Women in Technology: Empowering Leadership, Diversity and Innovation
Published on : Thursday 07-03-2024
Industrial Automation celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in technology.
In today’s connected world where technology is the cornerstone of progress, women are emerging as trailblazers, breaking stereotypes and spearheading innovation in every sector. From engineering to artificial intelligence, manufacturing to energy and academia, women are not just entering the technology and research fields but are also increasingly taking the helm, driving change, and redefining the landscape.
The quote by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, ‘When women prosper, the world prospers’, denotes the importance of women in economic growth and their access to education drives global progress.
Visionary women in tech are becoming prominent, bringing with them a fresh, unique perspective and a wealth of talent. Their contributions are not only advancing the tech landscape but are also inspiring future generations to follow suit.
What is the role of women in technology?
Women leaders in technology understand the importance of innovation. They are paving the way for a more equitable future by encouraging inclusive work environments and introducing diversity initiatives. They do not only sit in a cabin and direct others but their advocacy extends beyond the boardroom, influencing policies and practices that promote a better workplace for budding women leaders and diversity in technology.
Having women in technology leads to:
Increased diversity in workplace
Better business ideas
Improved decision-making processes
Bridge the skills gap, empowering leadership and innovation, and
Increased business revenue.
“Technological transformation now provides new avenues for the economic empowerment of women and can help contribute to greater gender equality in the professional world. However, gender biases in technology have led to an underrepresentation of women in technical areas and organisations must help bridge this gender divide,” says Yulia Aslamova, Head of Asia, DRIM Global. “Organisations must seize this opportunity to allow women to access knowledge and information to build a more inclusive, technically sound world. One such initiative has been taken by us where we provide work-from-home opportunities to our women employees which are about 90% of our total workforce,” she adds.
It is no wonder that challenges persist for women in technology and engineering despite significant strides. Gender bias, unequal opportunities, and imbalanced representation continue to create obstacles in progress. However, these challenges have only served to spark the determination of women leaders, who navigate adversity with resilience and grace, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and advancement.
Why is it necessary to have diversity in technology?
Efforts to boost gender equality in tech jobs benefit the industry and individual organisations. Workplace culture plays a critical role in women’s uphill struggle in the IT field. A Pew Research Center report shows that 50% of women had experienced gender discrimination at work, while only 19% of men faced the same.
Diversity is not just a word; it is a catalyst for innovation in IT. Research shows that diverse teams outperform a homogeneous group as they bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas that lead to more creative solutions and better outcomes.
Here are some key reasons why diversity in technology is necessary:
Innovation
Workplace culture
Social responsibility
Women empowerment
Talent acquisition and retention, and
Financial performance.
In the words of Megan Smith, a former CTO of the United States, “Innovation comes from diversity. When you have different perspectives, you have a different way of looking at the world, and that can only be positive for the tech industry.”
How are women in technology helping drive the digital revolution?
Women in tech are instrumental in driving the digital revolution. A woman digital leader can lower the risks of digital transformation. She can also maximise its added value for the organisation. Women in technology can serve as leaders and mentors and can guide and inspire others to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Women in tech play a crucial role in driving the digital revolution in several ways:
Leadership and mentorship
Advocacy for gender equality
Tech entrepreneurship
Community building and networking, and
Tech for social impact.
Bindiya Vohra, Director at ThoughtSol Infotech Pvt Ltd, says, “As a female entrepreneur and technology aficionado myself, I strongly believe that technology is and will be a major driver of gender equality in the coming years. Through technology, it is becoming easier for women to access education, find jobs, and start businesses while breaking down traditional gender roles and stereotypes.”
Building a supportive ecosystem for more women in tech
When talking about women empowerment, the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underlined that the most effective way to empower women is through a women-led development approach and India is making huge strides in this direction.
While individual success stories of women are encouraging, a dynamic, systemic change is necessary to address the root causes of gender disparity in technology. This significantly requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and communities, to develop a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women in technology.
It is also essential for companies to prioritise diversity and inclusion as core values and bring policies and practices that foster gender equity and support the advancement of women in the workplace. This majorly includes initiatives like flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, unconscious bias training, and transparent hiring and promotion processes.
Furthermore, educational institutions have a critical role to play in nurturing the next generation of women leaders and empowering women in tech. Schools and universities can encourage women's power and capability to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles to entering the tech industry by providing them with access to quality STEM education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Additionally, governments and policymakers can introduce policies that promote gender equality and support women in the STEM field. They can invest in STEM education and workforce development programs, providing funding and resources for women-driven startups and research initiatives while implementing policies to address gender pay gaps and workplace discrimination.
While addressing the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment, PM Modi said that the number of women in technical education in Industrial Training Institutes has doubled since 2014. He said that nearly 43 per cent of STEM graduates in India are women, and about one-fourth of space scientists in the country are women. He said, “Behind the success of our flagship programmes like Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan and Mission Mars lies the talent and hard work of these women scientists”.
Thus, in an era and age defined by rapid technological advancement, the role of women in shaping the future of technology and engineering cannot be overstated. From pioneering startups to leading multinational corporations, they are bringing a fresh and creative mindset, driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and challenging the status quo. They are also championing diversity and promoting gender equality to not only shape the future of technology but also lead to a more equitable and prosperous world for emerging women leaders.
In this special edition, we are celebrating the achievements of women in technology, emphasizing their remarkable journeys, groundbreaking innovations, and invaluable contributions to the global tech ecosystem. These visionary leaders are redefining what it means to excel in the world of technology.
As Industrial Automation magazine embarks on this journey of progress, let us recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in technology.
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