A tour of India in one workplace: investigating gendered and complex relations in IT AbstractPurpose: This paper investigates the situation of women working as IT professionals in different regions of India within Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs). The research is part of a cross-national study that compared gendered relations in the UK and Indian IT sector. The complex roles that region, class and caste and gendered values and norms have in shaping women's work and lives in India are discussed. Design/methodology/approach:The cross-national research assumed common themes as part of a programme of in-depth interviewing and observations during site visits. The 'safari method' was adopted by a sole field worker with intimate knowledge of languages and cultures of both India and UK. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted at 5 IT MNEs in 4 cities in India. The research considered notions of intersectionality and difference -how the lived experiences of Indian women are shaped by gender relations and are interconnected with other dynamics like caste and class on regional and cultural differences in India that impact on working in IT MNEs. Findings:The IT sector in India offers opportunities for middle and upper class women professionals with barriers often experienced by women working in IT in Western countries not replicated in India. Nevertheless this has not meant significant improvements in gendered relations at work or in Indian society at large. The role of women at home and within a patrifocal society shapes their experiences at work. There are significant differences in organisational culture even within MNEs sharing common legislative and policy environments. There are also particular influences of regional, class and caste differences manifest in IT workplaces, contributing to inequality. Originality/value:This paper adds to the understanding of the situation of women in IT including within MNEs offering insights into the workings of global capitalist enterprises. The research should lead to an appreciation of the complexity of social differences and whether opening up opportunities for women professionals in India can contribute to inclusive growth or will maintain current patterns of inequality.

Gender segregation in science, engineering, construction, technology (SECT) is a persistent feature, both in India and the UK. Although culturally the two countries differ, under-representation of women in SECT is widespread and a cause for general apprehension, and in recent years, this has gained recognition in the study of gender, work, and family. In this paper, the authors discuss findings of a comparative study undertaken between India and Britain in the ICT sector. Using 27 interviews with ICT professionals in the two countries, the authors discuss views on ICT education, recruitment, and employment practices, work-life balance, changing gender relations, opportunities for progression, and retention in the two countries. The authors take into consideration women’s role in power and politics and how the “public” and “private” patriarchy shapes women’s position in the labour market, with an essential backdrop of “patrifocality” in the Indian context.

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How do energy professionals in the Global South facilitate the brokerage of gender equity and empowerment in energy access? Energy sector professionals, including planners and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are crucial development actors in off-grid contexts. They operate at the intersection between grassroots-level energy access in off-grid household and community buildings and overarching policy frameworks. However, despite their central role, the relationship between their professional practices and gender empowerment in energy access has received little attention. This paper investigates 'energy brokers' across Ghana, India, Nigeria and Pakistan based on interviews (n = 86). Subsequent thematic analysis explores these energy brokers' overarching understandings of gender equity and empowerment, their agency, and brokering practices for energy access (including in relation to emerging energy technologies). Analysis shows 'differentiated brokerage' in that energy professionals from the NGOs and the delivery sectors are often better positioned to broker gender equity and women's empowerment in energy access. However, linkages between equitable access and empowerment need to be better understood, especially at the 'top' and go beyond women's economic productivity. Women's participation across supply chains of emerging energy-access technology, in energy governance and as energy brokers needs strengthening. PRACTICE RELEVANCEEnergy professionals occupy an important 'middle' position and can help to create changes to overcome gender bias in access to energy. They facilitate the brokerage (understandings, agency and practices) of gender equity and empowerment in energy access in off-grid contexts, including household and community buildings. The evidence 620 Schiffer et al. Buildings and Cities

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