts have been recognised by Avtar & Seramount, naming Thales among the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) for the seventh consecutive year. Through initiatives like our Fly High Women Leadership Development Programme, inclusive learning and mentoring platforms, comprehensive maternity benefits, and opportunities for international mobility, we strive to create a trusted, safe, and inclusive workplace where women can grow, lead, and innovate.”
Ridhima Sawant, Chief Transformation Officer, Orient Technologies Limited
From Celebration to Career Continuity: Building Systems That Help Women Return and Rise
“This International Women’s Day, we at Orient Technologies believe the focus must shift from celebration to sustained action. Talent is not scarce; retention and progression systems are and strengthening them will define the next decade for women in tech. Structured mentorship and guidance are especially critical for women returning to work, enabling renewed confidence, capability and career continuity. Inclusion must be powered by capability building, not just campaigns, with focused reskilling in high-growth areas such as AI, cloud and cybersecurity. Through our 2nd Inning program, we are committed to building clear pathways for women to return, upskill and lead in the decade ahead.”
Janaki Yarlagadda, Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited
Women as Architects of the Future of Work
“On International Women’s Day, the focus must move beyond representation to women shaping strategy, governance and enterprise-wide decisions. As technology redefines employment, women in leadership are not just participants in transformation but architects of it. At Blue Cloud Softech Solutions, we believe inclusive leadership strengthens resilience, sharpens decision-making and drives sustainable value creation. When women build and lead companies, they create ecosystems that expand opportunity, embed accountability and cultivate trust. The future of work will be defined by institutions designed by leaders who enable others to rise.”
Sujendra GS, VP, Human Resources, Creative Synergies Group
Creating Systems That Enable Women to Grow, Lead and Thrive
“Progress for women in the workplace is achieved through sustained investment in systems that foster growth, resilience and leadership readiness. When organizations commit resources, attention and accountability to women’s advancement, they strengthen not only individual careers but the overall talent ecosystem. Building leadership confidence and long‑term career pathways for women requires consistent, structured institutional support. To enable this, we conduct quarterly learning interventions—such as our LeadHERship sessions—designed to enhance leadership skills along with persona branding and financial awareness programs that strengthen capability and self-advocacy which help women build the skills, confidence and self‑advocacy needed for career progression. Equally important is holistic well‑being. We therefore organize women‑focused health initiatives, including breast cancer screenings and wellness programs tailored to their unique needs. These efforts are guided by our dedicated Women’s Committee which meets quarterly to evaluate progress and introduce customized interventions that ensure sustained impact. When women are supported to grow, lead and thrive, the benefits extend far beyond individuals—strengthening teams, culture and business outcomes. As we observe this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women through intentional development, inclusive opportunities and continuous support.”
Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited
Turning Skills into Sustainable Success
“Women are not just contributors to economic growth; they are catalysts of transformation. At Aptech, our 40-year journey in skill development has focused on bridging opportunity gaps and equipping women with the expertise, confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive. Our skilling programs are designed not only to enhance employability but also to encourage entrepreneurship and content creation, enabling many women to build independent careers and even start ventures of their own. From classrooms to creative studios and digital workplaces, we are proud to see women turning skills into sustainable livelihoods. This Women’s Day, let us move beyond celebration and collectively create ecosystems where every woman has access to the tools, training, and trust needed to succeed and lead.”
Ms. Smitha Shetty – APAC Regional Director at Achilles Information Limited.
The logistics and supply chain sector has traditionally been viewed through the lens of operational efficiency, but today it requires a far broader set of capabilities including risk management, sustainability oversight, and responsible sourcing. Women leaders are bringing strong cross-functional thinking and collaborative leadership styles that are particularly valuable in this environment. As more organisations recognise the importance of diverse leadership, we are seeing women play an increasingly influential role in shaping how supply chains evolve to meet the expectations of regulators, customers and society.
Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO, Salesforce – South Asia
“As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 under the powerful theme ‘Give To Gain,’ I am reminded that true progress in gender equality has never been a zero-sum game. Throughout my journey—from breaking barriers as the first woman to chair the State Bank of India to now leading Salesforce’s transformation across South Asia—I have witnessed firsthand how investing in women creates a multiplier effect that elevates entire organizations and societies.
The challenges women face today remain deeply entrenched. Despite holding only 64% of the legal rights that men possess worldwide, despite being underrepresented in C-suites and boardrooms, and despite confronting persistent societal norms that question our capabilities at every turn, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and leadership. Several times during my career there were doubts about whether I could do it and the answer came not through words, but through our collective performance and innovation.
‘Give To Gain’ resonates profoundly because it captures what I have learned across four decades in both the public and private sectors: when organizations give women opportunities, mentorship, flexible policies, and genuine support, they gain innovation, diverse perspectives, and stronger business outcomes. When we give women sabbatical leave, equal pay, and seats at decision-making tables, we gain sustainable growth that benefits everyone.
At Salesforce, we put this belief into action. Through initiatives like our EQE: LEAD** Women South Asia program, we empower women leaders across Salesforce in the region, building a supportive community that fosters growth and an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our Return to Work program gives women who’ve taken career breaks a platform to restart their journeys. And through our annual Trailblazing Women Summit, we bring together leaders across industries to explore how AI is reshaping the future of work – because the future must be built with women, not just for them.
This Women’s Day, I urge leaders to move beyond token gestures. Champion the women in your organizations with resources, visibility, and real pathways to leadership. Mentor them, amplify their voices, and create environments where they can thrive. Because when women rise, businesses transform, economies strengthen, and communities flourish. That is the true meaning of ‘Give To Gain’—generosity that creates abundance for all.”
Vaishali Kannan, Senior Manager, Technical Writing, Salesforce India
“As a dyslexic professional, my journey hasn’t always been straightforward — navigating an industry where processes aren’t always designed with invisible disabilities in mind, and where advocating for what you need can feel isolating. I learned early that professing inclusion and practising it are very different things.
What changed for me at Salesforce was intention. Accessible hiring, assistive technologies, neurodiversity coaching — but more than the policies, it was the people. Colleagues and managers who genuinely took the time to understand my experience. That safety allowed me to stop masking and start leading.
Technical writing sits at the intersection of rigour and empathy, and I believe my neurodivergent mind has made me sharper at both. Stepping into a management role this past year has given me the platform to pay that generosity forward. My mission is to build a team where inclusion isn’t a checkbox — it’s the condition that unlocks our most innovative work.
On International Women’s Day, I think about all the women who have felt they need to be a certain kind of person to belong. True inclusion means creating conditions where everyone can think, communicate, and lead in the way that works best for them. That’s when the best work happens.”
Parul Jain, VP, Software Engineering, Salesforce India
“When I started my career in software engineering, I was often the only woman in the room — and sometimes, the only one who didn’t think that was unusual. Presence is powerful. Being visible in a technical leadership role sends a signal to every young woman who wonders whether she belongs: she does.
My message to women in tech is simple: don’t quit. There will be moments of self-doubt, moments where you feel unseen or unsupported — but the answer is to find your people and build your support system. At Salesforce, I’ve seen firsthand how equal opportunity and equitable environments don’t just make teams better — they make the work better. Seek out mentors, allies, and communities that keep you anchored in the work you love.
As we build AI-powered systems that will shape how the world works, the people building them must reflect the world they’re building for. The goal isn’t just for women to be present in technology — it’s for them to be leading it, shaping its direction and its values.”
Neha Vernekar, Development Manager, Texas Instruments
“Great innovation is built on the courage to question, learn, and lead. I’ve seen how women rise up when they’re trusted with real responsibility and surrounded by teams that value diverse thinking. STEM opens powerful pathways, giving young women the skills to solve real-world problems and shape technologies that touch millions of lives. When women are empowered to grow, they contribute and raise the standard for everything we do.
This International Women’s Day, I believe we must focus on building pathways that help women stay, lead, and shape our industry’s future. To every young professional stepping into their career be bold in your ambition, stay curious in your learning, and know that your perspective truly matters.”
