Abstract:   This study examines the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies on women’s safety and career growth in the IT industry, emphasizing the mediating role of organizational culture and the influence of organizational demographics. As the IT sector remains male-dominated, DEI initiatives are crucial in addressing gender disparities and creating equitable workplaces. Using Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), this research analyzes survey responses from 100 IT professionals to assess the relationships between DEI policies, workplace safety, and career advancement opportunities for women.

The findings reveal that organizational demographics significantly influence DEI adoption, with larger and more diverse firms implementing more comprehensive DEI policies. However, DEI policies alone are insufficient in ensuring women’s safety and career progression — organizational culture plays a critical mediating role. A strong DEI culture, characterized by leadership commitment, transparent policies, and active inclusivity, enhances both women’s physical and psychological safety and facilitates fair career advancement opportunities. The study also highlights gaps in mentorship, leadership bias, and promotional processes, which limit the effectiveness of DEI initiatives.

These results suggest that for DEI policies to be truly impactful, organizations must go beyond policy implementation and embed DEI principles into their workplace culture. The study provides actionable recommendations for enhancing leadership commitment, improving career pathways for women, strengthening safety mechanisms, and tailoring DEI strategies based on organizational size and industry context. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on DEI effectiveness and offers practical insights for HR professionals, policymakers, and corporate leaders who want to promote a more diverse and equitable IT sector.