Today is International Women’s Day which is celebrated annually on March 8. International Women’s Day 2026 is a very important platform for the world to recognize the progress that has been made in women’s rights, raise awareness on gender inequities in the workplace, celebrate women’s achievements, and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.
There has been a lot of progress made over the years in breaking down bias with the association of women in technical roles but there is still a long way to go. With all opportunities for growth for women in technology, there are certain adversities as w ell.
Gaps in STEM degrees, gender pay gap, gender bias in hiring practices and workplace culture issues are among the challenges that need to be addressed for women to achieve greater equality in tech.
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Give To Gain,” underscoring the importance of collaboration and generosity for achieving gender equality.
Technology plays a pervasive role in shaping society and recognising the need for diverse perspectives and it is not only a matter of social responsibility but also essential for driving innovation and addressing the complex challenges of our time. Cultivating an inclusive culture, building a community of diverse talents & creating policies and practices that prioritize equity are paramount for this industry.
Below is the rundown of insights by technology and business experts (alphabetically listed) who delineate the steps the industry needs to take to promote women in Tech and offer advice to women looking to break into the field of technology.
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.”
— Anjali Sharma, Vice President HR and Global Head of Learning & Development, Fulcrum Digital
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.”– Aparna Balasubramanian, Senior Director of Software Engineering at GoTo.
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. – Dipali Padia, Director , BD & Alliances, Neokred
Janaki Yarlagadda, Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited
“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.” – Janaki Yarlagadda, Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited.
Madhuri Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hero MotoCorp
“At Hero MotoCorp, Women’s Day is not a moment we celebrate once a year, it is a commitment we act on every day. We believe it is about enabling equal participation, opportunity and safety. From nurturing women leaders across our workforce through our Women in Leadership (WIL) program to championing inclusive mobility through #SheRides or livelihood initiatives such as Project Jeevika, we view women’s empowerment as a holistic and impact-driven effort.
This International Women’s Day, we are taking this vision a step further by extending our commitment both within and beyond our organization. Under our Ride Safe India initiative, we are driving inclusive road safety by organizing a women’s night rally and awareness sessions that encourage confidence, respect and responsibility on the road. At the organizational level, we are celebrating women across our ecosystem through a month-long series of engagements focused on financial, physical, and mental wellness, covering topics from creative expression and financial literacy to self-defence. Inspired by the ‘Give to Gain’ theme, we will also be hosting forums for discussion with inspiring voices, creating space for dialogue while celebrating women across our ecosystem.” – Madhuri Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hero MotoCorp
Ridhima Sawant, Chief Transformation Officer, Orient Technologies Limited
“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.” – Ridhima Sawant, Chief Transformation Officer, Orient Technologies Limited
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.” – Sandhya Arun, Chief Technology Officer, Wipro Ltd.
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. – Virginia Galarón, Customer Advocate Director at New Relic.
