Don’t Miss This Major Leap Forward
DT Digital Labs, High Level, DMI Finance, Licious, Alt Mobility and More: United in a Leap Forward
India's $250 billion tech sector employs about 5.4 million people. Do you know how many of those are women? 36 Percent.
While nearly 20 lakh women may seem like a substantial number, it pales in comparison when you realise that many of these women are stuck in junior-level roles for most of their careers. According to Nasscom, women’s representation in the workforce sharply declines as they move up the corporate ladder. For example, only 7% of women hold executive-level positions, just 13% are director-level, and only 17% occupy mid-level managerial positions, according to Skillsoft’s 2022 Women in Tech Report India Region.
The higher you climb, the fewer women you see in the boardrooms.
As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it's essential to remember that the fight for freedom is an ongoing journey. Today's generation continues the struggle for equality in every sphere of life. One such battle is the push for greater representation and inclusion of women in India's thriving tech industry.
This Independance Day, as a special thank you for being a part of this journey, our goodies sponsor for Chhalaang 3.0 — Luzo, has attached a ₹300 voucher exclusively for our newsletter readers. Don’t forget to check it out at the end of this newsletter and enjoy the perk! (scroll down to claim the voucher!)
Diversity is not just a buzzword—it's critical to the success of IT teams. Research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better, attract top talent, have higher engagement, and experience better retention rates than those that overlook diversity and inclusion. Yet, women remain significantly underrepresented in IT roles.
But why? Haven’t we made enough progress?
While it’s true that more women are entering the tech workforce—an encouraging trend—they often find it difficult to stay. The reasons range from a lack of mentors and resources to hostile work cultures and insufficient policies supporting pregnant women, married women, and single parents. These challenges contribute to the high attrition rates of women in tech.
How it’s affecting the industry
The Talent We’re Missing Out On
By not fully engaging women in tech roles, we’re limiting our potential for innovation and growth. Every unutilised talent is a missed opportunity for fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas.
Creativity and Innovation
Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative. When we don’t have enough women in tech, we miss out on different viewpoints and creative solutions. Imagine what we could achieve if we had a more balanced team!
Economic Impact
The gender gap also affects our economy. According to a report by the International Labour Organisation, closing the gender gap in the labour force could add a significant boost to India's GDP. The study estimates that by 2025, achieving gender parity in the workforce could increase India's GDP by approximately US$ 1 trillion.
That said, women deserve better opportunities because it’s the right thing to do.
When we spoke to women at Licious, India’s largest fresh meat, seafood, and gourmet meats brand - this is what they had to say.
“I've worked in HR where, in most organisations, there have generally been more women. But as an HR partner working closely with the technology teams, I'd often walk into meetings where there were very few women, sometimes just me. It’s really valuable to have different perspectives in the room. It’s not just about gender, but about bringing diverse ways of thinking together.” said Tiyasha, People Experience at the company.
Mrinal, at the Tech Team at Licious, added - “Having women on the team makes the work environment more comfortable and motivating. Without this balance, it can be quite challenging for women to thrive. More women in the team bring diverse perspectives that are incredibly valuable.”
Women are underrepresented in high-paying tech jobs, which means we’re not fully tapping into their potential.
Chhalaang 3.0: Making a Difference
This September, we’re thrilled to bring Chhalaang 3.0 - India’s Largest Women-Only Hackathon to Delhi! Following the success of our previous sessions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, Chhalaang 3.0 is all set to take on the country’s capital. We’re bringing together over 350+ talented women in tech for a day filled with innovation, problem-solving, opportunity and a prize pool of up to Rs. 7 Lakhs.
For Chhalaang 3.0, we're excited to partner with leading innovators like Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs, our Brand & Venue Sponsor, known for their cutting-edge digital product innovation, and HighLevel, our Co-Brand Sponsor, offering top-tier sales and marketing tools. Joining them are DMI Finance, driving financial inclusion through advanced analytics and AI, Licious, India’s largest direct-to-consumer meat brand, and Alt Mobility, transforming electric vehicle leasing and management. Each brand brings a unique element to our vision for Chhalaang 3.0.
Sanam Rawal, Founding Partner at MetaMorph, states, "With Chhalaang 3.0, we're setting a new benchmark for women's representation in tech. This initiative is about more than closing the gender gap—it's about rewriting the narrative entirely. Hosting this in Delhi-NCR, a city that pulses with innovation and drive, allows us to amplify the voices of women ready to lead the future of technology."
