International Women's Day 2026
New Delhi, March 8, 2026: As organizations around the world observe International Women’s Day 2026, conversations across boardrooms and workplaces are increasingly focused on translating commitments to gender equality into meaningful action. From strengthening leadership pipelines and expanding opportunities in technology to fostering inclusive policies and mentorship, industry leaders are emphasizing the need to accelerate women’s participation and influence in the future of work. As sectors navigate rapid technological transformation and evolving workplace expectations, executives across companies highlight that empowering women is not only a matter of equity but also a key driver of innovation, responsible leadership, and sustainable business growth.
Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO, Salesforce – South Asia
“As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 under the powerful theme ‘Give To Gain,’ I am reminded that true progress in gender equality has never been a zero-sum game. Throughout my journey—from breaking barriers as the first woman to chair the State Bank of India to now leading Salesforce’s transformation across South Asia—I have witnessed firsthand how investing in women creates a multiplier effect that elevates entire organizations and societies.
The challenges women face today remain deeply entrenched. Despite holding only 64% of the legal rights that men possess worldwide, despite being underrepresented in C-suites and boardrooms, and despite confronting persistent societal norms that question our capabilities at every turn, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and leadership. Several times during my career there were doubts about whether I could do it and the answer came not through words, but through our collective performance and innovation.
‘Give To Gain’ resonates profoundly because it captures what I have learned across four decades in both the public and private sectors: when organizations give women opportunities, mentorship, flexible policies, and genuine support, they gain innovation, diverse perspectives, and stronger business outcomes. When we give women sabbatical leave, equal pay, and seats at decision-making tables, we gain sustainable growth that benefits everyone.
At Salesforce, we put this belief into action. Through initiatives like our EQE: LEAD** Women South Asia program, we empower women leaders across Salesforce in the region, building a supportive community that fosters growth and an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our Return to Work program gives women who’ve taken career breaks a platform to restart their journeys. And through our annual Trailblazing Women Summit, we bring together leaders across industries to explore how AI is reshaping the future of work – because the future must be built with women, not just for them.
This Women’s Day, I urge leaders to move beyond token gestures. Champion the women in your organizations with resources, visibility, and real pathways to leadership. Mentor them, amplify their voices, and create environments where they can thrive. Because when women rise, businesses transform, economies strengthen, and communities flourish. That is the true meaning of ‘Give To Gain’—generosity that creates abundance for all.”
Sandhya Arun, Chief Technology Officer, Wipro Ltd.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that as technology advances, representation of women in technology leadership must keep pace. Though more women are entering STEM and digital careers, their presence in senior technology roles remains limited.
As technology becomes more deeply embedded in business and society, inclusive leadership shapes not just innovation, but outcomes. Creating space for women in senior technology roles brings broader perspectives into decision making and strengthens how systems are built and applied. At Wipro, this means investing in leadership pathways that enable women to grow into influential technology roles and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s digital future. Inclusion, when built into talent development and leadership design, helps ensure technology is created with responsibility, balance, and long-term impact in mind.”
Deepa Madhavan, Vice President Product Engineering and India Country Head, Genesys
“While women representation in India’s IT sector is gradually evolving, sustained and focused efforts are needed to bridge remaining gaps and accelerate inclusive growth across the broader technology ecosystem. On International Women’s Day, as we reflect on this year’s theme “Give To Gain”, it is important to think about how we can encourage more women to pursue careers in technology by sharing opportunities, guidance, and support.
My message to women considering a career in tech is simple: believe in your potential and take that step forward. Connect with people in the industry, seek mentors who can guide and support you, and take time to explore the wide range of opportunities available. Think about how your unique skills and experiences can make a difference because your ideas, voice, and leadership are essential to building a more inclusive and innovative technology ecosystem in India.”
Jaya Virwani, Chief Wellbeing Officer and DE&I Leader at EY GDS
“As AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshape industries, women leaders are helping guide this transformation with empathy, clarity and a deep sense of responsibility. At EY GDS, we are increasing the number of women in technology roles and strengthening the STEM pipeline through focused hiring, learning pathways and mentorship. We are also investing heavily in AI literacy for all our people so they can participate confidently in the digital future. Our approach to inclusion is broad and intersectional, but we apply a strong gender lens because real and sustainable progress needs deliberate action. In the coming years, I believe we will see more women shaping responsible AI, leading digital programs and influencing how technology evolves to serve society fairly. When women thrive in tech, innovation moves forward for everyone.”
Shishir Saxena, Executive Vice President & India Head, Innover Digital
“The best decisions emerge from teams that are willing to challenge each other- respectfully- while working towards the right answer. That kind of thoughtful debate only happens when the room reflects diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Yet, there is still considerable ground to cover when it comes to women’s representation in the roles shaping AI, data, and software engineering. That ultimately influences the technologies we build and the communities they serve.
At Innover, we recognize that responsibility. While we are not where we want to be yet, we are intentional about strengthening the talent pipeline, creating meaningful opportunities for Innovators to grow their careers, and ensuring that more diverse voices are present in the rooms where decisions are made.”
Piyali Goswami, Director of Software Engineering, Texas Instruments
“Innovation accelerates when everyone can contribute their best work, and I’m constantly inspired by how women in STEM strengthen the way we solve complex challenges. What I’ve learned is that real progress happens through authentic mentorship and genuine opportunities. The women entering our field today value transparency and leaders who create space for their voices from day one. When I see programs like TI India’s WiSH (Women in Semiconductors and Hardware), I’m reminded that structured mentorship and community help women grow into the leadership roles that will shape our industry.”
Virginia Galarón, Customer Advocate Director at New Relic
International Women’s Day is a strong reminder that progress in India’s technology landscape is built on mutual support and shared investment in one another’s success. Women now constitute 43% of STEM graduates in India, one of the highest in the world. Yet, there’s the potential is lost in the transition to the workforce, where women’s representation in executive roles falls to 4-8%.
The ‘give to gain’ mindset is essential to plugging this gap. When we invest in one another through time, mentorship, advocacy, education or simply visibility, we create more opportunity for everyone. When women thrive, industries grow stronger, innovation accelerates and communities become more resilient.
In technology, one of the most powerful ways we can give is through impact. The work we do must solve real problems for customers, teams and the broader industry. In my day-to-day work, I see firsthand how careers flourish when professionals shift from completing tasks to creating sustained value. When we give our curiosity, our attention, and our commitment to understanding why the work matters, we build the route that allows women to move from entry-level roles to the C-suite, where they currently hold only 14% of positions. That mindset not only strengthens organisations, it creates pathways for others to follow.
For women in tech, clarity of purpose is a gift you can give yourself. Every project has an intended outcome. Understanding that outcome early allows you to prioritise effectively, influence decisions, and deliver results that truly matter. When you anchor your work in purpose, you build confidence and credibility that compound over time.
Your voice is also a contribution. There will be moments when you are the only woman in the room. That can feel daunting, but it is also powerful. Being the only one means you bring a perspective that is not yet represented. Diverse thinking is essential to solving complex challenges, and your insight may be the catalyst that changes the direction of a conversation or a strategy. By speaking up, you are not just advancing your own career. You are expanding what leadership looks like for others.
IWD is ultimately an opportunity for us to recognise that advancement is collective. When we advocate and create space for others, we strengthen the entire ecosystem. When we choose to keep learning, have the confidence to speak up and take the time to build trust, we open doors not only for ourselves but for others as well.
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