Piyali Goswami, Director of Software Engineering, Texas Instruments
“Innovation accelerates when everyone can contribute their best work, and I’m constantly inspired by how women in STEM strengthen the way we solve complex challenges. What I’ve learned is that real progress happens through authentic mentorship and genuine opportunities. The women entering our field today value transparency and leaders who create space for their voices from day one. When I see programs like TI India’s WiSH (Women in Semiconductors and Hardware), I’m reminded that structured mentorship and community help women grow into the leadership roles that will shape our industry.”
Anuj Khurana, Co-founder and CEO, Anaptyss
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that inclusive leadership is no longer optional- it is a strategic imperative. As industries accelerate into an AI-driven future, the organizations that will lead are those that harness diverse perspectives to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. Women today are playing an increasingly influential role across technology, operations, and leadership, shaping how businesses adapt to rapid digital transformation.
For leaders, the responsibility goes beyond representation. It is about building ecosystems where women have equitable access to opportunities, leadership pathways, and the skills required to thrive in a technology-led economy. Investing in mentorship, continuous upskilling, and inclusive workplace frameworks will be critical to ensuring that women are not only participants in this transformation but key decision-makers shaping its direction.
At Anaptyss, we believe that empowering women across the enterprise strengthens the very foundation of innovation and progress. As organizations reimagine their future in an AI-first world, fostering inclusive leadership will be central to building agile, forward-looking institutions that create lasting value for businesses and society alike.”
Ms. Rakhi Pal, Co-Founder & COO of EventBeep
“True progress happens when opportunity is not limited to those with the right networks or advantages. In education and recruitment today, there is a growing focus on helping young women build real career confidence through mentorship, skill development, and practical exposure to industry. When women are supported with the right tools, training, and opportunities to grow, they step into the workforce with stronger voices and fresh perspectives. That is when we truly begin to see leadership and innovation expand in meaningful ways.”
Shilpa Menon, Vice President & Centre Head – Thiruvananthapuram, UST
I began my journey at UST in 2000, and in those early years, I moved fluidly across roles like developer, tester, and analyst, because I wanted to understand delivery end-to-end rather than through a single lens. A defining turning point came during a 10-month onsite assignment in Dayton, Ohio, where I learned that technology delivery is ultimately about trust and client context.
The B2B technology landscape evolves faster than comfort allows. I chose ambiguity over familiarity, leaning into emerging accounts that required agility and problem-solving. Continuous learning became non-negotiable, and being relevant meant sustained upskilling. Unconscious bias against women does surface in subtle ways. Addressing it required candid dialogue and clarity of intent. I also recognized the “missing middle,” where many women step away mid-career. Mentorship and community matter deeply here as resilience is collective, not individual.
My advice to young women is simple. Stay curious, invest in your voice, and choose challenge over comfort. AI and automation will reshape work, but adaptability and confidence will define leadership.
Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India and SAARC at TrendAI
“My journey from Systems Administrator at Reliance Infocomm to Country Manager at TrendAI wasn’t linear, it was built on saying yes to challenges and letting work speak louder than words. A chance encounter with a cybersecurity team investigating virus propagation ignited a passion that transformed into two decades of dedication.
Building resilience meant navigating moments that tested my confidence and resolve. There were instances where I needed to establish credibility, ensure my voice was heard in critical discussions, and demonstrate technical depth beyond expectations.
What sustained me was unwavering family support, who became my biggest cheerleaders, and TrendAI’s culture that valued merit above everything. Post-maternity, the organization didn’t just facilitate my return, instead they enabled my leadership growth.
To the young women in technology, raise your hand before you feel ready. Trust your merit absolutely. Be authentically you and lead in ways true to your nature. Resilience is all about transforming challenges into catalysts for growth and refusing to let others’ limitations become your own.”
Soundari Arunachalam, Director R&D, Honeywell Technology and Connected Solutions
“My journey with Honeywell began in 2000 when I joined as an engineer through campus recruitment. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on core areas of Honeywell’s Distributed Control System alongside some of the sharpest minds who had developed earlier generations of control systems. Their influence shaped my approach to engineering and instilled a strong focus on precision and excellence.
Later, as I explored the utility metering domain as a systems engineer, I worked closely with several acquired companies across the globe. Their deep domain expertise and strong customer intimacy broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of building solutions that are closely aligned with customer needs. Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving technical landscape meant continuously learning—following technology trends, engaging with passionate technologists, and maintaining a strong customer‑first mindset. These habits helped build resilience as the B2B space transformed around us.
One of the defining moments in my career was the opportunity to build a core Systems Engineering team from scratch. Within just four years, four of our architects were promoted to Engineering Fellows—a title reserved for Honeywell’s highest technical achievers. Along the way, I learned that many barriers exist within ourselves—self‑doubt, fear of failure, or fear of judgment. Letting go of these and focusing on progress over perfection made external challenges far easier to navigate.
In the B2B technology space, resilience comes from the ability to evolve and stay relevant. Drawing inspiration from Star Wars, I often quote Yoda: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” My advice to young women entering technology is simple—commit fully, stay curious, and trust the journey ahead.”
Cyrus Adaggra, President, Asia-Pacific, Equinix
“International Women’s Day is a timely reminder of how important digital inclusion is for women and girls across Asia-Pacific. In many communities throughout the region, barriers such as limited connectivity, economic inequality and persisting gaps in digital literacy continue to hinder meaningful progress. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates deeply with Equinix and the Equinix Foundation’s shared vision to foster a more accessible, sustainable and interconnected digital future for everyone, everywhere.
Our impact is rooted in a network-based approach to philanthropy where employees guide and shape progress every step of the way. This ensures support is targeted, reaching women and girls who need it most and driving digital inclusion to strengthen families and economies across Asia-Pacific. From digital literacy and STEM education programs to youth career development support in the region, our Equinix Foundation grant partners are helping reduce barriers to access and open up new opportunities where they are needed most. Through close collaboration with local organizations and by drawing on the time, energy and expertise of Equinix employees, we are working towards a more inclusive digital landscape, where more people, regardless of background or geography can access the tools and support they need to thrive in the digital age.
In India, a sustained commitment to advancing digital inclusion for women and girls is being carried forward through partnerships with Yuva Unstoppable and Going to School, where underserved communities are supported through structured, future-focused interventions that expand access to technology and opportunity. Through digital classrooms, STEM laboratories, and placement-oriented skilling in areas such as IT and AI, pathways to confidence and employability are being created for girls across thousands of schools. Initiatives such as the Outdoor School for Girls program are also integrating sports, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship education to help close the gender gap in technology access.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm that real progress in digital inclusion is only possible when we work together and put people at the center of change. Equinix Foundation’s work across Asia-Pacific demonstrates the power of delivering resources and opportunities directly to women and girls who need them most. When we give access, skills and confidence, we gain stronger communities, more resilient economies and a more inclusive digital future. The future of the digital economy will be defined not only by innovation, but by inclusion. When women and girls are equipped to participate fully, our entire region moves forward.”
Rahul Sahay, Senior Vice President, HR – Corporate, Virtusa Corporation
“International Women’s Day underscores a critical leadership responsibility: building systems where gender equity is designed into growth, decision-making, and capability development. As enterprises accelerate digital transformation and platform-led modernisation, diverse technical leadership strengthens execution quality and long-term resilience. Expanding access to high-impact engineering and strategic roles for women strengthens talent pipelines and drives sustainable performance. At Virtusa, this commitment translates to how we invest in capability building and leadership progression across our global teams, reflecting the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ where intentional opportunity creates shared progress.”
Virginia Galarón, Customer Advocate Director at New Relic
International Women’s Day is a strong reminder that progress in India’s technology landscape is built on mutual support and shared investment in one another’s success. Women now constitute 43% of STEM graduates in India, one of the highest in the world. Yet, there’s the potential is lost in the transition to the workforce, where women’s representation in executive roles falls to 4-8%.
