Celebrating the Female Edge in Tech: A Look into International Women in Engineering Day

In today’s dynamic technological environment, it is important to acknowledge the changing perspectives that enhance innovation and growth. With more women coming into the technological forefront and taking on tech roles that are traditionally reserved for men, there is scope for better collaboration and enhanced initiatives geared towards driving positive change in society. International Women in Engineering Day, which falls on 23 June every year, focuses on the achievements made by women in the field of engineering, appreciating their skills in leveraging advanced technology and simplifying technological complexities. Such recognition helps to create a more equitable engineering community, promoting practices and policies that will inspire generations of women engineers to venture into the field and contribute positively to society.

Tata Elxsi

By Vamsi Ravali P., Delivery Manager & Regulatory Practice Head – Healthcare Business at Tata Elxsi

As a professional in the medical engineering field, I have often observed that women engineers bring a unique advantage with their emotional intelligence, which benefits the development of medical devices and products. The ‘women perspective’ often adds a unique dimension to medical engineering, as women excel in analysis and interpretation. Women engineers in the medical field have consistently demonstrated their ability to create powerful and excellent designs, leveraging their inherent caregiving qualities.

The professional world of engineering positively impacts the personal lives of women engineers, further enriched by their empathetic and compassionate nature. In essence, I encourage every woman engineer to trust herself and have the courage to take on more leadership roles. Women in leadership positions are uniquely positioned to understand and mentor other women engineers, fostering a supportive community. By doing so, we can look out for and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Ascendion

By Vasundhara S, Executive – Pre-Sales Engineering, Ascendion

Engineering is more than just a profession; it represents a mindset driving continuous technological advancement. As someone who is part of an engineering company, I am fortunate to witness how engineering drives technological progress, enhances convenience, and improves the overall quality of life. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is collaborating with a diverse team. In my role, I have the privilege of interacting with some of the most brilliant minds in our industry. I get to witness the unique perspectives and innovative approaches that women bring to the table, resulting in more creative solutions and effective outcomes.

Engineering continually pushes boundaries, and we stand on the verge of a new era where sophisticated AI algorithms, particularly large language models, revolutionize industries by comprehending and generating human-like outputs such as essays, code, and art. My role as a Presales Executive allows me not only to understand these technologies but also to communicate their value and potential to our clients, helping them to harness the power of engineering to achieve their goals I am fortunate to see the significant impact of these cutting-edge technologies, from optimizing operations to enhancing data security and delivering unprecedented insights.

Having the privilege to observe firsthand the contributions of women in engineering, I am optimistic about the future. Looking ahead, I believe we are on a path where more women will join STEM fields, enhancing our ability to solve complex challenges and create impactful solutions. Together, we can unlock engineering’s complete potential to shape a future where technology serves humanity in more meaningful ways.

Equinix

By Hwa Choo Lim, VP, Human Resources, Asia Pacific, Equinix

We recognize the invaluable contributions of women engineers who are transforming the industry with their innovation and expertise. At Equinix, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where women can thrive and excel. I am proud to share that we have made significant progress toward our five-year diversity goals, including a 17% increase in the number of women employees globally. By tapping their unique perspectives and talents, we drive creativity, productivity, and innovation within our organization and the broader technology industry. Our initiatives, such as mentorship programs, leadership development, and flexible work arrangements, are designed to support and empower women engineers at every stage of their careers.

Joined Equinix in 2023 as a principal technology program manager in Bangalore, Usha Rani N, said, “My motivation to become an engineer stems from my passion for problem-solving and innovation. The ability to create tangible solutions that can improve people’s lives excites me. At Equinix, I have found a supportive and safe environment that fosters my professional growth. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that I feel valued and heard. Equinix provides ample opportunities for learning and development, allowing me to continuously expand my skills. The Diverse team, collaborative culture and access to cutting-edge technology inspire me to push the boundaries and excel in my career.”

