Number of Indian Women in IT Surges - Building Gender Balanced Business

• 6.7 million women work in the Indian information technology-business process outsourcing industry, a 60% rise in two years.

• The data come from a 2009 gender inclusivity survey of 45 top Indian tech firms by the human resources consulting firm Mercer and the information technology association Nasscom. It said the sector’s growth in female employment had helped India have the most working women of any country.

• But the report said companies need to upgrade women’s professional skills through mentorship programs and internal studies on roadblocks to women’s advancement. It also called for tax advantages for organisations that meet certain goals in hiring and empowering women.

• The increase in female employment was aided by the companies’ adopting such practices as transportation policies as well as flexible working hours and leave policies.

• Other major draws for women were anti-harassment policies, strong healthcare and awareness programs, women’s lounges and recreational activities, the survey found.

• Padma Ravichandar, Mercer India’s Country Head, told WOMEN-omics that the big challenge going forward was to increase the representation of women at senior levels of management. Due to the “leaking pipeline” syndrome, many women drop out as they go up the career ladder, such that only between 5-7% of top managers are women.

• She said there was no single answer to this. “There have to be a set of policies which create an inclusive environment and really reach out to employees.” This can include challenging any social constructs which act as barriers to women as well as furthering the cause of literacy for women.

• Most Indian tech firms in the IT and business process outsourcing industry have gained the knowledge of the issue, Ravichandar said, but now they need to effect the change.

The Economic Times article