Union Budget 2024 takes a 𝘾𝙝𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙖𝙣𝙜 towards bridging the diversity gap.

Here's how.

I know we usually reserve our updates for Thursdays, but we're breaking tradition today because we have some incredibly important news to share. The Union Budget 2024 has just been announced, and it brings a powerful focus on the participation of women in the workforce. We couldn't wait to share this with you!

With all eyes on the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, she unveiled a ₹3 lakh crore Budget outlay towards women and girl-centric schemes. This includes support for women employees and first-timers in the workforce, offering one month's wage to all newly entering the workforce. The Union Budget 2024 aims to boost women’s workforce participation by setting up Working Women Hostels in collaboration with the industry and establishing childcare centres. This will be a gamechanger especially for women returning to the workforce and single parents.

This comes as India moves towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce everyday. Most recently, the country's female labour force participation rate climbed to 24 per cent in Q2FY24. At MetaMorph, we have been trying to bridge this gap in the workforce with Chhalaang - India's largest women-only hackathon.

As per the latest research, Women comprise only 37% of India’s workforce - the number is even lesser in Tech. (Offices often have more chairs than women in their tech teams.)

Even though the gender disparity in tech is improving with time; while women are entering the tech workforce in high numbers, it remains challenging for them to stay - with extreme pay gaps, lack of mentors and hostile work policies.

Source: AIM Research

With two successful sessions in Mumbai and Bengaluru - Chhalaang 3.0 is now coming to Delhi in September 2024. 350+ women in tech, multiple problem statements and tech companies that are passionate about diversity - all under one roof in India's capital city. The energy and innovation at our past events were simply electrifying, and we’re thrilled about what’s in store for Delhi!

With Chhalaang 3.0 - we want to provide more opportunities to these women in the tech workforce or those returning, giving them the platform they deserve. This is personal for us at MetaMorph because every story of a woman breaking barriers is a victory for all of us.

Does your company want to participate in Chhalaang 3.0 and help us bridge the gender gap in tech? Contact us at swati@metamorph.work. Let’s make a difference together!