Kerala’s IT Parks Witness Surging Female Presence

In Kerala’s IT parks, a remarkable trend is unfolding as more women are choosing to work in the IT sector, bucking the national trend. While the proportion of women in the country’s IT sector stands at 34 percent, in Thiruvananthapuram Technopark, Kochi Infopark, and Kozhikode Cyberpark, half of the 1.5 lakh employees are women, and many of them hold top positions in the industry.

A conducive work environment and attractive benefits draw women to IT parks in Kerala. The introduction of work-from-home during the pandemic allowed for better work-life balance, and many employees continue to embrace the hybrid work system, a combination of office and remote work, providing them with flexibility. Nearly 30 to 35 percent of companies in Thiruvananthapuram Technopark are now operating in this hybrid mode.

To encourage the return of employees on temporary leave, some IT park companies offer higher salaries and bonuses. The Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission and Start-Up Mission offer guidance and support to such initiatives. Additionally, recognizing the importance of shared parenting responsibilities, companies in the IT parks provide paternity leave along with maternity leave.

To ease the challenges faced by working mothers, Women Inclusive in IT, in collaboration with IT parks, provides daycare services for babies. They also organize women-only excursions, create friendly support groups, and offer mentoring opportunities.

Amidst this favorable environment, one woman working in Technopark expresses her contentment, stating, “Technopark is like a second home. I never thought of leaving because of the safety and friendly atmosphere here.”
Re-reported from the article originally published in Kaumudi Online