On International Women’s Day, leaders across the tech industry share their perspectives on gender equity, the strides women have made, and the challenges that remain. From fostering inclusive workplaces to amplifying women’s voices, these trailblazers emphasize the critical need for systemic change to achieve true equality.
Vinny Sharma, Senior Marketing Director – Asia Pacific Japan, Europe & Middle East Africa at Securonix, reflected on the remarkable progress women have made in the tech industry. “Women in the tech industry have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of innovation. Over the years, we have seen a significant shift—from being underrepresented in technical and leadership roles to actively leading groundbreaking advancements in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. However, while progress is undeniable, the journey toward true equity is far from over. Women continue to face challenges, from unconscious bias to limited access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. The key to overcoming these hurdles lies in fostering inclusive workplaces that prioritize diversity, encourage mentorship, and create leadership pathways for women at all levels.
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Organizations must go beyond just hiring more women—they need to invest in their growth, amplify their voices, and ensure they have a seat at the table where critical decisions are made. Representation matters, and when women see leaders who look like them in executive positions, it inspires confidence and ambition in the next generation of talent.”
Kristine Daniels, a technology industry professional with over two decades of experience, highlighted the evolution of women in leadership roles. “Over the past decade, the tech industry has undergone a significant shift, with more women rising to leadership roles as CIOs, CISOs, and CROs and beyond. This isn’t just about presence; it’s about acceptance. Women have proven their strategic expertise, resilience, and impact in shaping the future of tech. And let’s be clear, these women are not just leaders; they are multi-faceted powerhouses, balancing executive roles with family and community. This Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable industry.”
Latha Narayanan, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at L&T Semiconductor Technologies, stressed the strategic importance of gender equity in business. “At L&T Semiconductor Technologies, we recognize that gender equity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic business priority. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must reflect on our progress and the work still ahead. From breaking into traditionally male-oriented industries like semiconductors to balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities, women continue to face specific challenges in the workplace.
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We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where women can thrive and lead. This starts with fostering a culture of equality, where every voice is heard and valued. As a growing organization, we are implementing mentorship and upskilling programs like i-Rise, leadership development tracks, and flexible work policies to support women at every stage of their careers. Additionally, we are actively working to increase the representation of women across all roles, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to excel. The semiconductor industry is at the forefront of technological innovation, and diversity is key to unlocking its full potential. By empowering women to take on leadership roles and contribute to groundbreaking advancements, we are not only accelerating gender equity but also driving innovation and growth for our organization and the industry.”
Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head at Visionet Systems, emphasized the importance of actionable strategies. “Progress on gender equity and inclusivity demands more than intent—it calls for fast-paced action, clear goals with measurable impact, committed tracking, and above all, an unapologetic drive to learn and grow. We must start early, cultivate strong internal sponsors and champions across our teams and organization, and foster a culture of shared learning.
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At Visionet, we believe the most powerful inspiration comes from within. Through platforms like Women of Visionet, we provide a safe space for our people to share their stories—stories that are often more impactful, relatable, and actionable than those seen across the larger industry. By learning from one another, we accelerate progress and drive meaningful change. Real change happens when we lead by example, transforming ambition into decisive action and tangible outcomes. This International Women’s Day, let’s not just celebrate—let’s accelerate action!”
Sushree Panda, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing and Communications at Varthana, underscored the urgency of bridging the gender gap. “As we approach International Women’s Day, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ underscores the importance of investing in women for the betterment of society and businesses. True gender equality remains a distant goal—over 130 years away at the current pace, according to the World Economic Forum. This is not just a statistic, but a powerful call to action.
Despite efforts in diversity and inclusion, women are still underrepresented in senior roles and ‘the broken rung’—the barrier at the first step to management—persists. Female boardroom representation remains lowest at the executive level, even as women do better on the consumer-facing side. Without equal representation, progress will stall. To drive real progress, businesses must address systemic barriers—providing equal opportunities, fostering mentorship, and ensuring pay equity.
At Varthana, we believe progress isn’t just about awareness; it’s about breaking the barriers that make gender equality a distant dream. We leverage the transformative power of women to drive the change needed to bridge the gap. This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate those who’ve shattered ceilings, but also reflect on those still facing hurdles. Let’s take action to dismantle systemic inequalities and create opportunities for every woman—regardless of where she starts—to rise, lead, and transform the world.”
Moushumi Roy, Partner Marketing Specialist-India and South Asia, Acronis, acknowledged the contributions of women shaping the future of technology. “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who are shaping the future of tech. From coding new possibilities to leading innovation, women in tech are breaking boundaries and redefining the industry. While the road to equality continues, every woman’s contribution makes a powerful impact—whether she’s building the next big app, leading a startup, or inspiring the next generation of tech leaders. Let’s keep pushing for progress, empowering women to lead, create, and innovate. Happy International Women’s Day to all the tech trailblazers out there!” she said.
Melody Lopez, Director and Chief of Staff at Crayon, encouraged women to embrace the journey rather than striving solely for perfection. “As women, we often chase perfection, but it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the journey. Embrace what you love and let your passions shine. True dedication and authenticity are essential, and when your heart is in it, there are no limits to what you can achieve. Let’s celebrate our journeys and the incredible possibilities that arise when we follow our passions.”
