Diversity Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses 2025
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Key actions
Nuanced understanding of root causes
Wipro first publicly disclosed data on gender representation
within its workforce in FY2011. This key milestone enabled
the company to assess its current standing and identify
gaps and areas for improvement. The initial report on gender
representation showed that more than 70% of the workforce
was men, a common trend in the Information and Technology
sector. Wipro identified that this imbalance was further
pronounced in specific areas within the company, such as
STEM positions, client-facing roles and leadership positions.
In response, the company conducted consultations with
its women employees to gather feedback. Some factors
behind the imbalances were perceived biases in hiring and
promotions processes, lack of exposure and support in the
early stages of women’s careers, lack of flexibility for women
employees when they take motherhood responsibilities, and
the limited availability of leadership development programmes
for women uncertain about advancing to leadership roles.
Guided by the feedback from its women employees, Wipro
launched the Women of Wipro programme, addressing the
needs and aspirations of women professionals at each stage
of their life and career.
Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in DEI,
Wipro designed a comprehensive strategy to support women
during the three main stages of their careers, based on their
unique needs. 1
Meaningful definition of success
Wipro has a clear objective of achieving gender parity. While
it has not set a specific target year, Wipro describes its DEI
journey as a continuous, step-by-step process, that focuses
on fostering inclusion. To ensure employee engagement
and contribute to mindset shifts, Wipro focused on raising
awareness and deepening understanding of unconscious
biases among its employees. Managers were also
encouraged to engage in discussions on topics like allyship
and inclusive leadership.2
Accountable and invested business leaders
Wipro’s executive leadership demonstrates a strong
commitment to embedding DEI as a core business priority,
recognizing the importance of fostering an inclusive and
equitable culture where all employees are empowered to
express themselves, grow and learn. Quarterly review of DEI
and sustainability practices is a dedicated agenda for the
Wipro Board of Directors. To drive this initiative, the company
has established a governance structure with a Global DEI
Council, led by the CEO. The CEO and the Wipro Executive
Board also have quarterly discussions with mid-to-senior
women professionals to hear their needs and concerns.3
Solution designed for context 4The company developed an internal DEI dashboard to provide
an overview of DEI trends across the organization, reviewed
quarterly by the Global DEI Council, led by the CEO. Since
the initiative’s inception in 2008, it has continuously evolved,
adding new programmes and refining existing ones. This
data-driven approach is further strengthened by ongoing
feedback from women employees.Rigorous tracking and course correction 5
Wipro’s guidance for achieving sustained impact is
grounded in leadership commitment and accountability.
Regular discussions with leadership teams on gender bias,
unconscious stereotypes and the importance of gender
inclusion are essential to breaking down barriers and
fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.Advice for others and next area of focusStage 1: Early Career
Focuses on women in the early stages of their careers, aiming
to fuel aspirations and provide exposure. In 2014, Wipro
launched an Early Career Program for Women to increase career
intentionality. Simultaneously, the company introduced career-
mapping initiatives to help young women make informed choices
about their career paths. Additionally, the HerCode programme,
launched in 2020, equips women in tech with resources to learn
new skills, connect with peers and gain experiences that will
advance their careers.
Stage 2: Early-Mid Career
Targets women in early to mid-career, focusing on flexibility and
professional growth, especially for those navigating motherhood.
For employees going on or returning from maternity leave,
Wipro offers information resources, an employee resource
group for returning mothers, and an e-learning module for
mothers that covers the steps from pregnancy announcement
to the return-to-work transition. This module also includes
guidance for managers on facilitating a smooth transition for
returning mothers. Furthermore, Wipro launched the Begin
Again programme, which supports women seeking to relaunch
their careers after a hiatus, whether for motherhood, caregiving,
travel or personal reasons. The programme includes structured
learning and a buddy system for a smooth transition.
Stage 3: Mid-Senior Management
Targets mid-senior women professionals, focusing on
empowering experienced employees to lead with confidence
through mentorship and sponsorship programmes that
strengthen the pipeline of women leaders.
With their success, these initiatives will be extended to support
other underrepresented communities.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses 2025
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