Abstract

The Information Technology (IT) industry has dramatically transformed India’s small towns and cities, driving innovation, economic opportunities, and new forms of employment. This transformation has created both upward mobility and increased social inequalities, with women being central to these changes. Women, particularly middle-class, English-speaking workers, have found new roles in this globalized industry, enjoying higher incomes and transnational status. However, they continue to face significant challenges, including limited negotiation power for flexible work conditions, wage gaps, and the pressure of balancing workplace and domestic expectations. The conflicting demands of care work and the experience of violence further complicate women’s roles at home and work. Care work reflects contested gender identities, while violence often results from shifting power dynamics within households. These tensions are pivotal in understanding gender dynamics in India’s IT industry.

This report presents findings from an online survey of IT workers, focusing on gender disparities, care responsibilities, experiences of violence, and coping strategies. The survey was primarily conducted with employees of an IT firm headquartered in Amritsar, supplemented by a broader pool of respondents. Additionally, the study highlights the challenges faced in accessing information from within the IT sector. The report concludes with a review of existing research, a discussion of survey results and telephonic interviews, and recommendations for future studies on gender and the IT industry in India.

CBPS. (2015). Emerging employment opportunities and women's experiences of empowerment and violence. Bengaluru, Karnataka: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.