The ‘give to gain’ mindset is essential to plugging this gap. When we invest in one another through time, mentorship, advocacy, education or simply visibility, we create more opportunity for everyone. When women thrive, industries grow stronger, innovation accelerates and communities become more resilient.
In technology, one of the most powerful ways we can give is through impact. The work we do must solve real problems for customers, teams and the broader industry. In my day-to-day work, I see firsthand how careers flourish when professionals shift from completing tasks to creating sustained value. When we give our curiosity, our attention, and our commitment to understanding why the work matters, we build the route that allows women to move from entry-level roles to the C-suite, where they currently hold only 14% of positions. That mindset not only strengthens organisations, it creates pathways for others to follow.
For women in tech, clarity of purpose is a gift you can give yourself. Every project has an intended outcome. Understanding that outcome early allows you to prioritise effectively, influence decisions, and deliver results that truly matter. When you anchor your work in purpose, you build confidence and credibility that compound over time.
Your voice is also a contribution. There will be moments when you are the only woman in the room. That can feel daunting, but it is also powerful. Being the only one means you bring a perspective that is not yet represented. Diverse thinking is essential to solving complex challenges, and your insight may be the catalyst that changes the direction of a conversation or a strategy. By speaking up, you are not just advancing your own career. You are expanding what leadership looks like for others.
IWD is ultimately an opportunity for us to recognise that advancement is collective. When we advocate and create space for others, we strengthen the entire ecosystem. When we choose to keep learning, have the confidence to speak up and take the time to build trust, we open doors not only for ourselves but for others as well.
Sandhya Arun, Chief Technology Officer, Wipro Ltd.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that as technology advances, representation of women in technology leadership must keep pace. Though more women are entering STEM and digital careers, their presence in senior technology roles remains limited.
As technology becomes more deeply embedded in business and society, inclusive leadership shapes not just innovation, but outcomes. Creating space for women in senior technology roles brings broader perspectives into decision making and strengthens how systems are built and applied. At Wipro, this means investing in leadership pathways that enable women to grow into influential technology roles and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s digital future. Inclusion, when built into talent development and leadership design, helps ensure technology is created with responsibility, balance, and long-term impact in mind.”
Deepali Kelkar, Co-Founder & COO, Secutech Automation
“In sectors such as industrial automation, cybersecurity, etc., women have historically been underrepresented. This was not due to capability issues, but because of varying perceptions around the capability required for the role, along with a lack of access.
When we started Secutech over two decades ago, this industry was seen as high-stress, site-driven, and largely male-dominated. Today, technology is changing that narrative. Automation, AI, and intelligent systems are removing traditional barriers and creating space for diverse talent to lead mission-critical environments.
However, representation alone is not enough. The real shift must happen at the mid-career and leadership levels, where many women exit the pipeline. Organisations must move beyond symbolic inclusion and build structures that enable mentorship, continuous skilling, and confidence in high-impact roles. In fast-evolving sectors like ours, learning cannot pause, and neither should opportunity.
The future of smart infrastructure and cyber-secure environments demands collaborative thinking, empathy, and ethical leadership. International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is not about participation alone; it is about ensuring women shape the systems that power our cities, industries, and institutions.”
Ms, Richa Jaggi, Co- Founder & CMO at Awshad
“Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing holistic wellbeing, both for ourselves and for the communities we nurture. Today, more women are taking charge of conversations around health, mental wellness, and natural healing, breaking long-standing stigmas along the way. When women lead these conversations, the future of wellness becomes more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering for everyone.”
Dr. Ritika Sinha, Co- Founder at Rocket Health
“In rooms where both men and women are asked to speak about their work, I’ve often noticed an interesting pattern. Ask men to introduce what they do, and they’ll comfortably speak for several minutes, sometimes you have to ask them to stop. Ask women the same question, and even if you give them three minutes, many will finish in one. This shows the confidence gap that still persists, even when the capability gap does not. Closing the confidence gap means encouraging women to speak about their work unapologetically and claim leadership spaces. As more women step into these roles, organisations must also build cultures that prioritise wellbeing, because sustainable leadership is not just about being at the table, but being supported enough to stay there.”
Ms. Shalu Jha, Co-founder and COO of PRandit Solution
“Coming from Bihar and being the first entrepreneur in my family, I’ve seen how representation can change aspirations. When more women lead companies, tell stories, and shape narratives, it doesn’t just change boardrooms, it changes mindsets. In the communications industry, women are no longer just participants; they are becoming decision-makers who influence how brands, startups, and social impact stories are told. International Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women in leadership ultimately strengthens the entire business ecosystem.”
Roshana Atmaram, Sr. Director – FW Engineering at WD (formerly Western Digital)
“Innovation thrives when diverse talent comes together, takes ownership, and is empowered to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In core engineering domains like firmware and storage, women engineers play a critical role in solving complex, system-level challenges that power AI and platforms at scale. My focus has been on building a strong centre of competence in India, where engineering excellence, mentorship, and original thinking come together, so our women engineers are not just participating, but helping to shape global technology roadmaps and contributing to core intellectual property with confidence and impact. This is also why this year’s “give to gain” motto deeply resonates with me. At WD, we are fostering a culture where we strive to give opportunity, mentorship, and trust to gain innovation, leadership and transformation.”
Anjali Sharma, Vice President HR and Global Head of Learning & Development, Fulcrum Digital
“International Women’s Day 2026 reminds us that progress is a collective journey, built on the contributions we choose to make. The theme ‘Give To Gain’ highlights a powerful truth: when organizations invest in mentorship, inclusive leadership, access to learning, and equitable growth pathways for women, the returns are immense, including increased innovation, resilience, and business performance.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, opportunity stands as the true differentiator. As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, our commitment must include intentionally upskilling women to lead and master these emerging technologies.
At Fulcrum Digital, we embrace inclusion as a business accelerator, not just a compliance necessity. Our focus on continuous learning and leadership development ensures that women not only participate in transformation but lead it across global markets. When women are empowered to contribute fully, organizations gain invaluable perspectives, heightened agility, and sustainable growth.”
Deepa Madhavan, Vice President Product Engineering and India Country Head, Genesys
“While women representation in India’s IT sector is gradually evolving, sustained and focused efforts are needed to bridge remaining gaps and accelerate inclusive growth across the broader technology ecosystem. On International Women’s Day, as we reflect on this year’s theme “Give To Gain”, it is important to think about how we can encourage more women to pursue careers in technology by sharing opportunities, guidance, and support.
My message to women considering a career in tech is simple: believe in your potential and take that step forward. Connect with people in the industry, seek mentors who can guide and support you, and take time to explore the wide range of opportunities available. Think about how your unique skills and experiences can make a difference because your ideas, voice, and leadership are essential to building a more inclusive and innovative technology ecosystem in India.”
Jill Macmurchy, Chief Customer Officer, APAC, Commvault
“For decades, the conversation around gender equality has focused on barriers. This year’s IWD theme, “Give To Gain”, calls for something more concrete – a shift toward what deliberate generosity at scale can unlock across industries and institutions.
Leadership accountability in DE&I is no longer a matter of intent but a matter of action. Giving, in its most productive form, is the transfer of access. Access to networks. Access to decision-making tables. Access to high-stakes assignments that build careers and shape outcomes. When leaders do it consistently and intentionally, organizations stop losing talent to systems that were never designed to retain it.
The technology sector carries a distinct responsibility. Representation gaps at senior and technical levels persist and disrupting that pattern demands more than just intent. It requires leaders who sponsor talent boldly, advocate publicly, and measure their own success by the progress of those they elevate.
DE&I cannot function as a parallel programme running alongside the core business. Organizations that embed it into their talent strategy, succession planning, and leadership evaluation will see the return. At Commvault, our DEI approach focuses on incorporating diverse, inclusive, and equitable practices throughout the organization to deliver our commitment of cultivating a culture of innovation and belonging.
