12While I researched on some
powerful women in the Tech space,
there is enough study and evidence on
how the representation of women in
Tech is low, not just in India; but even
Silicon Valley could be blamed for not
having enough women role models.
According to UNESCO survey 2018,
only 30% of girl’s students in India
select Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics related
fields in higher education. But since
2012, with the advent of STEM
Education in India, the Technology
industry has received a remarkable
facelift and the figures are improving
steadily.TECH DIVAS
REMARKABLE WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
Have you noticed a
menstrual tracker on your
fitness app?This is the impact of inclusion of
Women in technology today as a
Global Game Changer. The gender
lines are blurring and it’s an exciting
time for women to be in Tech. The
history of past few decades for
Indian Women in Technology is full of
pioneers and has evolved. With things
rapidly changing, we must
acknowledge women’s contribution
to Tech, which I must say are quite
amazing. Now just imagine Snowhite,
Cinderella, Elsa coding in front of the
computer, sipping on coffee and
entering the board room in their
dapper suits, why not?The gender stereotype monster is
dying a slow death, thanks to the
female leaders, more girls dare to
pursue career in the field of
Technology. Throughout history, we
take pride in a lot of first’s to Women’s
credit in the field of Technology
from first computer programmer to
first Tech scientist, who have played
a significant role to become inventors
and innovators. Let’s raise a toast to
celebrate women achievers for their
accomplishments and also to those
who are constantly supporting other
women by creating a plethora of
opportunities, to address their
challenges with action and execution.While technological advancements
are paving the path for newer and
better career opportunities in the Tech
industry, the representation of women
continues to remain dismal. A recent
study by KGWI on women in STEM in
India 2018, showed that while women
comprised 46% of all undergraduates
in STEM, a staggering 41 percent of
Women in Technology quit their
careers within 10 years, hence tilting
the balance.Studies suggest that women who start
out in business roles in Tech intensive
industries, leave for other industries at
a high rate of 53 % for reasons such as
isolation, daunting long hours of work,
being under-paid and the double
burden syndrome. The Grant Thorton
Report - 2017, highlights only 7 percent
of the senior management roles (CEO/
MD) were held by women in India. India
has a robust talent of female engineers,
but Women in Technology leave the
workforce at an alarming rate raising
the need for not, “Work life balance; but
Work life Integration”." That brain of mine is
something more than merely
mortal ; as time will show."
-Ada Lovlace
Mathematician and Computer
Programming VisionaryThe important first step in this
direction - early exposure in
education should be
encouraged, with hands-on
learning and building a strong
pathway of careers to
strengthen focus of girls to
pursue careers in STEM.
Empowering girls/women to
enter STEM fields of study/
careers and staying on course
is imperative for growth.Why
so few, what block’s women’s
progress in STEM Careers?- Nisha Serai
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