India’s digital economy is a vibrant engine of growth and innovation, but the journey into this future is not the same for everyone. For women and LGBTQ+ professionals—especially those whose identities intersect—barriers to entry and advancement are often compounded. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that true digital transformation is about people, not just technology. Our intersectional approach, embodied in programs like RISE and TRANScend, is designed to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can thrive in the digital age.
Intersectionality recognizes that people’s experiences are shaped by multiple, overlapping identities—such as gender, sexuality, race, and disability. In India’s digital sector, women and LGBTQ+ professionals often face unique, layered challenges: from bias and exclusion in education and hiring, to limited access to mentorship and career advancement. For trans women, these challenges are particularly acute—studies show that 96% of trans people in India are denied jobs, and more than half have never attended school, with many facing abuse and isolation. Despite progressive legal milestones, the journey toward true inclusion is ongoing. Digital transformation, when approached with an intersectional lens, offers a powerful opportunity to break down these barriers and create pathways for all to succeed.
Central to our approach is the RISE program—Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate—a global initiative designed to nurture and advance women at every stage of their career journey. RISE is built on the principle that achieving gender equity means creating an environment where all women, regardless of background, can flourish. This includes:
Our commitment to intersectionality extends beyond our organization. Through the #PeopleNotLabels campaign and our partnership with The Humsafar Trust—India’s oldest LGBTQ organization—we are working to build awareness and drive real change for trans people in India. The TRANScend initiative is a pioneering social impact project focused on enhancing the socio-economic inclusion of trans people. By working directly with community members, TRANScend creates opportunities for education, employment, and social integration—empowering trans individuals to lead lives of dignity and respect.
We understand that intersectionality means different women and LGBTQ+ professionals have different needs. Our flexible work arrangements, comprehensive well-being programs, and family support policies are designed to be inclusive of all backgrounds:
Our distributed work model, with a presence in over 80 cities across India, enables us to reach and nurture talent wherever it exists—including in communities that have historically been overlooked.
Our gender-focused business resource group, PS Balance, is dedicated to supporting individuals of all gender identities—including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities—at every career stage. PS Balance cultivates a supportive culture and provides targeted professional development, while also addressing barriers faced by men and non-binary colleagues. Additionally, our Women’s Leadership Network and other affinity groups provide safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and advocacy. These networks are instrumental in amplifying the voices of women and LGBTQ+ professionals from diverse backgrounds and ensuring their unique needs are met.
“Being part of PS Balance and the RISE program has given me the confidence and mentorship to pursue leadership opportunities I once thought were out of reach. As a woman of color, I’ve found sponsors who understand my journey and advocate for my growth.”
“The flexibility and support I’ve received as a working parent and as someone with a disability have been transformative—not just for my career, but for my family. Publicis Sapient’s commitment to intersectionality is real and makes a difference every day.”
Organizations seeking to drive digital inclusion for women and LGBTQ+ talent in India’s digital economy can:
At Publicis Sapient, intersectionality is not a buzzword—it is a guiding principle that shapes our culture, policies, and programs. By centering the unique experiences of women and LGBTQ+ professionals, we are building a workplace and a digital economy where everyone can thrive. Our ongoing commitment to intersectional equity is not only the right thing to do—it is essential for driving innovation, engagement, and business success in a rapidly changing world.
Ready to join a company where your whole self is valued? Explore opportunities at Publicis Sapient and be part of a movement that is redefining what inclusion means in the digital age.