Juggling two teenage daughters while leading teams of engineers, a Director of Solutions and Architecture said the experience has sharpened her ability to make decisions under pressure and deepened her capacity for empathy. These skills are now considered critical in high-stakes tech environments. According to a TeamLease Digital gender diversity report, only 13 percent of senior leadership roles in Indian tech firms were held by women as of 2024.
This data highlights the ongoing challenges women face in ascending to leadership positions in the industry. ETHRWorld found in the fiscal year 2024 that Reliance Industries reported an impressive Return to Work Rate (RTWR) of 100 percent, maintaining a consistent record over the last three years. TCS closely follows with an RTWR of 99.9 percent, indicating strong retention rates among mothers returning to work post-maternity leave.
Beyond these numbers, the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work environments cannot be overstressed.
Women reshape tech leadership norms
The POSH policy requires companies to disclose the number of sexual harassment complaints filed and resolved during a given year, ensuring transparency and fostering safer workplaces.
In an industry that is transforming at a rapid pace, shaped by shifts toward sustainability, electrification, and new mobility models, keeping people aligned and inspired is more critical than ever. The CEO of BMW Group India notes this not as an HR initiative, but as the very heart of leading a future-ready organization. In addition to these leadership and policy changes, there has been a noticeable rise in companies requesting drug testing to ensure workplace safety and adherence to regulatory standards.
For instance, EY India reported that MNCs across sectors such as aviation, healthcare, and IT often conduct drug tests during onboarding and, in some cases, randomly post-joining—especially in safety-critical or compliance-heavy roles. As the tech industry evolves, the active participation and leadership of women—especially mothers balancing the dual roles of managing teams and households—are proving to be indispensable. Their ability to navigate complex environments with empathy and efficiency is shaping the future of tech leadership.