The ‘Give To Gain’ principle reflects a broader truth about how resilient organizations are built. Equity is not a milestone to be reached, but a discipline to be practiced, which is then sustained through consistent, intentional action at every level of leadership.”
Garima Sharma, iLink Digital
“This year’s Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates strongly in a moment where AI is reshaping how organizations think, decide, and grow. The technology we build carries the imprint of those who design and govern it. When women are meaningfully included in decisions around data, automation, and strategy, the result is not just diversity of representation, but depth of thinking. Outcomes become more balanced, more resilient, and better grounded in reality. Empowering women with real influence across transformation programs, governance models, and client-facing decisions strengthens both execution and judgment. It sharpens risk awareness, reinforces accountability, and adds the nuance that complex, AI-driven environments demand. Giving, in this context, is not symbolic but structural. It is about trust, ownership, and authority. When leadership reflects a breadth of perspectives at the intersection of business and technology, organizations gain adaptability, stability, and innovation that is not just intelligent, but human.”
Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited
“Women are not just contributors to economic growth; they are catalysts of transformation. At Aptech, our 40-year journey in skill development has focused on bridging opportunity gaps and equipping women with the expertise, confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive. Our skilling programs are designed not only to enhance employability but also to encourage entrepreneurship and content creation, enabling many women to build independent careers and even start ventures of their own. From classrooms to creative studios and digital workplaces, we are proud to see women turning skills into sustainable livelihoods. This Women’s Day, let us move beyond celebration and collectively create ecosystems where every woman has access to the tools, training, and trust needed to succeed and lead.”
Swetha Srivastava, Practice Head – Data Analytics and AI at Inspira Enterprise
“Despite the increasing awareness of gender disparity, women remain underrepresented in technology leadership, and that includes cybersecurity. As cyber threats evolve, it is equally critical for our technology and leadership to follow. To establish a more inclusive and competitive industry, organizations have to launch initiatives to support and advance women in leadership. Structured leadership development programs focused on upskilling and networking build relevant skills and confidence in women to step into leadership roles while expanding their professional networks. As the Practice Head, Data Analytics and AI at Inspira Enterprise, I believe women technology leaders bring a fresh perspective and strategic thinking that can fuel innovation to strengthen digital defenses, helping organizations to stay a step ahead of emerging threats. This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the courage and commitment of women leaders who overcome barriers of gender bias in the tech industry to achieve their goals.”
Aparna Balasubramanian, Senior Director of Software Engineering at GoTo
“As technology evolves, the AI-first era redefines how industries operate, compete, and grow. No longer confined to IT, AI now shapes strategy and resilience across the business ecosystem. Yet acceleration must be matched with intention; progress without strong security commitments and accountability for our shared resources is not transformation—it is risk.
At GoTo, we are building an inclusive environment where empathetic leadership and diverse perspectives drive the next wave of enterprise solutions. True innovation demands more than technical depth; it requires a culture where talent, stewardship, and collaboration create meaningful impact. It is about influence—ensuring diverse thinkers are architecting scalable systems, advancing AI-led automation, and strengthening cybersecurity.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping talent at the centre of progress—because the future we engineer will be defined not only by models, but by the values and inclusive leadership behind them.”
Surabhi Sharma, Head of People, Zinnia India
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of our organizations, industries, homes, and communities. At Zinnia India, we are proud of the many women whose bold ideas, leadership, and resilience continue to drive meaningful progress in our workplace and beyond.
At the same time, progress is never achieved alone. It is strengthened by the collective commitment of everyone who champions equity, offers support, and actively advocates for more inclusive opportunities. True innovation ignites when diverse perspectives come together and every voice is encouraged to contribute and lead.
Empowerment grows through courage, opportunity, and collective support. By creating an environment where women can thrive, build their skills, and explore new paths, supported by allies who stand beside them—we strengthen our organization and make it more inclusive. Today, we celebrate the talent, creativity, and determination of our women colleagues, and recognize the many people who support and advocate for them. Together, we continue building a culture where everyone can contribute, succeed, and inspire.
Dipali Padia, Director , BD & Alliances, Neokred
International Women’s Day 2026 marks a shift in how organizations define progress. We have moved past the era where growth of women in the workforce was viewed from a linear perspective, a solitary achievement or a simple upward trajectory. The world recognizes that growth today is catalytic. It’s a force when ignited in one individual, creating ripples across the entire organization. It isn’t about personal milestones but about how every step forward emboldens those around us to take their own leap.
In the fast-paced, AI-driven world, the definition of strength has evolved. It’s not the loudest voice in the room but one that is most thoughtful, where there’s space for every voice at the table, encouragement of ideas and support for women’s ambition. There is a profound impact when the leadership in organizations is rooted in empathy, collaboration and patience. This approach is necessary to create safe spaces for women in the workforce and to reassure that every voice is not just present but is heard and valued. When women lead with this mindset, they drive commercial outcomes, nurture people and build cultures where other women can rise too.
This brings us to the core philosophy of ‘Give to Gain’. For way too long, giving was seen as a loss of time or competitive edge. In 2026, we understand that giving equals intentional multiplication. When organizations invest in creating trust, mentorship and opportunities for women to thrive, it doesn’t lose but gain a more resilient and innovative workforce. This reciprocity is the foundation of modern success. At Neokred, where women lead across various functions be it tech or product or finance, we see that diversity is the fundamental engine pushing purposeful innovation. We practise bias free hiring, ensure equitable growth opportunities, and actively support women through mentorship, skill development. By encouraging collaboration, respect, and a strong sense of belonging, we empower every individual to thrive and lead with confidence. Times are changing. Women are evolving. And at Neokred, we do not just support that growth, we thrive on it.
I believe that the impact of an inclusive culture extends far beyond the office walls. A woman’s confidence and success in the workplace acts as a cornerstone for thriving in her family and community too. To me, championing women is deeply personal. When trust, opportunity, and the belief that women can succeed is given freely, it multiplies through leadership, innovation, and impact. That is how women become catalysts of growth in careers, leadership, and communities, and in every life they touch. By offering trust and mentorship to women at work, and by advocating for them, we embrace a ‘Give to Gain’ mindset, where we ensure that women rise and thrive together.
Jaya Virwani, Chief Wellbeing Officer and DE&I Leader at EY GDS
“As AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshape industries, women leaders are helping guide this transformation with empathy, clarity and a deep sense of responsibility. At EY GDS, we are increasing the number of women in technology roles and strengthening the STEM pipeline through focused hiring, learning pathways and mentorship. We are also investing heavily in AI literacy for all our people so they can participate confidently in the digital future. Our approach to inclusion is broad and intersectional, but we apply a strong gender lens because real and sustainable progress needs deliberate action. In the coming years, I believe we will see more women shaping responsible AI, leading digital programs and influencing how technology evolves to serve society fairly. When women thrive in tech, innovation moves forward for everyone.”
Gayathri Subramanian, VP- People and Culture (HR) at LeadSquared
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress in the workplace is not just about increasing participation, but about enabling women to step into meaningful leadership roles. Real change happens when organizations move beyond intent and build transparent systems for hiring, performance evaluation, and career progression so that talent is recognized purely on merit and impact. At LeadSquared, we are focused on creating structured growth pathways and stronger mentorship and sponsorship opportunities to ensure that women have the visibility and support needed to grow into leadership roles as the company scales. In a fast-changing, AI-driven business environment, organizations that build inclusive and merit-based workplaces will be far better positioned to drive innovation, resilience, and long-term value.”
Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet Systems
“Organizations that truly succeed in advancing women do not rely on policy alone—they build cultures of collaboration, generosity, and shared learning. For women, especially at junior and mid-career levels, access to experience, mentorship, and visible role models often makes the difference between staying the course and quietly stepping away.
