Enabling Indian Women Career Reentry in Technology – A Learning Journey

Abstract

The United Nations has placed significant emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with gender equality now recognized as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. This focus is particularly crucial in developing countries like India, where traditional gender roles persist, often relegating women to roles primarily focused on childcare and elderly care. Despite growing awareness of gender equality, there remains a strong decline in the representation of women in mid-career and senior positions within the technology sector, largely attributed to lack of self-motivation and confidence. To address this disparity, initiatives such as the Returning Mothers Conference have emerged as pivotal interventions, offering skill development, mentorship, and acknowledgement. The conference aims to rebalance the scales by empowering women to recognize the significance of financial independence and encouraging them to take proactive steps towards re-joining the workforce. The impact of such initiatives is evident in the increasing willingness of employers to offer skill development programs and the rising number of female applicants engaging with these opportunities.