The tech industry in India is undergoing a paradigm shift, breaking long-standing stereotypes and redefining the role of women in leadership. At the heart of this transformation is the explosive growth of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Once considered back-office hubs, GCCs in India have evolved into strategic innovation centers driving the digital and operational needs of global corporations. This evolution has opened new doors for women, enabling them to rise to prominent leadership positions in the technology sector.
The Numbers Tell a Promising Story
According to industry data, approximately 25% of women employed in the technology sector in India are now working within GCCs. This figure is projected to increase to 27% by 2027, reflecting not only the growing opportunities within GCCs but also the concerted efforts to create a more inclusive work environment.
This positive trend signifies more than just statistics; it represents a critical cultural shift. Women in GCCs are no longer confined to mid-level managerial roles. Instead, they are assuming key leadership positions, steering organizational strategy, and championing innovation. These leaders are shaping the future of tech in India while serving as role models for aspiring professionals across the globe.
Beyond Numbers: The Significance of Leadership Representation
Kumar Rajagopalan, vice president at staffing firm Dexian, highlights an important caveat: “While the trend of appointing women to leadership positions is noteworthy, it cannot stop there.” Indeed, representation in leadership is only the beginning. For sustainable change, organizations must also address the systemic challenges that women face in the workplace.
Leadership roles often come with additional pressures, including navigating societal expectations and breaking through biases that still linger in many professional environments. Organizations must focus on fostering a culture of inclusion that goes beyond tokenism—providing mentorship programs, equitable access to resources, and flexible policies to support work-life balance.
Why GCCs Are Leading the Way
GCCs are uniquely positioned to drive this change. With their emphasis on digital transformation, innovation, and global collaboration, these centers prioritize diverse talent pipelines to remain competitive. Many multinational corporations with GCCs in India have embraced diversity and inclusion as a strategic priority, implementing initiatives to recruit, retain, and promote women in tech.
Several factors contribute to the rise of women leaders in GCCs:
- Skilling and Training Programs: Many GCCs invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, providing women with the tools they need to excel in leadership roles.
- Mentorship and Sponsorship: Programs that connect aspiring women leaders with mentors and sponsors are helping to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
- Flexible Work Policies: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models, which have proven beneficial for women managing dual responsibilities.
- Global Exposure: GCCs often work closely with international teams, giving women leaders visibility and experience on a global stage.
Inspirational Success Stories
The rise of women leaders in GCCs is exemplified by stories of trailblazers who have defied the odds to achieve remarkable success. Leaders like Debjani Ghosh, President of NASSCOM, have set a precedent for women in the tech industry, advocating for policies that empower women and drive digital innovation. Within individual GCCs, numerous women are breaking barriers, heading global projects, and transforming the landscape of the tech industry.
What’s Next? Sustaining the Momentum
While progress is encouraging, the road ahead requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders. Companies must build on the momentum by institutionalizing gender diversity initiatives, offering transparent career advancement opportunities, and addressing the biases that hinder women’s growth in the workplace.
Furthermore, the industry needs a broader cultural shift. Schools, universities, and training institutes play a crucial role in encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. Government policies can also reinforce this change by incentivizing diversity and inclusion practices within organizations.
The GCC boom in India is more than an economic phenomenon; it is a cultural revolution that is empowering women to break through the glass ceiling in technology. As we approach 2027, the increasing representation of women in leadership roles within GCCs is a testament to the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, the work is far from complete. By fostering an ecosystem that supports and uplifts women, India’s tech sector has the potential to become a global benchmark for equality and innovation.
The future of technology is inclusive, and women leaders in India’s GCCs are at the forefront of this transformation.