By encouraging young women to pursue careers in the IT and engineering industry, and by providing ongoing support and development opportunities, we can ensure that the women engineering industry continues to be #EnhancedbyEngineering. We are proud to be part of this global movement, celebrating the achievements of women engineers and paving the way for future generations.

Whatfix

By Chaitanya Bhandari, Software Engineer, Whatfix

National Women in Engineering Day is a chance to highlight the remarkable achievements of women in the industry, despite facing gender biases. Early on in my career, I encountered gender bias that cast doubts on my capabilities not only within the workplace but also from clients. As a result, I felt compelled to continuously validate my skills and capabilities, striving to go above and beyond what was expected of me, more so than my male colleagues. To navigate these challenges, I focused on building confidence in my skills and knowledge, which significantly transformed how I communicated, interacted with others, and performed my work.

My advice for women in engineering, or those considering a career in this field, is to be confident in your knowledge and capabilities. This confidence influences your communication, interactions, and work performance. Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated on emerging trends. Being proficient in new technologies gives you an edge over others. Additionally, taking end-to-end ownership can set you apart. By managing all aspects of a project from start to finish, you demonstrate your expertise, dedication, and leadership.

In an industry where we often need to work twice as hard to prove ourselves, it’s crucial to keep learning, recognize your worth, and, most importantly, believe in yourself. Together, we can shatter the glass ceiling and push boundaries.

Honeywell Connected Enterprises India

By Shubhanjali K, Principal Software Architect, Honeywell Connected Enterprises India

While diversity is a crucial catalyst for growth in any industry sector, it is especially imperative for driving innovation and progress in technology fields. A variety of perspectives, professional experiences, and personal backgrounds foster the development of solutions that resonate broadly across diverse markets and customer segments.

As a woman in engineering, having a mentor has been transformative. It’s like having a personal cheerleader and a seasoned pro rolled into one. Mentors not only demonstrate that successful female engineers exist, but they also actively help you navigate the path to success.

Mentors have always helped me identify areas where I need improvement. Whether it’s a specific technical skill or gaining confidence in networking and presentations, mentors provide invaluable support. Together, we strategize ways to address these weaknesses. They might recommend relevant courses, connect me with experts, or even role-play tricky situations.

However, mentorship goes beyond technical expertise. My mentor helps me recognize and build on my strengths. They encourage me to take calculated risks, step outside my comfort zone, and present my ideas. Their unwavering support gives me the courage to overcome self-doubt and fully embrace my capabilities. With their guidance, I’m constantly learning, growing, and becoming a more well-rounded engineer.

Honeywell recognizes the importance of equal opportunities and is committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive. Our comprehensive Women Development Programs, including ASPIRE and the Women Leadership Forum, provide targeted leadership development, mentorship, and real-world business projects, ensuring that women receive the support they need to succeed.

UST

By Colleen Doherty, Chief People Officer, UST

Women engineers are breaking barriers and making significant contributions to society. Their innovative solutions and perspectives are driving technological advancements and addressing global challenges. However, none of this can happen without support. Tech firms play a crucial role in nurturing female STEM students and transforming them into the engineers who are reshaping our future.

On International Women in Engineering Day – and every day – we celebrate UST’s commitment to reskilling, upskilling, and mentorship programs that boost female representation and empower everyone with the skills needed to excel.

Altimetrik

Anuradha Natarajan, Quality Engineering Practice Head – Altimetrik

“Women are increasingly making their mark as innovators, leaders, and changemakers in the tech sector. According to the National Science Foundation, women representation in leadership positions has been gradually increasing, now holding approximately 29% of STEM-related jobs. This upward trajectory signals a broader cultural shift within the industry, where merit and talent are recognized and rewarded regardless of gender.

As a woman who has navigated the dynamic terrain of engineering for over 25 years, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career in this industry. Engineering is more than building structures or developing software – it is an innovative outlook to solving problems to shape a collective future. It demands creativity, analytical thinking, and perseverance – qualities that know no gender.