Swati Gupta, Core Team Member (Acquisition & DEI) at MetaMorph, adds, "Chhalaang 3.0 embodies the power of diversity as a catalyst for change. This isn't just an event; it's a movement that challenges the status quo and celebrates the potential of women in tech. By choosing Delhi-NCR as our venue, we're aligning our mission with a city that's as dynamic and multifaceted as the women we aim to empower."
With tech companies passionate about diversity and a lineup of exciting problem statements, Chhalaang 3.0 promises to be an electrifying event. It’s not just about coding; it’s about creating a space where women can shine, connect, and get the recognition they deserve.
As we approach Chhalaang 3.0, it's important to recognise that the event is more than just a hackathon—it's a step toward a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. Our participating companies are passionate about technology and committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within their organisations.
Our Brand & Event Sponsor, Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs firmly believes that "Talent has no gender" and aims to give more women the chance to excel in tech roles. Their involvement in this women-only hackathon reflects their dedication to providing fair career opportunities and bringing diverse perspectives to the industry. To support this vision, DT Digital Labs has implemented several inclusive practices, such as their Women Employee Resource Group, Magenta Women, inclusive benefits for motherhood, gender-neutral facilities, and equal insurance and adoption support for same-gender partners. They also conduct women-only hiring drives to enhance female representation in tech. Through these efforts, DT Digital Labs is making significant strides in creating a more inclusive tech environment.
Not just them, but our co-brand sponsor - HighLevel is dedicated to driving innovation and fostering diversity in tech. Their support for this women-only hackathon highlights their commitment to empowering female talent and promoting inclusive practices within the industry. By partnering with Chhalaang 3.0, HighLevel is helping to create opportunities for women to showcase their skills, contribute fresh perspectives, and advance their careers in technology. We’re proud to have HighLevel’s support in our mission to bridge the gender gap and celebrate the incredible potential of women in tech.
How We’re Supporting Women in Tech
At MetaMorph, we believe in fostering opportunities and creating platforms where women can excel. With Chhalaang 3.0, we’re providing women who are currently in tech or returning to the field with a chance to showcase their skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and make impactful connections.
What to Expect at Chhalaang 3.0
350+ Women in Tech: A diverse group of developers, designers, and problem-solvers from all over India.
12+ Hours of Hackathon: A full day of intense coding, collaboration, and creativity.
AMA Sessions on Diversity: Discussions and insights on promoting inclusivity in tech.
Exciting Collaborations
A big shoutout to Plix, Purplle, Luzo, and Nua for their support. Their contributions will help make the hackathon an even more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
As promised, here’s a ₹300 voucher by Luzo.
We’re also thrilled to announce HerCircle as our official content partner. Founded by Nita M Ambani, HerCircle is India’s No.1 networking platform for women. Together, we’re committed to amplifying the voices of women in tech and promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the event.
Introducing ReferHer: Your Chance to Win Big
We’re excited to announce our referral program, ReferHer, as part of Chhalaang 3.0! If you’re a woman in tech reading this newsletter, you have the opportunity to invite your fellow women tech friends to join Chhalaang 3.0.
Here’s how it works:
Spread the Word: Share the Chhalaang 3.0 registration link with your women tech friends.
Earn Rewards: For every friend who registers through your referral, you earn points.
Win Prizes: The woman who brings in the most registrations through referrals will win prizes worth up to ₹15,000!
It’s a great way to connect your network with this incredible opportunity while also standing a chance to win some exciting rewards. So start referring, and let’s make Chhalaang 3.0 the most impactful women-only hackathon in India!
We’d love to see you there! If you’re interested, you can register for Chhalaang 3.0 here: Registration Link.
Don’t leave us yet!
Looking for more ways to build a thriving startup team? Explore our range of HR services tailored to the unique needs of Indian startups, including talent acquisition, DEI hiring, and employer branding. MetaMorph can help you attract, retain, and empower your most valuable asset – your people.
MetaMorph isn't your typical HR firm. We're a 360° HR Advisory firm dedicated to helping startups scale, evolve, and grow. We’ve helped more than 220 startups and multiple hires (and counting), providing them with the platform and opportunities they deserve.
Thank you for being a part of the MetaMorph journey!