186Deepthi ShankerGender, Technology and Development 12(2), 2008: 185–207social development. Unlike employment in older manufacturing sectors which have been traditionally dominated by male workers, knowledge-based sectors have facilitated a work atmosphere that can be described as ‘gender neutral’1(Rothboeck et al. 2001). Heeks (1996) contrasts the IT industry with other Indian industries which are considered to be inward looking, protected, working within an environment of all pervasive gov-ernment controls and using obsolete technology. The IT companies are considered to be less bureaucratic, with an emphasis on open manage-ment structures, transparency and people development (Lichtensteiger 2003). There is a widespread belief that the growth of this industry will provide an opportunity and platform for women in developing countries to be at par with their peers in developed countries, as it facilitates access to both technology and knowledge (Antonelli 1991; Perez and Soete 1988).