Women In Tech: Share In Contractual Roles Rises, But Pay Parity Remains A Major Struggle

Women's participation in IT services grew to 21.2% in 2024 from 7.8% in 2020, but their presence in mid-level roles remained limited at 8.93 per cent, report by TeamLease Digital showed.

The report, titled ‘Gender Parity: Shaping Workforce Equity,’ attributed this increase to improvements in digital infrastructure, expanded remote work opportunities, and growing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Source : Freepik

The representation of women in India’s tech contractual workforce has risen significantly, reaching 27.98 per cent in 2024, up from 9.51 per cent recorded in 2020. However, despite this progress, gender disparities in career advancement and pay persist, a report released by TeamLease Digital on Wednesday showed.

The report, titled ‘Gender Parity: Shaping Workforce Equity,’ attributed this increase to improvements in digital infrastructure, expanded remote work opportunities, and growing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reported PTI.

While these factors have contributed to higher participation rates, they are yet to translate into substantial career progression for women in the sector.

Challenges in Leadership Representation and Pay Parity

Despite the rising number of women entering tech contractual roles, barriers to leadership remain a major hurdle. TeamLease Digital CEO Neeti Sharma stressed the need for a broader, sustained approach to achieving true gender parity. “While we celebrate the growing presence of women in tech contractual roles, we must recognise that achieving true gender parity requires sustained efforts and a multi-faceted approach that transcends hiring more women. The lack of representation in leadership positions and the persistent gender pay gap indicate the need for long-term structural change. Companies must work towards creating environments where women can not only enter but also grow and lead in their careers,” Sharma stated.

The report, based on a quantitative analysis of a proprietary dataset of 13,000 associates from TeamLease Digital’s tech contractual workforce between 2020 and 2024, highlights the gender gap in mid-level positions.

While the participation of women in IT services grew to 21.2 per cent in 2024 from 7.8 per cent in 2020, their presence in mid-level roles remains limited, rising only to 8.93 per cent from 4.13 per cent in the same period. These figures suggest that women continue to face challenges in advancing beyond entry-level roles.

Persistent Pay Gaps Across Career Levels

The report also sheds light on pay disparities, revealing a gender pay gap of 6 per cent at entry-level positions. This gap widens to 19 per cent at mid-level roles, underscoring the difficulties women face as they climb the corporate ladder. Interestingly, at senior levels, the pay gap is slightly lower, standing at 13 per cent.

While the report acknowledged the progress made in terms of inclusivity, it emphasised that companies need to take further steps to ensure that women not only enter the workforce but also receive equal opportunities for growth and leadership.