As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, industry leaders come together to celebrate the achievements of women and emphasize the need for inclusivity, leadership, and empowerment. From technology and AI to business and workforce development, these inspiring voices highlight the role of women in shaping the future.
Ms. Priya Krishnamurthy, Director – Commercial Sales, Acer India
“Women have been pivotal in shaping innovation and progress across industries. This International Women’s Day, under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ we recognize that advancing gender equality is not just a necessity but a catalyst for transformation. At Acer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women in technology and leadership have the opportunities to grow, lead, and shape the future. To truly build an equitable tech industry, we must inspire young girls to explore STEM, support women already in the field, and create pathways for leadership. It requires action, mentorship, and a collective commitment from organizations, leaders, and communities. When women are empowered, we don’t just bridge gaps—we ignite innovation, accelerate economic growth, and create a future that benefits everyone. Let’s break barriers, challenge biases, and build an industry where every woman and girl has the chance to thrive.”
Ms. Vasanthi Ramesh, Managing Director, NetApp India
“We recognise that diversity isn’t just a metric — it drives innovation. Women currently hold 10.4% of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, this presents tremendous opportunities for more women to break the glass ceiling and make an impact. A three-pronged approach can pave the way for future leadership: proactive networking to build meaningful relationships, clear and confident communication to amplify our voices, and a strong mentorship culture to support one another.
At NetApp, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive ecosystem where women thrive as innovators and decision-makers. Our Women in Technology (WIT) group, one of our largest employee resource groups, champions mentorship, networking, and professional growth, ensuring women have access to the opportunities they deserve. With AI and intelligent data infrastructure reshaping the industry, it brings an incredible opportunity for women in tech. Progress isn’t just about representation, it’s about empowerment. As leaders, we must ensure equal access to skills, invest in growth, and foster an inclusive culture. When we step out of our comfort zones and uplift one another, we don’t just change the industry—we redefine it.”
Ms. Anita Kukreja, Head – Strategic Alliances & Brand, IceWarp India
“International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women’s achievements but also a call to action for a more equitable and inclusive world. Women today are driving change across industries, leading with resilience, innovation, and determination. Yet, true progress lies in creating an environment where opportunities are not defined by gender but by talent, ambition, and capability.
Empowerment goes beyond recognition—it is about fostering a culture where women are encouraged to take leadership roles, their voices are valued, and their contributions shape the future. Organizations must continue to break barriers, promote diversity, and invest in the growth of women professionals. When we uplift women, we uplift communities, businesses, and economies.
As we celebrate this day, let’s collectively work towards a world where equality is not an aspiration but a reality. Let’s inspire the next generation of women to dream big, lead fearlessly, and redefine success on their own terms.”
Ms. Anjali Sharma, Director, Global Head of L&D, Fulcrum Digital
“The digital revolution isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Women must not only participate but lead in shaping its course. At Fulcrum Digital, we believe learning & development is key to ensuring women are equipped for today’s digital demands and tomorrow’s innovations.
With India leading in AI skill penetration among women—at 1.7 times the global average—we are witnessing a powerful shift. Yet, the real challenge lies in translating these skills into greater influence, as women continue to break technological barriers but remain underrepresented in leadership. Today, AI is no longer just a tool; it is enabling Unified Intelligence—where human potential and machine capabilities work together to create lasting impact. As Unified Intelligence moves toward Human Intelligence Amplification, AI is helping women break barriers, access new opportunities, and drive meaningful change—without replacing their expertise, creativity, or leadership.
This Women’s Day, let’s focus on accelerating this transformation by making learning more adaptive and accessible. With the right opportunities and support, more women can step into leadership roles and shape the future of technology.”
Ms. Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head, Clover Academy
“A career in technology has been both fulfilling and transformative for me. I’ve always been fascinated by how dynamic the tech industry is—it constantly evolves, creating endless opportunities to learn and grow. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ is a powerful reminder that progress happens when we step forward with confidence and purpose. To young women aspiring to build a career in STEM—do not be intimidated. The path ahead may have its challenges, but many women before you have walked it and paved the way. Keep learning, keep exploring, and remember—you belong here.”