STEM initiatives in India are rapidly progressing for women through government policies, scholarships, and programs like the ‘Women Scientists Scheme’ and ‘KIRAN,’ which offer significant career opportunities and crucial support in science and technology. These efforts collectively aim to create an ecosystem where women can thrive in STEM careers, enhancing their skills and bolstering the innovation quotient in the engineering landscape. The focus is not just on increasing numbers but also on ensuring quality participation and leadership by women in STEM.

As industry leaders, we have a responsibility to mentor, support, and elevate women in tech, by providing targeted mentorship programs, funding opportunities for female-led projects, and platforms for networking and professional growth. With the vision of building a more inclusive workplace culture, Altimetrik accelerates women’s career growth in STEM through groundbreaking programs and policies, offering flexible work arrangements and focused development opportunities.

We must create workplaces that value work-life balance, promote equal opportunities, and actively combat bias.”

GALE India

Nitya Krishnamoorthy, Vice President, GALE India

Women engineers have made significant contributions to the IT sector, demonstrating exceptional adaptability in the face of rapid technological advancements. Their distinct perspectives on cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, deep tech, and big data have driven innovation in the field. Moreover, the IT industry has undergone a remarkable shift in its attitude towards women professionals, recognizing their value and making the effort to provide equitable opportunities for them to excel and thrive.

To aspiring and current women engineers, I offer this advice: Hold the challenges and stay motivated. STEM courses, especially Engineering, equip you to achieve much more than just a job. They foster innovation, encourage ideation, and inspire the creation of businesses and positive societal change. Remember that your journey in STEM is about driving innovation and making a meaningful difference in the world.

At GALE Partners, we are committed to empowering women engineers. Our initiatives include hackathons that actively encourage participation from women employees. In our India office, women make up over 36% of the workforce, spanning software development, CRM, and data science. We have a clear roadmap for the career advancement of women engineers, including mentorship, skill training, and leadership development. By prioritizing their growth, we help women overcome barriers and excel in their careers.

On a personal note, I am the first member of my family to graduate in Engineering within the STEM field. My journey was filled with challenges, from excelling in my 12th-grade exams to securing a coveted seat in a promising Engineering college. Despite my parents’ non-science backgrounds, they believed in the potential of this path and supported my pursuit. As a trailblazer, I faced scepticism from those who questioned the value of a STEM career, viewing it merely as a routine job for financial stability. However, STEM is much more—it’s about preparing for a journey that demands analytical thinking, application-oriented approaches, and continuous learning.

Qlik

Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik

“At Qlik, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women engineers who are at the forefront of innovation and growth. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel and lead, recognizing the unique challenges faced by marginalized women. Our Qlik Women in Technology (WIT) program empowers women by creating networks for connection, experience sharing, and mentorship. We are committed to enhancing women’s skills through initiatives, stretch assignments, and direct exposure to senior leaders, preparing them for leadership roles. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the field of engineering and make a positive impact on society.

Qlik also supports working mothers and caregivers with flexible work arrangements. Our pay and promotion policies are designed to be fair and transparent, based solely on performance, skills, and experience. We also collect data on gender representation across all levels of our organization and have implemented targeted policies to close gender pay gaps and eliminate biases in promotion, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and gender equity.

We nurture an equitable culture that challenges unconscious bias and builds connections, driving meaningful change. We acknowledge the challenges women face and provide opportunities for dialogue, empowerment, and advocacy. Women engineers at Qlik harness the power of data to transform businesses and drive progress. On this day, we extend our gratitude to all women engineers, especially those at Qlik, who relentlessly push boundaries, turning data into actionable insights that empower decision-makers. Their passion and commitment are the driving forces behind our mission to make data accessible and impactful.

This day is more than recognition; it is a catalyst for sustained action. Together, we strive to create a world where women thrive, break new barriers, and realize their full potential.”