Women in Technology

Women in technology are becoming a more prominent force and reshaping the industry. Every element of the IT industry is seeing an increase in female participation, from coding to company leadership. Our world is becoming more and more dependent on technology, and businesses are beginning to understand that to succeed they need a diverse workforce. Women are acclaimed on a global scale because of their distinctive perspectives.

With our Women in Tech series, we want to shine a spotlight on some exemplary women from the Systems Plus family who’ve been leading the way in driving change.

Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do? How did you decide to get into the technology sector?

Well, no. I always wanted to become an Architect but sometimes, life can take us in unexpected directions. Many women in technology, including myself, did not necessarily start out knowing that they wanted to work in the field. Some stumbled upon it accidentally, while others were drawn to it through an interest in science or computers. Regardless of how I arrived in the technology industry, I found it fascinating and rewarding, full of opportunities to learn and grow.

However, after completing a degree course in Computers, I found this box is a magic box and I can add some magic to it; that’s what motivated me, and the journey has been fulfilling and rewarding in my career.

Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?

There is indeed a significant underrepresentation of women in the technology industry, not just in India but globally.
Yes, there are many reasons that the NASSCOM report shows women’s representation in the tech industry in India lies at 36%, and as per BELONG survey Indian technology industry has just 26% women in engineering roles.
“Quantifying the Gender Gap” study by Entelos, also shows that women account for only 16% of senior-level tech jobs and 10% of executive positions.

From these various reports, it is noticeable that there’s a lack of women in technology and the reasons could include:

Stereotypes and biases: There is a persistent stereotype that technology is a male-dominated field, and this can discourage women from pursuing careers in tech. Additionally, women who do enter the field may face biases and discrimination that make it harder for them to advance.

Lack of role models: When there are few women in leadership positions in tech, it can be challenging for young women to envision themselves in those roles. This can create a self-perpetuating cycle, where the lack of representation leads to fewer women pursuing careers in tech, which in turn leads to even fewer women in leadership positions.

I feel this is because not enough women study science, engineering, and technology as the liberty of deciding on education and career is not completely given to women rather it is anchored by their parents. However, we can see this picture is changing and efforts are required.

What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

You should not be surprised if I say the first “programmers” weren’t men and the first computers weren’t machines, in both cases they both were women.
Ada Lovelace, Katherine Johnson, Grace Hopper, Co-founder of Infosys Mrs. Sudha Murthy are the inspiration for all women like me. And how can we forget the person who pioneered the gift for all of us that is Work from Home (‘WFH’), not Covid-19, it’s “Mary Allen Wilkes”!

Here are some best parts of being a Woman in Tech:

The ability to work remotely and enjoy flexible schedules: The tech industry is known for its flexibility and work-life balance, which can be particularly beneficial for women who are looking to balance their careers with other responsibilities, such as caregiving or family obligations.

The chance to work on exciting and cutting-edge projects: From developing new software and applications to designing innovative hardware, the tech industry offers endless opportunities to work on exciting and challenging projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

We have these great examples which inspire women like me. And I honestly feel the dynamic work culture of the Tech industry can help women to showcase their creative skill sets with flexible work hours and evolve new role models for women aspiring to join the tech industry.
Another way I feel women think differently than men, which helps bring unique viewpoints at work thereby boosting overall performance.

How can we get more women into technology?

I believe for augmenting the participation of women, we need to take small initiatives we think the process of entering the Tech Industry starts with higher education whereas in reality its roots should be nurtured during schooling. This conditioning of parents is equally important so they can see the new world outside of the kitchen for their daughters.

Students need to move towards STEM courses through Seminars and workshops that can be arranged by Corporates under CSR, to encourage girls and attitudinal changes of parents to move towards technology courses.

I feel the government and Tech industry can collaborate to expand the opportunities for girls like ‘Work from Home (WFH)’, by providing equal pay as their male colleagues and assure a safe ecosystem for them.

Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture: Creating a workplace culture that is supportive and inclusive of women can help to attract and retain talented women in the industry. This could involve initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support for career development and advancement.

This is by providing a platform and voice to successful and emerging women in tech to share their journey and reward them for their achievements. They will serve as role models for other women aspiring to walk in the tech industry.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

I truly believe women are naturally multitasking and born managers they can set a true example of creating a work-life balance.

The most successful women in tech are those who are truly passionate about their work. If you are interested in technology, take the time to explore different areas of the industry to find the niche that you are most interested in.

The tech industry is always changing, so it’s important to be constantly learning and develop your skills. Women can train more women and bring them into the technology Field. With technological advances, women can coach and motivate one another which will help you to grow and develop as professionals.

You can start your network and inspire other women to pursue careers in technology. Look for opportunities to connect with other women in tech, attend industry events, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and advice.

So the only advice I can give is – “Ladies this is a huge industry with millions of opportunities for creativity, innovation, and efficiency, come up front densify your hidden talent, and Shine like a bright star.”
Finally, it’s important to remember that the tech industry is constantly evolving and changing and that women who work in technology should be prepared to adapt and embrace new challenges and opportunities as they arise.