High Potentials Under High Pressure in India's Technology Sector

In 2012, the Indian technology industry had $100 billion in revenues and contributed 7.5% to India's GDP. The technology sector in India is uniquely positioned to change India's economic outlook, and women in the technology sector can play an important role in this transformation.Unlike in many other countries and industries, the high-potential women in India's technology organizations start their careers in similar positions, have similar levels of responsibility, and earn comparable salaries as men.Despite this promising start, a gender gap emerges over time. In this report, Catalyst found that:Women reported earning Rs. 3,79,570 (approximately US $6,000) less than men in their current jobs.Women and men received similar amounts of development through formal programs, but women received fewer of the on-the-job experiences, or "hot jobs," that really matter, such as international assignments and mission-critical roles, than men.Women in dual-career marriages (19%) were four times more likely than men (5%) to report that they had assumed the role of "stay-at-home-partner" at some point in their career.All these factors coalesce to contribute to a lack of female talent in critical senior-level positions in India's technology sector.Organizations in India can't afford a leaky pipeline of talented women. Focusing on ensuring pay equity, equal access to developmental opportunities, and flexible and inclusive environments for women is critical for retaining this important talent