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November 13, 2024 | Roy C Thomas
Despite women constituting 36% of India’s tech workforce, their representation sharply declines higher up the corporate ladder. According to Skillsoft’s 2022 Women in Tech Report for the India Region, a mere 7% of executive-level positions are occupied by women. Additionally, women hold just 13% of director-level roles and 17% are in mid-level managerial positions, highlighting significant disparities in career advancement within the tech sector.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the tech and IT industry, the urgent call to amplify the representation of women in senior roles transcends mere equity. It is fundamentally a strategic imperative, vital for fostering innovation, enhancing performance, and securing a competitive edge. This industry, celebrated for its swift technological progress and capacity to reshape economies, finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Here, the inclusion of diverse leadership becomes not just beneficial but essential. Women offer distinctive insights, innovative problem-solving approaches, and a unique perspective that are indispensable in crafting robust, inclusive, and forward-thinking technological solutions.
As technology increasingly becomes intertwined with every facet of our daily lives, having women in decision-making roles ensures that the development and execution of products and services are informed by a broader spectrum of user needs and experiences.
Against this backdrop, nasscom foundation’s Women Wizards Rule Tech Program (W2RT) stands out as a torchbearer of empowerment, aimed at revolutionizing the role of women within the technology sector. The main objective of this program is to build awareness among women from all job roles about tech capabilities in future technologies.
This initiative extends beyond mere skill enhancement; it represents a holistic endeavor to narrow the gender gap, elevate women into senior positions, nurture emerging talent, and cultivate a culture where women serve as mentors to each other, thereby inducing a significant transformation within the tech ecosystem.
The tech industry, characterized by its relentless pace of innovation and growth, has historically battled with the enduring challenge of the gender gap. Although women form a substantial part of the workforce at the entry level, their presence significantly tapers off at higher echelons of leadership and management. In response to this imbalance, the W2RT program, conceived by nasscom foundation, aims to ensure that women are not only welcomed into the tech domain but are also supported and encouraged to ascend through its ranks.
Since its launch, the W2RT initiative has made commendable progress. Notably, 60% of the program’s alumnae have ascended to the next tier in their professional endeavors, underlining the program’s effectiveness. Originating as an entry-level initiative, it has since flourished, impacting over 190 organizations and aiding more than 12,600 women on their tech journeys. From an initial cohort comprising 20-22 organizations, it has expanded to include 86 companies in just two years, marking a significant increase in industry participation and recognition.
In an industry landscape where tailored upskilling opportunities for women were virtually non-existent, W2RT emerges as a pioneering effort. Boasting a network of over 400 mentors and subject matter experts who generously contribute their knowledge on a pro bono basis, the program offers an invaluable repository of leadership training, professional life skills, and technical knowledge. The curriculum, meticulously designed, covers essential technical domains such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation, IOT, BDA and blockchain, while also emphasizing the soft skills crucial for leadership ascent.
Beyond its core objective of professional advancement, the program aspires to transform mindsets and establish a legacy for future generations. Through its focused mentorship initiatives, where seasoned professionals share their insights and experiences, W2RT ignites a cascade of inspiration, empowering more women to envision themselves as pioneers and leaders. The adoption of an exclusive, automated platform further democratizes access to resources and networking opportunities, enabling personalized and uninterrupted growth trajectories for participants.
Despite its remarkable achievements, the program confronts challenges, notably the hesitancy of some organizations to provide financial sponsorship. This leaves some participants to self-fund their participation. However, the evident return on investment, demonstrated through participants’ career advancements and the dismantling of leadership stereotypes, is gradually reshaping organizational perspectives towards sponsorship.
A distinguishing feature of W2RT is its multifaceted mentorship model, which includes both group and in-depth sessions. This ensures tailored guidance for every participant, meeting their individual objectives. The tech advisory group plays a pivotal role, curating relevant, cutting-edge content that enriches the learning experience and keeps it aligned with industry advancements.
The nasscom foundation’s Women Wizards Rule Tech Program transcends being a mere initiative; it represents a movement towards inclusivity and equity within the tech industry. By addressing the challenge of the “leaky pipeline” and promoting women’s ascension into senior roles, the program not only empowers its participants on an individual level but also acts as a catalyst for broader social change. As the tech landscape continues its rapid evolution, initiatives like W2RT ensure that women are not merely participants but are at the forefront, shaping the future of technology.
The evolution of W2RT from a nascent initiative to a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in the tech sector epitomizes the transformative power of dedicated mentorship, targeted skill development, and the resilient spirit of women determined to surmount barriers. Looking ahead, the continued success and expansion of the program promise to serve as a blueprint for achieving gender parity across various industries, highlighting the boundless potential that can be unlocked when women are fully empowered.
To foster the idea of a Viksit Bharat that encompasses not just metropolitan areas but also rural and marginalized regions, digital inclusivity is vital. Bridging this digital divide is crucial for comprehensive national development. In this context, the nasscom foundation’s Women Wizards Rule Tech Program serves as a pivotal platform for promoting inclusivity and empowerment in the tech industry. By participating as a member, mentoring, or offering sponsorship, you can play a significant role in advancing this initiative. This engagement helps amplify the impact, ensuring that women do not merely participate in technology fields but also lead them. To be a part of this transformative journey and make a difference; empowering, engaging, and elevating the role of women in technology, visit nasscom foundation’s website today. Together, we can build a digitally inclusive society where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.
For registrations, interested organizations can also write to: [email protected]