Ms. Vandana Singal, Pre-sales Head – PDES, Happiest Minds Technologies
“International Women’s Day 2025 is an inspiring reminder of the amazing advancements women are creating in the technology landscape. Leadership by them isn’t about taking seats of power; it’s about promoting cooperation, driving humane innovation, and advocating for inclusion. The innovations led under women leaders propel the creation of revolutionary technologies, and their courage is inspiring the next generations of woman technologists. Let us help them to further build a fairer and technology-driven world through mentorship, resource access, and spaces in which they will be heard.”
Ms. Deepti C Moolya, Associate Director People Practice & D&I Lead, Happiest Minds Technologies
“As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, we need to go beyond gestures of acknowledgment and adopt a long-term commitment to equal opportunities. This involves a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond equal hiring practices and open promotion channels to include strong mentorship initiatives that develop talent and mentor women through their careers. We need to break down systemic barriers that block progress, and proactively foster a culture where every woman, no matter her background, feels empowered to achieve her full potential. Knowing that diverse viewpoints drive innovation, we know that our shared success is inextricably tied to the empowerment of women leaders and innovators across our organization.”
Ms. Neha Sampat, Founder & CEO at Contentstack
“Technology has the power to level the playing field, and women are already leading its transformation across industries. To sustain this progress, businesses must go beyond symbolic representation and ensure that women have real influence in leadership, decision-making, and innovation. Diversity is not just about hiring—it is about creating environments where different perspectives shape the future of technology in meaningful ways. In an era of rapid change, the organisations that thrive will be those that recognise inclusion not as a concession, but as a strategic advantage that drives better outcomes for everyone.”
Ms. Neha Bagaria, Founder and CEO at HerKey
“Women in India are not just breaking ceilings; they are redefining the very structures that once held them back. The future of work is inclusive, and it is time for organisations to actively champion women’s leadership, not just as a goal but as a necessity for business success. By fostering a culture of mentorship, flexibility, and equal opportunities, we can unlock the immense potential of women in the workforce and drive meaningful progress for the economy. True empowerment comes when women are supported at every stage of their career journey, from entry to leadership, creating a cycle of growth that benefits all.”
Ms. Simmi Dhamija, Chief Operating Officer at AIonOS
“At AIonOS, we believe progress starts with equal opportunities for all. Equality is not just a goal—it’s essential for innovation, stronger economies, and a better future. When women are empowered with skills and leadership roles, industries transform, and society thrives. As we align with the theme “Accelerate Action,” we recognize that real change requires commitment. We are driving this transformation by promoting an inclusive environment where diverse talent can thrive, lead, and shape the future of AI. Together, we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
Ms. Tina Singh, HR Director at Clavrit
“True progress happens when women are empowered to lead, innovate, and shape the future. It’s not just about creating opportunities—it’s about recognizing the strength, intelligence, and resilience that women bring to every field. When diverse voices are heard, industries thrive, and real change takes place.
To every woman striving to make an impact—believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and never let doubt hold you back. Success isn’t just about breaking barriers for yourself but also about lifting others along the way. Support one another, celebrate each milestone, and keep pushing forward with confidence.
When women uplift each other, we don’t just break glass ceilings—we build a stronger, more inclusive world for generations to come.”
Ms. Anamika Luthra, Key Business Account Manager, 5Tattva
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of women across all walks of life. Women today are not just breaking barriers but are also redefining leadership, innovation, and success in every industry. From boardrooms to classrooms, from science labs to startups, their contributions are shaping a more progressive and inclusive world. However, true empowerment comes when we create an ecosystem that nurtures equal opportunities, recognizes talent beyond gender biases, and fosters a culture of respect and support.
As we celebrate this day, let’s commit to uplifting each other, challenging outdated norms, and championing the cause of gender equality. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the freedom to dream, the courage to lead, and the opportunity to succeed without limitations. Let’s inspire change, break stereotypes, and create a world where equality is not just an ideal but a reality.”
Ms. Radhika Subramanian, Director of Finance at Ennoventure, Inc.
“The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for urgent and meaningful steps toward gender equality, recognizing that progress is only possible when women are empowered as leaders, innovators and changemakers. Studies consistently show that organizations embracing gender diversity are more resilient, forward-thinking and successful. A report by the World Economic Forum highlights that closing gender gaps in economic participation could boost global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025, making it an undeniable testament to the power of inclusive growth.
