Women now seeking equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including the workforce. The capacity to pursue occupations and become financially independent is one of the major rights and opportunities that women aspire for. Employment plays a crucial role in empowering women in many ways. It makes women economically independent; it helps to develop their skills and build up their careers. Women being employed in a well-established organization can build a strong network and connections both socially and professionally. It not only enhances their self-esteem but also boosts their decision-making capability. Getting equal pay and equal opportunities for female workers with their male counterparts has become a necessity in today's time.
Over the past few decades, India's IT industry has grown significantly and become a major contributor to the country's economy. The IT Industry in India is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the country. Software development, IT services, business process outsourcing (BPO), IT Consulting, and more are included in this industry. The IT Industry has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by the factors such as skilled professionals, cost competitiveness, favorable government policies, and a growing domestic market. It has played a pivotal role in transforming India's image as a leading provider of software and IT services, driving innovation, and creating a skilled workforce.
The IT industry has also played a crucial role in improving women’s participation in the workforce. Over the years more and more women have been opting to join the IT services industry owing to various factors. The trend is on the rise with no signs of stopping anytime soon, as showcased by the recently released survey by Xpheno, a provider of IT job opportunities, engineering solutions, and more.
What does the Xpheno Survey say?
According to a survey conducted by the employment company Xpheno, the percentage of women working at the top IT firms saw a sudden rise of 6.5 per cent in FY23. According to a study by the Economic Times (ET), top Indian Information Technology (IT) services companies including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, and LTIMindtree are continuing to hire a good number of female employees despite layoffs and a general downturn in tech employment.
The HR directors of the organizations claim that a range of activities, from those at the entry level to those at the senior leadership level, is being done to enhance the working environment for women. At the end of the fiscal year 2023, these five organizations had at least one female employee for every three male employees, according to research done.
According to the study done by the Staffing Agency Xpheno under contract to ET, the percentage of women working at these IT organizations increased by 6.5 per cent in FY23, outperforming the rise in their total overall headcount, which was 5.9 per cent.
The co-founder of Xpheno, Kamal Karanth, stated that the fact that more than 500,000 women professionals work for just the top five Indian IT service bellwethers is commendable. He also noted that, 44 per cent in the proportion of women working in this category since the coronavirus pandemic. According to Xpheno, these firm's overall workforce increased by 42 per cent during the same period.
Infosys started an initiative named "Restart with Infosys" which targeted people taking career breaks, this firm employed more than 300 women last year. "Mom's Net" is a different program that offers lactation rooms, interaction areas, and well-appointed workstations to female employees. Women make up to 39.4 per cent of the workforce at the corporation as of March 31, 2023, a hike of 3 per cent from the previous year.
Why do women choose to work in the IT industry?
The IT Industry provides a variety of working opportunities, including those in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other fields. The need for IT specialists is growing as technology develops and becomes more and more important in many industries. Women now have a wide range of employment options and chances for professional advancement.
They also get frequent choices of flexible working schedules, remote work, and freelancing employment in today's time. Women can balance out their personal and professional lives because of this flexibility, making it a desirable option for those looking to achieve a better work-life balance.
Women’s Empowerment Through Technology
Women empowerment is a major objective of IT Industries because it provides them with the knowledge and abilities to develop innovative solutions and drive change. Technology has the potential to address societal challenges and advance equality. Women professionals in IT can contribute to this by developing inclusive technologies and influencing industry trends.
There are several groups, networks, and organizations that aim to empower and help women working in the IT sector. For women to excel in their jobs, these groups provide mentoring programs, networking opportunities, and resources. This support system creates a sense of belonging and encourages more women to enter and thrive in the industry.
The IT industry in India is the leading future for job aspirants. Women pursuing their careers in IT industries will receive eminent job opportunities, substantial revenue, build a reputation for delivering high-quality software development, and more.
