Women in Indian tech face 30% pay gap: TeamLease Digital study
MUMBAI, INDIA — A recent study from TeamLease Digital highlighted a significant income disparity between women in India’s tech industry and their male counterparts.
The research indicates that women earn 22-30% less than men in high-demand tech roles such as data scientist, full-stack engineer, data engineer, product manager, and DevOps positions.
Widespread pay discrepancies across tech roles
The study revealed that the pay gap is pervasive across various roles within the tech sector.
On average, women earn 10-17% less than men in general tech jobs. This disparity is evident even at the entry-level, where female fresh graduates earn approximately 15.38% less than their male peers.
The IT sector in India currently employs about 2.05 million women, 482,000 of whom are employed by Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centers anticipate an increase in female tech professionals from 25% to 35% by 2027.
Root causes of the income gap
Several factors contribute to the income gap, including structural inequalities, career growth obstacles, negotiation gaps, and uneven role distribution.
The disparity is more pronounced in technical and leadership positions, where women face challenges such as insufficient mentorship and limited promotion opportunities.
The lack of women in senior roles is a critical issue, with only 8% of women reaching the C-suite level.
Strategies for achieving pay parity
To address these disparities, the study suggests implementing transparent pay policies, mentorship programs, training on unconscious bias, and flexible working conditions to improve work-life balance.
These measures aim to create a more equitable environment for women in the tech industry, foster growth, and reduce the income gap.
Additionally, to increase women’s participation in the workforce, it is recommended that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education for girls and gender-sensitive hiring practices be promoted.
Future prospects and recommendations
The report also highlights the need for continuous upskilling and advancement opportunities for women as they join the workforce. As technology advances, roles such as Quantum Computing Scientist, Blockchain Developer, and AI Ethics Officer are expected to be in high demand, presenting new opportunities for women in tech.
The tech sector’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial for driving innovation through diversity and ensuring a more balanced representation of women in the industry.
By addressing systemic barriers and implementing targeted interventions, the tech industry can help ensure a more equitable future for women in India’s digital journey.