Many women enter the workforce with strong capability and ambition. Yet over time, systemic challenges begin to compound. Tough customer environments, unclear expectations, constant ambiguity, and the pressure to balance work with caregiving or motherhood often cause mid-to-senior-career women to pause, step back, or exit altogether. Breaking this cycle requires more than individual resilience from women—it requires an intentional relook at organizational design and how leaders share knowledge and opportunity.
At Visionet, the Elevate – Leadership Masterclass is a strong example of this philosophy in practice. Through Elevate, Visionet invites guest speakers from industry, customers, and leaders from their partnership ecosystem to share their leadership journeys—openly discussing real challenges, career pivots, failures, and lessons learned. Another impactful platform is “In Conversation with Leadership”, where Visionet’s internal leaders share their own stories—how they handled difficult customers, made hard trade-offs, recovered from setbacks, and balanced growth with personal responsibilities. These conversations create a safe, relatable context that allows women to see leadership as attainable, not abstract.
Also, male allyship ensures that women who bring balance, empathy, and innovation are not overlooked simply because they are quieter or less self-promoting.
A give-to-gain culture recognizes that when leaders share knowledge, time, and opportunity, the entire organization benefits. Women who are supported stay longer, lead stronger, and become role models. When organizations invest in collaborative ecosystems grounded in generosity, they help build the future of leadership.”
Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director for South Asia, Project Management Institute (PMI)
India’s journey toward a developed nation, Viksit Bharat, is increasingly shaped by women stepping into leadership roles across every industry, with strategic project management emerging as a powerful driver of this national transformation. Observations consistently point to a steady increase in women leaders throughout the corporate and project-driven sectors. This progress is particularly meaningful as organizations simultaneously intensify efforts to narrow the gender pay gap, reinforcing a commitment to both empowerment and equity.
The discipline of project management offers the vital framework to navigate today’s rapid shifts, optimizing resources, skillfully mitigating risks, and effectively translating national aspirations into tangible outcomes. Women leading projects are not just landmark initiatives; they are vital change agents, embodying the spirit of ‘Give to Gain.’ Further amplifying this momentum, recent government budgetary initiatives, such as support for women-focused marketplaces and STEM hostels, are strategically fostering an environment where more women can lead with clarity and impact. It’s clear: investing in women’s leadership isn’t just about fairness; it’s the fastest path to realizing India’s ambitious future.
Dr. Revathi Mannepalli, Joint Wireless Advisor, Government of India
“On this International Women’s Day 2026, let us reaffirm that connectivity is more than technology—it is empowerment. When we bridge the digital divide, we unlock the limitless potential of women to lead, innovate, and transform societies. A truly connected nation is one where every woman has equal access to networks of knowledge, opportunity, and progress.”
Raka Singh, Senior Engineering Manager at Analog Devices
“For Women’s Day 2026, my message to the ecosystem is simple. Invest in women as builders, and the returns compound across products, teams, and leadership. Give to Gain is especially relevant for STEM careers. Give early exposure, give access to real projects, give strong mentorship, and give sponsorship that opens doors to growth opportunities.
The gain is not just representation. It is stronger engineering, better quality, and more resilient teams. India has no shortage of talent. The gap is often confidence, visibility, and continuity, especially during key life transitions. Flexible policies help, but what matters even more is intent translated into action. This means fair evaluation, transparent pathways, and leaders who actively advocate for women when opportunities are being allocated.
When we reduce friction for women in technology, we do not just support careers. We expand the country’s innovation capacity.”
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, initiatives that encourage early exposure to engineering, strong mentorship, and clear career pathways can help more talent participate in building the next generation of technologies. Perspectives from engineers across the industry highlight the value of creating environments where individuals can continue to grow, contribute, and lead throughout their careers.
Anasuya Mohan Rao, Clinical and Co-creation Office Program Lead, MR R&D, Philips Innovation Campus.
At Philips, we believe meaningful innovation begins with a simple promise: every line of code, every prototype, every clinical insight should translate into better health and well-being. Working in R&D at the Philips Innovation Campus, I have seen how generosity accelerates that translation by opening doors, sharing knowledge, and sponsoring women at every stage of their journeys. Generosity helps innovation move faster because when we support women with opportunities, knowledge, and advocacy, their contributions get to impact patients and society sooner. This is the spirit of Give to Gain. When we give opportunities, we gain stronger ideas. When we give support, we gain wider perspectives. And when we give women the space to rise, we gain solutions that travel faster from our labs to the people who need them most. The more we lift women, the more the world benefits and the more we all gain.
Ramya Davis, Sr. Service Delivery Engineer, Sabre India.
For me, ‘Give to Gain’ reflects the way women live their lives every day. We give so much of ourselves our time, our care, our strength, our love – often without expecting anything back. Yet somehow, in those moments of giving, we gain too.
We gain courage we didn’t know we had, bonds that hold us steady, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing we helped someone feel seen or supported. This Women’s Day, I’m reminded that our giving is not a loss it’s part of what makes us strong. And when women lift each other, share their light, and stand together, we don’t just grow individually we grow together.
Rita Simon, Sr. Service Delivery Engineer, Sabre India.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the powerful cycle of Give and Gain. Every time a woman shares her knowledge, courage, kindness, or opportunity, she creates space for another to grow professionally. The act of giving gains you strength of character, connection with the people around you, and a purpose in life. When we give support, we gain confidence. When we give respect, we gain trust. When we give opportunity, we gain a stronger, more inclusive future.
Veronika Folkova is the Senior Director, People Business Partner at Confluent
“This year’s theme #GiveToGain feels especially relevant in today’s workplace. For me, giving is not symbolic, it is structural. When workplace actively involves women, create equitable opportunities, and invest time in mentorship, the outcome is not just inclusion, it is stronger business performance as well. I feel, diverse leadership drives better decisions, deeper innovation, and greater resilience. Yet representation does not improve by intention alone; it improves when those in positions of influence consciously give access, visibility, and advocacy. Organisations that embed this mindset don’t just advance women; they build cultures of trust and sustained growth. Real progress begins when giving becomes leadership behaviour, not just Women’s Day messaging.”
Jo Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Wysa
“Staying user-focused sounds like something we would all do as founders but it is surprisingly easy to forget your users, and focus instead on your funders, especially when your users are not directly giving you revenue. There is a reason why quality of design and innovation in B2C, B2B/B2G spaces differ so much. However, the best differentiation and the best likelihood of staying relevant and excellent in this post-AI world is if you are constantly iterating with a user lens. It is becoming easier and easier to build what they need, but also easier to just reaffirm the errors you are making and your own blind spots. Stay humble, keep going back to the user, name every project around the purpose and user, not the client or the funder. That is how you give to gain.”
Sumi Pillai, Senior Vice President- Customer Success, Experion Technologies
“A 2025 engineering leadership study reports only 7% of the most senior engineering leaders (CTO/EVP/SVP) are women or nonbinary people. Without equity in access and encouragement, the gap will persist, not because of capability, but because of uneven opportunity. Let’s change that by pairing visible credit with sponsorship and real decision-making authority, so we do not just move one career forward, we strengthen the trajectory of the entire organization.”
Lekshmy S Menon, Director-Talent Development, Experion Technologies
“Give her access to learning and the confidence to speak, and you will witness transformation. When every voice is genuinely valued and every contribution recognized, women don’t just grow in confidence — they grow into leaders who uplift teams, raise standards, and redefine what’s possible.”
Meera Joseph, Senior Manager – Delivery Services, Experion Technologies
“Even today, the patriarchal mindset quietly shapes expectations around what women should be — and what they should not aspire to become. I’ve seen how easily talent can be underestimated simply because it does not fit a stereotype.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give To Gain,’ resonates deeply with me. It reminds us that when we consciously give space, trust, and opportunity — without bias — we gain stronger teams, richer perspectives, and more meaningful progress.
Equity is not charity. It is leadership. And when we choose to dismantle stereotypes with intent, we do not just uplift women — we elevate our entire organization and community.”
