India sees a 48% surge in women’s job opportunities

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India has witnessed a significant 48% rise in job opportunities for women in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to a report by foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME). This remarkable growth is driven by booming sectors like IT, BFSI, Manufacturing, and Healthcare, alongside a rising demand for specialized talent in emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

The report highlights that 53% of available jobs for women cater to candidates with 0-3 years of experience, while freshers account for 25% of the total employment share. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, including Nashik, Surat, Coimbatore, and Jaipur, are emerging as strong job hubs, with 41% of women’s employment opportunities now located outside metro cities. Delhi/NCR leads the Tier-1 market with a 22% share of women’s jobs, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.

Despite this job market expansion, challenges persist. Salary disparity remains a concern, with 81% of women earning below Rs 10 lakh per annum, and only 8% securing salaries above Rs 25 lakh. Work-from-office arrangements have surged by 55%, reflecting evolving employer preferences. Women’s representation in STEM fields continues to grow, but a 12% gap remains between graduation rates and employment levels in technical roles.

With India’s job market evolving rapidly, the report paints a promising outlook for women in high-growth industries and specialized job roles, signifying progressive workforce trends that could reshape gender diversity in employment.

1. The Growth of Women’s Employment in India: Trends, Insights, and Industry Impacts

1.1 The Startup Behind the Data – Foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME)

Foundit, formerly known as Monster APAC & ME, is one of India’s leading job and talent platforms. The company operates as an advanced AI-driven job marketplace, connecting employers with job seekers across multiple industries. With a robust revenue model based on job postings, subscriptions, and premium recruitment services, Foundit plays a crucial role in shaping India’s employment landscape.

Founded in 2001, the platform has evolved to provide AI-powered job matching, skill assessments, and hiring analytics. It focuses on bridging the gap between talent demand and supply, offering insights into hiring trends and workforce shifts across India. With extensive employer collaborations and a growing user base, Foundit is at the forefront of India’s evolving job market dynamics.

1.2 Key Industries Driving the 48% Job Growth for Women

India’s job market is experiencing a shift, with multiple industries contributing to the rise in women’s employment. The IT sector remains the leading employer, accounting for 34% of job opportunities for women in 2025. BFSI, Manufacturing, and Healthcare have also witnessed substantial growth in hiring female talent, creating opportunities across various roles and experience levels.

1. IT/Software Industry – Women’s participation in IT job functions surged from 25% in 2024 to 32% in 2025, reflecting a strong demand for software engineers, AI specialists, cybersecurity analysts, and cloud computing experts.
2. BFSI Sector – Banking and financial services firms have seen increased female hiring, with women now holding 11% of total sector jobs.
3. Healthcare & Life Sciences – Rising demand for medical professionals, health tech specialists, and research roles has fueled employment for women in this industry.
4. Manufacturing & Engineering – Women’s representation in engineering and production roles has increased from 6% in 2024 to 8% in 2025.
5. Marketing, HR & Sales – Women hold a significant share of jobs in HR (21%), Marketing (14%), and Sales & BD (15%), highlighting an expansion of opportunities beyond traditional roles.

1.3 The Shift in Hiring Trends and Regional Job Distribution

The job market is no longer metro-centric, as hiring expands beyond Tier-1 cities. In 2025, 41% of women’s jobs are located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, including Nashik, Surat, Coimbatore, and Jaipur. Delhi/NCR holds the highest share in Tier-1 at 22%, while Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune continue to be strong employment hubs.

Despite this regional diversification, the competition for high-paying jobs remains steep. 81% of employed women earn under Rs 10 lakh annually, while only 8% command salaries above Rs 25 lakh, emphasizing the need for better pay parity and career advancement opportunities.

1.4 Emerging Technologies and the Role of Women in STEM

India has one of the highest proportions of women STEM graduates at 44%, yet the transition from education to employment remains a challenge. A 12% gap exists between STEM graduation rates and actual workforce representation in technology-driven industries. However, positive trends are emerging, with 26% of women now working in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing roles.

1.5 Changing Workplace Dynamics: The Rise of Work-from-Office Trends

A notable 55% increase in work-from-office arrangements highlights evolving employer expectations. While remote work gained traction during the pandemic, businesses are now emphasizing in-office collaboration, particularly in IT, BFSI, and consulting roles. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for women seeking workplace flexibility.

2. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

1. Diversity-Driven Growth – Startups that embrace gender diversity benefit from increased innovation, better problem-solving, and enhanced business performance.
2. Focus on Pay Equity – Addressing salary gaps is crucial to attracting and retaining top female talent in the workforce.
3. Expanding Hiring to Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities – With 41% of women’s jobs now outside metro cities, businesses should explore regional hiring to tap into a broader talent pool.
4. Investing in Emerging Technologies – AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing present lucrative career paths. Startups should prioritize hiring and upskilling women in these domains.
5. Workplace Flexibility Matters – While work-from-office arrangements are rising, providing hybrid work options can help improve workforce retention and job satisfaction among women professionals.

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