Digitalization & emerging technologies are giving women a host of new ways to empower their professional and personal lives. Professional women have more options than ever today wherein freelancing is becoming a real option for many women as infrastructure springs up to support their career aspirations. Similarly, companies today have a lot more flexibility that they offer which is enabled by tech advances, being is more output based and higher work efficiency driven. They are able to get more with less from both men and women. All these opportunities are helping bridge the gender gap to a very large extent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted women on the occasion of International Women’s Day today. “Saluting our indomitable #NariShakti on International Women’s Day! India takes pride in the many accomplishments of the women of our nation,” PM Modi tweeted.
He further added that it was our government’s honour to work towards furthering women empowerment in the country across a wide range of sectors.
Saluting our indomitable #NariShakti on International Women’s Day! India takes pride in the many accomplishments of the women of our nation. It is our Government’s honour to be getting the opportunity to work towards furthering women empowerment across a wide range of sectors.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
The aspirational woman of the 21st century has a steep learning and career curve ahead of them. There are varied new areas and fields for them to explore, whether it’s across science and technology, banking and finance, management, arts, literature etc. Also, it’s a great opportunity for women across rural India to have access to information and knowledge in this digital era.
Below are the list of the women who’ve chosen technology as an opportunity and not a barrier. Speaking with TimesTech Buz these Tech Ladies have shared about their journey to success.
Kinjal Buddhadev, Sr. Marketing Engineer at Matrix Comsec
Technology has helped to raise the voice of not only women but anyone who is socially weak. Years back women were not allowed to even work outside. But with the internet and awareness through social media, women can directly speak to the higher authorities of the countries against any injustice being done with them. They can fight for their rights.
Even in the corporate world, technology has helped women a lot. If I talk about myself, I am 5+ months pregnant but with the facility of the internet, I am allowed to work from home in this pandemic situation where I need to take extra care of myself.
If I talk about male dominant society, then yes, it is everywhere, in all the countries and cities. And, I have faced it at every single stage of my life in a personal and professional way. But I believe in one thing, never give up. Never let yourself down. Because success is sweet and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats. Have faith and confidence in yourself. try to be original always.
Nithya Krishnan, Director, Marketing – India & SAARC, Trend Micro
Women have occupied leadership positions in the past as well. However, much focus and attention weren’t given. In the present times, media and society is much more vocal about such aspects. Yes, certain fields which use to see fewer women occupying senior positions now have more representation, whether be it in – IT, BFSI, real estate etc.
Technology is an opportunity and not a barrier for women, as they are working across the tech spectrum, be it – data scientist, software, hardware engineer, programmer, coder or CXO-level management roles. Some of the best tech R&D centres in India employ women within their ranks.
I believe our company has always been a great place to work for employees, irrespective of gender. We provide an equal opportunity for all, where employees get ample scope to grow both professionally as well as personally. Also, we happen to be one of the rare global tech companies to be helped by a woman CEO. As an organization, the company also supports women to pursue careers in tech, and we have partnered with Girls in Tech, a non-profit engagement that empowers girls and women who are passionate about technology.
My advice to women would be to set high goals and benchmarks for themselves and try achieving them, even if they might fail many times. Also, try to find strong mentors early on in your careers, they might help guide you along the way.
Lavina Lobo, Director HR, Fujitsu Solutions
Due to the digitalization and technology, women have come into jobs as equals. Emerging tools and technologies are giving women a host of new ways to empower their professional and personal lives.
in mobility. Professional women have more options than ever today wherein freelancing is becoming a real option for many women as infrastructure springs up to support their career aspirations. Similarly, companies today have a lot more flexibility that they offer which is enabled by tech advances, being is more output based and higher work efficiency driven. They are able to get more with less from both men and women. All these opportunities are helping bridge the gender gap to a very large extent.
I have been blessed to have a strong support system at home and that coupled with my pursuit for excellence has led me to take up senior HR roles at a very early stage. Also, I have been blessed to have some great mentors at work from whom I have derived the inspiration to achieve/be what I am today. I never felt a glass ceiling however I am sometimes subjected to difficult conversations with my peers who are men and older to me. They never take my words seriously and only after giving valuable business partnership have, I been able to establish trust and confidence from each of my business leaders. It is definitely not a smooth path however it makes us resilient and stronger as leaders.
Marie-Helene Mansard, Business Development Director, Axis Communications, Asia Pacific
Being a woman in security and technology, I have witnessed progress regarding women’s representation across different industry verticals. I have realised we must live in the moment and act now to break the preconceived gender stereotypes. I believe that it’s critical for organizational success to have a healthy diversity quotient. There should be a culture of learning and development and sensitizing the workforce.
We are at a juncture of limitless tech possibilities and as more women helm challenging roles; I want to encourage young professionals to seize every opportunity and think one step further. Do not let gender be a deterrent and as a woman, support another woman so that you are visible and heard at the workplace.”
Puja Srivastava, CIO and Co-Founder, Spocto Solutions Pvt Ltd
Technology definitely has the potential to bridge the gender divide if girls are given equal opportunities and the skills to consume, use technology and to be safe as they navigate the digital landscape.
Technology can provide the audience and the network for sustainable income generation without having to step out of their homes. Giving them a way to be economically independent. My advice to aspiring women IT professionals is to be ready to fail because failures are the best teachers. Also strengthen your collaborative, communication and creation skills.
Tithi Tewari, Founder & MD, SmartVizX and Co-creator, Trezi
Since women are the primary choice as caregivers, the gender gap in leadership positions is often t blatantly visible. However, as technology is revolutionising how people work across the globe, the growing flexibility, far-reaching connectivity, lack of geographical constraints all contribute to reducing this gap. Digital platforms have also ensured that the number of women that are now participating in conferences or networking events is also significantly going up.
Courage, confidence and perseverance have been the three key facets that have helped me shatter the glass ceiling and therefore my advice to young women would be the same. By allowing one’s own self to make decisions, forgive yourself for mistakes and shying away from self-doubt you create a mind space that is conducive for growth and leadership.