Jyolsna Elangovan- Vice President of Engineering- Head of Applications, Data Science & Gen AI Portfolio, Securonix
By leveraging AI, GenAI, automation, and scalable engineering, the cybersecurity sector protects modern digital ecosystems and provides an opportunity to create a meaningful impact. Today, although in smaller numbers than their male counterparts, women leaders in technology and engineering are driving strategic AI programs across cybersecurity innovation and enterprise modernization with both passion and precision. As the technology industry evolves, women continue to turn systemic challenges into catalysts for growth, contributing diverse viewpoints that elevate problem-solving and fuel innovation.
As Vice President of Engineering overseeing Applications, Data Science, and GenAI, I believe women leaders are redefining what excellence looks like, raising the bar on innovation, empowering teams, and building high-performance cultures where impact, resilience, and balance drive sustainable success.
This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women to the tech sector by dismantling barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Vinny Sharma, Senior Director – Global, Field & Channel Marketing, Securonix
Cybersecurity is often seen as technical and intense, but for me, it has always been deeply human. At its core, it’s about trust – helping organizations feel secure, prepared, and resilient in a constantly changing world. As a woman in marketing within cybersecurity, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about listening, asking thoughtful questions, and creating space for collaboration. It’s about translating complexity into clarity and helping others move forward with confidence.
Over the years, I’ve realized that empathy, adaptability, and resilience – qualities many women naturally bring to leadership – are powerful strengths in this industry. They allow us to bridge gaps between technical teams and business leaders, between strategy and execution, and between challenge and opportunity. At Securonix, my role goes beyond building campaigns. It’s about enabling people, empowering our teams, supporting our sales partners, and contributing to a culture that values diverse perspectives and shared success.
This International Women’s Day, I reflect on the importance of leading with purpose and authenticity. When we support one another, embrace innovation, and bring our whole selves to the table, we don’t just grow professionally – we help shape a more inclusive and resilient future for our industry.
Janet Paul, Country Lead – India and Vice President – Human Resources, Securonix
Globally, the lack of gender diversity and inclusion challenge remains in the cybersecurity industry. However, the situation is showing gradual improvement, proving women can be excellent candidates for cybersecurity jobs as they can think out-of-the-box and are very resilient. More PPP (public-private partnership) initiatives can create better awareness about the sector, encourage women to consider cybersecurity as an attractive career path, while ensuring they do not face prejudice at the workplace. Cybersecurity is also increasingly relying on data-driven strategies, and as the Country Lead – India and Vice President – Human Resources at Securonix, I witness more women having opportunities as data analysts and data scientists, among others. With their desire to help and protect people and society at large, women are capable of establishing resilient organizations, and on this International Women’s Day, I celebrate their talent in resetting the future of cybersecurity.
Mr. Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services
“India’s growth story in the next decade will be written at the intersection of AI, green transition, semiconductor expansion, and digital infrastructure. However, the real differentiator will not just be technology- it will be talent. And today, one of the largest untapped growth levers remains women’s participation in the workforce.
When women remain under-represented in formal employment and emerging technology roles, it is not only a social gap – it is an economic inefficiency. Economies simply cannot maximize productivity, innovation, or resilience while leaving half of their potential talent pool on the sidelines.
The priority now must be to move from aspiration to execution. Skilling systems need to align with future job clusters, STEM education must translate into real career opportunities, and organizations must build stronger pathways for mid-career women to re-enter and thrive in fast-evolving industries.
Importantly, technology itself is emerging as a powerful catalyst to accelerate this shift. AI-driven hiring, skills-based talent models, and flexible work structures are redefining how opportunities are accessed. When deployed intentionally, these tools can expand participation and create a more equitable talent ecosystem.
On International Women’s Day 2026, the message for businesses and policymakers is clear, inclusion is no longer just a social commitment – it is an economic strategy. The economies that succeed in integrating more women into future-facing industries will not only close talent gaps but also unlock faster innovation, stronger competitiveness, and more resilient growth.”
Deepa Kuppuswamy, Director of Security, ManageEngine, Zoho Corp
“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ resonates because it reflects something we see in real life, not just on a campaign banner. Growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens when someone shares an opportunity, extends trust, or opens a door. At ManageEngine, empowering women is not a one-day conversation. It is about ensuring access to meaningful roles, leadership pathways, and the confidence to take on larger responsibilities. When organizations consciously create that space, the impact shows up in stronger teams, better ideas, and more resilient businesses. Progress is cumulative. The more we enable each other to succeed, the more we all move forward, and that is a future worth building together.”
Praniti Lakhwara, CIO at Zscaler
India is moving fast on AI supported by clear policy direction and a rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. It’s an exciting moment, because AI has the potential to accelerate everything from citizen services and financial inclusion to enterprise innovation and productivity. But as adoption scales, so does complexity and the attack surface grows right alongside it. That’s why trusted, AI-enabled security and a future-ready cybersecurity workforce aren’t “nice to have.” They’re essential to sustaining India’s digital growth with confidence.
In cybersecurity, the stakes are uniquely high. We’re seeing adversaries use automation and AI to move faster, hide better, and target organizations at scale. At the same time, businesses are under pressure to innovate quickly – often across hybrid environments, distributed users, and expanding data footprints. Navigating that tension requires not only the right technology, but also strong security leadership and talent that can think strategically about risk, resilience, and trust.
That’s also why representation and inclusive talent development matter so much, especially in a field like cybersecurity, where diverse thinking directly strengthens outcomes. Women bring critical perspectives to security: from risk assessment and policy to user-centric design and decision-making under pressure. When teams reflect the diversity of the communities and customers they serve, they’re better equipped to anticipate threats, challenge assumptions, and build security that works in the real world.
Through Women in Zscaler Empower (WIZE), we’re building a community that fosters mentorship, accelerates career progression, and develops the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity. For many women, the biggest barriers aren’t capability or ambition they’re access, sponsorship, and visibility. WIZE is designed to help address that gap by creating connection, guidance, and pathways to leadership.
We’re equally committed to building broader talent pipelines because the scale of India’s digital ambition demands it. Our newly launched AI & Cyber Threat Research Center with Bharti Airtel is one example of that commitment in action, helping develop the next generation of security talent and advancing research to stay ahead of evolving threats. These investments aren’t peripheral to innovation they’re what make innovation sustainable.
For India to deliver digital ambition at scale, inclusive talent development can’t sit on the side. It’s foundational to building secure, trusted infrastructure and to ensuring we can keep pace with a threat landscape that will only continue to evolve.
Pooja Vashisht, Head – Marketing & Communications, Techno Digital
“In infrastructure, we design redundancy to eliminate risk. In leadership, we must design opportunity to eliminate exclusion. This International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” is not philosophical; it is operational. Progress in mission-critical industries like digital infrastructure happens when access is intentional and opportunity is structured.
Digital infrastructure runs on precision, discipline, and long-horizon thinking. It performs better when the teams designing power systems, planning capacity, managing risk, and shaping strategy reflect diverse expertise. Inclusion is not a parallel initiative; it is a performance advantage. Mentorship compounds capability. Sponsorship accelerates confidence. Exposure builds decision muscle. When we give women stretch roles, real authority, and measurable outcomes, we don’t just uplift individuals, we strengthen the operating system of the organisation.
Gender equity in STEM will not be solved by visibility alone. It will be solved by access to core functions, to boardroom discussions, to technical ownership, and to leadership pathways. We are deliberate about creating those pathways. Infrastructure excellence and inclusive leadership are interdependent. When women are trusted to design, operate, and lead mission-critical environments, the organisation becomes more resilient by design.
In an always-on industry, reciprocity must be engineered just like resilience. What we give deliberately opportunity with trust and responsibility, we gain sustainably in execution, relentless innovation, and unbreakable impact.”
Mandy Andress, CISO, Elastic
“This International Women’s Day, we recognise that when we invest in women, offering time, influence, and opportunity, we exponentially increase our collective strength in STEM and innovation. Their talent, diverse perspectives, and better ideas are essential for developing technology that uplifts the world.
