Women in tech companies and global capability centers (GCCs) earn 15-20% less than their male counterparts on average. This is according to the second edition of the annual Women in Technology report by ANSR and Talent500. The pay gap is caused by things like occupational segregation.
This is when women are often concentrated in lower-paying roles. Unconscious bias in performance evaluations and promotion decisions also plays a part. Addressing these issues is key to achieving true pay equity in the GCC sector.
The 2025 report shows a big shift in workplace diversity initiatives. Women are also growing more confident in AI adoption. However, challenges like the glass ceiling, pay disparity, and lack of mentorship still hinder career advancement.
The number of women who think their company’s diversity efforts are just symbolic or slow-moving dropped from 70% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. This is a substantial improvement. GCCs are leading the way in AI adoption.
Women technologists are excited to embrace its potential. Most women technologists are enthusiastic about integrating new AI tools into mainstream workflows. This is especially true for tools that enhance developer productivity.
Pay disparity in tech industry
In fact, 66% of women now feel equipped to use AI in their roles. This is up from less than 40% last year.
Workplace safety is still a priority. Nearly 75% of respondents say their workplace provides a safe and inclusive environment. However, the number of women citing unfair pay has increased by 10%.
7 in 10 women also say career advancement opportunities remain out of reach. Smitha Hemmigae, Head of Marketing at ANSR, spoke on the report’s findings. She said, “Diversity should not be a metric but a horizontal priority embedded across an organization’s DNA.
True progress happens when inclusivity extends beyond hiring—into policies, leadership development, boardroom discussions, and governance. Our survey shows promise year on year, but to drive lasting change, diversity must be an integral part of how businesses operate, not just an initiative.
The report highlights a growing need for structured mentorship and leadership development programs. 58% of women report a lack of strong mentorship.
This gap in leadership support is particularly evident in GCCs. These organizations are increasingly focused on developing leaders who can manage diverse, global teams. As the demand for leadership talent grows, companies must invest in training programs.
These programs should empower women with the skills to navigate cross-cultural challenges, drive innovation, and make strategic decisions.
Image Credits: Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