Women bring unique perspectives that drive innovation, encourage collaboration, and create lasting impact. Their leadership is not just beneficial; it is essential for sustainable progress. At Ennoventure, Inc., we believe that accelerating action means creating real opportunities for women to thrive, breaking barriers, and championing equitable access to leadership and growth.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender parity, promoting an environment where women can lead with confidence, and inspiring collective action to build a more inclusive, prosperous future for all.”
Ms. Tiffany Chan, Co-Founder and COO, Pantherun Technologies
“Women have always been resilient, strong, and capable of shaping the world around them. It’s inspiring to see more women today pursuing their interests fearlessly, breaking outdated stereotypes, and driving progress in every field. While we’ve made meaningful strides toward gender equality, the journey continues.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,’ is a powerful call to push forward with bold, decisive steps. By challenging bias, dismantling barriers, and creating more opportunities, we can foster a future where women thrive, in all fields including technologies like cybersecurity and data protection, where diversity strengthens innovation.
At Pantherun Technologies, we believe that true progress comes from action, not just intention. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, championing mentorship, and ensuring that talent—not gender—defines opportunity. Our focus on gender equality isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more secure digital world where diverse perspectives drive meaningful breakthroughs.”
Ms. Sevonne Eliyahu, Chief Revenue Officer, Onebeat
“Women have always been a driving force in the retail industry, making up 60% of its workforce. Despite their significant presence, few hold leadership roles, limiting their influence on decisions that shape a key consumer base – women. Increasing female representation in decision-making positions will bring diverse perspectives to the table and help retail tech companies address intricate consumer challenges across all genders.
As technology and AI reshape the industry, bridging the gap between businesses’ perception of consumers and their actual needs is more critical than ever. Globally, women make up just 22% of the AI workforce. Given their pivotal role in retail and tech growth, advancing women into leadership is not just about inclusivity —it will also drive consumer-centric innovation and industry-wide progress.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to address these gaps. In line with this year’s theme of unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities, intentional efforts must be made to uplift women. Policies focusing on tech upskilling, training and mentorship can drive meaningful change, leading to better consumer-centric practices and a more equitable future.”
Ms. Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet Systems
“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.
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!”
Ms. Pallavi Katiyar, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tech Mahindra
“Women in leadership bring a powerful mix of intelligence, empathy, and innovation—critical for today’s complex business landscape. As we embrace this year’s IWD theme, fostering gender diversity through leadership programs and mentorship becomes even more crucial. With continuous efforts and support, these actions will drive a revolution, making opportunities in technology more inclusive, holistic, and impactful.”
Ms. Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO
“Accelerating action for gender parity isn’t just the goal but a necessity. Instead of waiting for change, we must step up and be the change. Women have talent, resilience, and vision to drive national growth, yet they continue to struggle with access to finance, skill development, and leadership roles. Having experienced the power of financial independence, I believe empowering women is not just fair but essential for economic progress. At FICCI FLO, we are committed to driving this change through impactful skilling initiatives across levels, like the recent 100 Girls Empowerment Program and the Women Directors Program. Strengthening these efforts, recent MoUs with ICA Eduskills, Yes Bank, and Support a Skill Care Foundation further support women’s skill development. With projects like India’s first 100% women-owned industrial park in Hyderabad, we are setting new benchmarks. Progress happens when we take action, and the time to act is now.”
Ms. Glory Nelson, India Head, Xebia
“True inclusion goes beyond hiring women. It is about ensuring they thrive at every career stage. At Xebia, we’re building workplaces where women don’t just join but lead, innovate, and shape the future of technology.
Our commitment is to break the barriers to growth, from opening leadership pathways to supporting returning professionals, especially mothers, with flexibility and opportunity. Through initiatives like ‘Empowered Xebians,’ we elevate women’s voices and equip them to succeed—whether they’re starting out, advancing, or restarting.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about results: empowered women drive stronger teams, bolder ideas, and faster growth. As leaders, we’re here to clear the path, amplify talent, and ensure every woman has the tools to lead with confidence. Xebia isn’t just opening doors. We are empowering women to redefine what’s beyond them.”
Covered By: NCN MAGAZINE / Women’s Day
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