While countries like India see women account for over 42 percent of STEM graduates, the dramatic drop-off in senior technical and executive roles is a global concern. This discrepancy represents a massive, untapped capability at a time when the world urgently needs skilled technologists. For me, as a CISO, equity in STEM isn’t merely a matter of fairness. It is fundamental to our resilience and innovation pipeline.
In complex fields like cybersecurity and data science, diverse teams consistently engineer more robust solutions, which is critical to protecting our digital infrastructure. By expanding access to mentorship, advanced training, and leadership pathways for women, we not only strengthen our respective fields and build the confidence of emerging professionals but also accelerate enterprise and societal impact.”
Shilpa Dua, CHRO, NIIT Limited
“On International Women’s Day (IWD), we celebrate the women who are shaping the future through talent, skills, and leadership. Empowering women with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead is not just the right thing to do—it is essential for building stronger organizations and societies.
This year’s IWD theme of ‘Give to gain’ echoes that progress isn’t accidental- it is intentional. In an AI-dominated era, we have a unique opportunity to not just empower women but enable our society & communities to prosper.
At NIIT, we remain committed to building an inclusive workplace through diversity-focused hiring practices, leadership development initiatives, and continuous efforts to ensure women have equal opportunities to rise and lead. When we support and recognize women, we create a better world for everyone. The choices we make today can shape a more equal and successful future for all.
Happy Women’s Day to the leaders and changemakers of today and tomorrow.”
Indira Vidyaprakash, Vice President of Software Development Engineering at Workday – India.
“Gender equity isn’t achieved by good intentions alone; it must be built into the way we design work. As AI reshapes how value is created and how performance is measured, we have a powerful opportunity to move beyond hours and visibility toward skills, outcomes, and real potential. This shift can create more sustainable career pathways, particularly for women balancing multiple responsibilities. Yet technology by itself will not close equity gaps. Progress comes when leaders choose to give — give visibility, give skills, give confidence, and give opportunity. At Workday, we believe real progress happens when responsible AI, skills-based work models, and continuous learning are intentionally combined with a spirit of generosity, ensuring growth is inclusive by design — because when we give, we all gain.”
Ms. Rakhi Pal, Co-Founder & COO of EventBeep
“As a woman founder, I don’t just want to build a company, I want to build access. Beep exists to bridge the opportunity gap between Tier 1 and Tier 2/3 colleges, ensuring every student hasmentorship, clarity, and real career pathways. We are creating a unified ecosystem where talent from every corner of India feels seen, supported, and empowered to dream bigger. This Women’s Day, we stand for a simple belief: where you come from should never define how far you can go.– said Ms. Rakhi Pal, Co-Founder & COO of EventBeep”
Akanksha Rajeev, Co-Founder & Director at TrioTree Technologies
“International Women’s Day calls on us to reflect on the importance of equality in shaping stronger organizations and societies. Women today are leading change across disciplines, challenging stereotypes, building inclusive cultures, and demonstrating that leadership is defined by capability and character, not gender. Their resilience and determination continue to open doors for future generations. In healthcare, women are contributing significantly to patient-centric thinking, digital transformation, and operational excellence. Their ability to combine empathy with strategic insight is helping build systems that are both efficient and human. On this occasion, we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere and renew our commitment to fostering workplaces where diverse voices are heard, opportunities are equitable, and growth is guided by fairness and respect. Sustainable progress begins with inclusion.”
Shruthi Ujjani Ramesh, Co-Founder & Director, MYNUSCo
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that meaningful progress is built on inclusion, opportunity, and equal representation. Women across the world continue to challenge limitations, redefine leadership, and shape institutions with resilience and vision. Their influence is not confined to titles or roles; it is reflected in the way they drive change, foster collaboration, and inspire the next generation to think bigger. As we mark this day, we reaffirm our commitment to building environments where ambition is supported, merit is recognised without bias, and leadership pathways are equally accessible. Gender equity is not just a goal; it is fundamental to building stronger, future-ready institutions.”
Praniti Lakhwara, CIO at Zscaler
India is moving fast on AI supported by clear policy direction and a rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. It’s an exciting moment, because AI has the potential to accelerate everything from citizen services and financial inclusion to enterprise innovation and productivity. But as adoption scales, so does complexity and the attack surface grows right alongside it. That’s why trusted, AI-enabled security and a future-ready cybersecurity workforce aren’t “nice to have.” They’re essential to sustaining India’s digital growth with confidence.
In cybersecurity, the stakes are uniquely high. We’re seeing adversaries use automation and AI to move faster, hide better, and target organizations at scale. At the same time, businesses are under pressure to innovate quickly – often across hybrid environments, distributed users, and expanding data footprints. Navigating that tension requires not only the right technology, but also strong security leadership and talent that can think strategically about risk, resilience, and trust.
That’s also why representation and inclusive talent development matter so much, especially in a field like cybersecurity, where diverse thinking directly strengthens outcomes. Women bring critical perspectives to security: from risk assessment and policy to user-centric design and decision-making under pressure. When teams reflect the diversity of the communities and customers they serve, they’re better equipped to anticipate threats, challenge assumptions, and build security that works in the real world.
Through Women in Zscaler Empower (WIZE), we’re building a community that fosters mentorship, accelerates career progression, and develops the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity. For many women, the biggest barriers aren’t capability or ambition they’re access, sponsorship, and visibility. WIZE is designed to help address that gap by creating connection, guidance, and pathways to leadership.
We’re equally committed to building broader talent pipelines because the scale of India’s digital ambition demands it. Our newly launched AI & Cyber Threat Research Center with Bharti Airtel is one example of that commitment in action, helping develop the next generation of security talent and advancing research to stay ahead of evolving threats. These investments aren’t peripheral to innovation they’re what make innovation sustainable.
For India to deliver digital ambition at scale, inclusive talent development can’t sit on the side. It’s foundational to building secure, trusted infrastructure and to ensuring we can keep pace with a threat landscape that will only continue to evolve.
Pooja Vashisht, Head – Marketing & Communications, Techno Digital
“In infrastructure, we design redundancy to eliminate risk. In leadership, we must design opportunity to eliminate exclusion. This International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” is not philosophical; it is operational. Progress in mission-critical industries like digital infrastructure happens when access is intentional and opportunity is structured.
Digital infrastructure runs on precision, discipline, and long-horizon thinking. It performs better when the teams designing power systems, planning capacity, managing risk, and shaping strategy reflect diverse expertise. Inclusion is not a parallel initiative; it is a performance advantage. Mentorship compounds capability. Sponsorship accelerates confidence. Exposure builds decision muscle. When we give women stretch roles, real authority, and measurable outcomes, we don’t just uplift individuals, we strengthen the operating system of the organisation.
Gender equity in STEM will not be solved by visibility alone. It will be solved by access to core functions, to boardroom discussions, to technical ownership, and to leadership pathways. We are deliberate about creating those pathways. Infrastructure excellence and inclusive leadership are interdependent. When women are trusted to design, operate, and lead mission-critical environments, the organisation becomes more resilient by design.
In an always-on industry, reciprocity must be engineered just like resilience. What we give deliberately opportunity with trust and responsibility, we gain sustainably in execution, relentless innovation, and unbreakable impact.”
Mandy Andress, CISO, Elastic
“This International Women’s Day, we recognise that when we invest in women, offering time, influence, and opportunity, we exponentially increase our collective strength in STEM and innovation. Their talent, diverse perspectives, and better ideas are essential for developing technology that uplifts the world.
While countries like India see women account for over 42 percent of STEM graduates, the dramatic drop-off in senior technical and executive roles is a global concern. This discrepancy represents a massive, untapped capability at a time when the world urgently needs skilled technologists. For me, as a CISO, equity in STEM isn’t merely a matter of fairness. It is fundamental to our resilience and innovation pipeline.
