Semiconductor firms must focus on retaining women, says AMD India executive

The semiconductor industry faces a critical challenge in retaining women in its workforce, according to Jaya Jagadish, an executive at AMD India. While companies have made efforts to increase female hiring, a significant proportion of women continue to exit the sector early in their careers, pointing to gaps in career progression and workplace support.

Jagadish has urged industry leaders to broaden their approach to gender diversity beyond recruitment metrics. The focus should shift toward measurable outcomes in developing, promoting, and empowering women to take on leadership roles within organizations. Such initiatives, she argues, are essential to building a more inclusive and sustainable workforce in the technology sector.

The call comes as the semiconductor industry grapples with talent shortages and the need to harness diverse perspectives in innovation. In India, where the sector is experiencing rapid growth, addressing gender retention is seen as crucial for strengthening the industry's competitive position and accessing a broader talent pool.

Industry observers note that retention challenges often stem from factors including limited mentorship opportunities, workplace culture issues, and unequal advancement pathways. Creating structured programs for skill development and leadership training, along with fostering inclusive work environments, are being identified as key strategies for keeping women engaged in semiconductor careers.