Women in tech report reveals progress & ongoing challenges

ANSR, in partnership with Talent500, has released its annual Women in Technology report titled "Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The Evolving Landscape for Women in Technology – 2025". The study gathers insights from over 3,000 women professionals within IT, ITES, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), startups, and product companies across India.

The report offers a detailed examination of the advancements, obstacles, and priorities influencing the future of women in the tech industry. Findings indicate a notable improvement in workplace diversity initiatives, alongside an increase in women's confidence in adopting artificial intelligence. However, ongoing challenges such as the glass ceiling effect, salary disparities, and a shortage of mentorship opportunities persist, hindering progress in career advancement.

Diversity efforts have shown significant progress, with the percentage of women perceiving company diversity initiatives as merely symbolic or moving slowly decreasing from 70% in 2024 to 40% in 2025.

Confidence in using AI has experienced a rise, with 66% of women feeling equipped to incorporate AI into their roles this year, compared to less than 40% in the previous year. Alongside this, nearly 75% of respondents affirmed that their workplaces offer a safe and inclusive environment.

Despite these positive trends, challenges remain. The report highlights that 52% of women have observed pay gaps, with an increase in the number citing unfair pay by 10% from the previous year. Additionally, seven out of ten women feel that career advancement opportunities are still not easily accessible.

Mentorship continues to be a significant area of concern, with 58% of women reporting a lack of strong mentorship, marking a considerable rise from last year's 35%. This highlights a critical need for enhanced leadership development and mentorship programs.

Smitha Hemmigae, Head of Marketing at ANSR, commented on the report's findings: "Diversity should not be a metric but a horizontal priority embedded across an organization's DNA. True progress happens when inclusivity extends beyond hiring—into policies, leadership development, boardroom discussions, and governance. Our survey shows promise year on year, but to drive lasting change, diversity must be an integral part of how businesses operate, not just an initiative."

The study underscores the necessity for structured mentorship and leadership development, particularly within GCCs, where the focus is on cultivating leaders capable of managing diverse global teams. As demand for leadership talent grows, companies are urged to invest in training programs that equip women with the necessary skills to tackle cross-cultural issues and drive innovation.