In complex fields like cybersecurity and data science, diverse teams consistently engineer more robust solutions, which is critical to protecting our digital infrastructure. By expanding access to mentorship, advanced training, and leadership pathways for women, we not only strengthen our respective fields and build the confidence of emerging professionals but also accelerate enterprise and societal impact.”
Deepika Dutta Kapoor, Head of UI & UX Practice, Newgen Software
The greatest challenge today is the “template”. Women are often expected to be like rubber – stretching ourselves to fit a rigid frame that wasn’t built for us. But when you focus on fitting in, you stop standing out.
As a woman leader, my advice is, Ignore the old templates and bring your own blueprint to the table.
Shikha Bhatt, Head of Delivery – India, Newgen Software
Women today don’t lack capability; they still face ecosystems that question their confidence more than their competence. The real challenge isn’t about breaking the glass ceiling, it’s about navigating invisible expectations, double standards, and the constant need to prove impact. My advice to women leaders is simple; own your voice without apology, build alliances instead of permission, and remember that leadership is not about fitting in, it’s about changing the space you walk into.
Vibha Jain, Head of Digital Lending Solutions Group, Newgen Software
Akin to the vision of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore of a new and awakened India pre-independence, Today I have a vision of a new evolved society…
Where a woman is without fear and her head is held high
Where her respect is supreme
Where she is not just worshipped in the temples but revered at homes
Where she is not seen as an object of lust
Where her contributions are valued and not taken for granted
Where she is seen as Decision Maker rather than a Decision Taker
A world where birth of a girl child becomes a celebration in itself
Into that Societal Era where “SHE” moves to the right-hand side of the Balance Sheet of Life!
Raka Singh, Senior Engineering Manager, Analog Devices
“For Women’s Day 2026, my message to the ecosystem is simple. Invest in women as builders, and the returns compound across products, teams, and leadership. Give to Gain is especially relevant for STEM careers. Give early exposure, give access to real projects, give strong mentorship, and give sponsorship that opens doors to growth opportunities. The gain is not just representation. It is stronger engineering, better quality, and more resilient teams. India has no shortage of talent. The gap is often confidence, visibility, and continuity, especially during key life transitions. Flexible policies help, but what matters even more is intent translated into action. This means fair evaluation, transparent pathways, and leaders who actively advocate for women when opportunities are being allocated. When we reduce friction for women in technology, we do not just support careers. We expand the country’s innovation capacity.”
Gayathri Abishek, Sr Director – Technical Support, Dynatrace
India & Women in Tech
India’s growth as a global technology hub is driven by its exceptional talent density, adaptability, and a culture that embraces scale and innovation. The pace at which Indian teams adopt new technologies like cloud, AI, observability, & automation has positioned the country as a backbone for global tech operations.
For women in India, the greatest opportunities lie in areas where analytical thinking, empathy, and problem solving converge. To grow into leadership roles, women need to build confidence in their voice, mastery of their craft, and the courage to seek visibility. Equally important is investing in continuous learning and surrounding themselves with mentors and advocates
Advice & Looking Ahead
My advice to young women entering tech: believe in the value you bring, be curious, ask bold questions, and don’t wait to be “fully ready” before stepping into opportunities. Growth comes from stretching yourself.
The mindset shift that helped me grow is embracing progress over perfection. In essence- focusing on outcomes, learning quickly, and moving forward instead of waiting for ideal conditions.
Looking ahead – I hope to influence and uplift women wherever they are – in any profession, at any stage of their journey. I want to encourage them to challenge limiting cultural norms, believe deeply in their capabilities, and pursue growth with confidence. My aspiration is to help create environments where women feel empowered to lead, contribute, and thrive on their own terms.
Deepa Nagraj, Global Head of ESG & CSR of Mphasis
Building inclusive futures for women and girls in science requires a systems-led approach, not isolated interventions. Women continue to face structural barriers across education, research, leadership and entrepreneurship, even as AI and emerging technologies reshape economies and societies. At Mphasis Foundation, our work in STEM is guided by targeted interventions that inspire, educate, enable and influence women across this entire journey.
Through our support of the DS Brar Center for Girls and Women in STEM at Plaksha University, we work across multiple touchpoints, from early STEM exposure for schoolgirls to leadership development, research and entrepreneurship. Through the Center 10,000 high schools girls have been inspired, 200 women led tech ventures engaged with alongside sustained mentorship and capability-building initiatives.
A key pillar of this effort is SheBuildsAI, which strengthens women’s leadership and participation in India’s AI and deep-tech ecosystem by spotlighting role models, fostering cross-sector dialogue, and driving research and insights for inclusive and responsible AI. As AI increasingly intersects with social systems and economic opportunity, it is critical that women are not just participants but leaders shaping its future. By aligning AI, STEM education and financial access, we aim to create pathways where women and girls can meaningfully contribute to innovation and long-term growth.
Srinivas Rao – Managing Director, Lenovo ISG
“This International Women’s Day, the theme ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’ reinforces the importance of driving real progress in supporting women’s growth and leadership. Across India’s STEM ecosystem, AI-driven upskilling is helping broaden participation and open new pathways for talent.
Over the past two years, Lenovo and Motorola have been focusing on AI skilling initiatives aimed at democratizing AI learning through inclusive learning pathways. As part of advancing Smarter Technology for All, we are working to bridge the digital divide by strengthening school technology infrastructure, expanding STEM pathways, and building future-ready AI skills at scale.
This momentum shows how access to future-focused skills is enabling more women to prepare for high-impact roles. At the same time, fostering environments where individuals feel supported to pursue new opportunities helps build stronger, more diverse teams and inspires the next generation of talent. In the long run, progress will depend on ensuring women have equal opportunities to contribute, lead, and innovate, while continuing to build workplaces where every woman can help shape the future.”
Manjula Girish, Business Head – ODM: Components and Power Electronics
Something exciting is happening on the factory floors of India. More women are stepping in, stepping up, and setting the pace. They are not just filling positions — they are redefining what manufacturing excellence looks like. Because when we empower women at work and give them opportunity, we gain in progress through diverse leadership.
The industry is stronger for it, and it will only get stronger as more women take their place at every level. This Women’s Day, let us not just acknowledge that progress — let us accelerate it. The next generation of manufacturing leaders is already here, and they are ready to embrace the future.
Dr. Vidyashree B S, Senior Executive Agronomist, Hosachiguru
“I feel proud and grateful to be working as a Senior Executive Agronomist with a Ph.D. in Agronomy. My journey at Hosachiguru has been fueled by curiosity, where every day brings a new opportunity to learn and grow. Being able to apply my research knowledge directly to real farmland management gives my work a deeper sense of purpose and strengthens my passion for agroforestry, permaculture and sustainability. What makes this journey even more meaningful is being part of a workplace where women are encouraged to take on challenging responsibilities and contribute ideas without gender bias. Here, every idea is valued in the shared mission of nurturing healthier soil, conserving biodiversity, and creating sustainable livelihoods for the future.”
Tiffany Chan, Co-Founder, Pantherun Technologies
“While many people focus purely on the bits and bytes, women in leadership often bring a different lens to cybersecurity. We tend to look at the human side of security, how culture, behaviour, and engineering all come together, and how people actually interact with technology.
Cybersecurity is truly a team effort. I feel fortunate to be able to bridge the gap between technical teams and business operations. To me, diversity strengthens the team as varied perspectives are essential to spotting vulnerabilities. Luckily, the industry today is more open to hear such perspectives.
Being a woman in tech isn’t a barrier; it is a unique position to bring resilience, fresh thinking and creativity to solving complex challenges.
At Pantherun Technologies, we believe that building a more inclusive technology ecosystem is fundamental to creating a safer digital world. Leadership isn’t about whether you’re a man or a woman, junior or senior; it’s about bringing the best ideas forward. Real innovation and strong security come from giving everyone a voice.”
About Pantherun:
Pantherun is a cyber security innovator with a patent pending approach to data protection, that transforms security by making encryption possible in real-time, while making breach of security 10X harder compared to existing global solutions, at better performance and price.
