Specific initiatives should be implemented to support women in technology industry

Rituparna Mandal, General Manager, MediaTek Bangalore

"I agree there is significant improvement in the number of women employees in the IT sector, around 36% as per the Government’s estimates. This would be seen as a great achievement, but it is not because this is largely the IT services domain. Technology jobs are different. Women who aspire to work in technology face many obstacles, from stereotypes about their abilities to a lack of female role models in the industry. It’s time for us to recognize the potential of women in technology and create a more inclusive environment for them to thrive.

As India continues to strive for excellence in electronics manufacturing, the government should focus on increasing women’s participation in the technology sector to fully realize their potential towards the country’s development.

Gender disparity in the tech industry is a pressing issue that deserves the industry’s attention. To address this problem, we need to focus on implementing specific initiatives that support women in tech. For example, mentorship programs and diversity hiring targets can help make technology centers and research facilities more inclusive for women. We also need to create women-friendly policies for work environments, such as special incentives for women techies and booster programs for women techie start-ups.

Additionally, WFH policies should be revised to allow young mothers to work from home, so that they can balance their work and family responsibilities.

As an entrepreneur in a male-dominated field, I had to work extra hard to build my dream start-up while also fulfilling my roles as a daughter, wife, and mother. Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of staying calm and focused, even in the face of adversities. I realized that perfection is not the key to success, but rather doing your best and learning from your mistakes.
 

As a leader, I try to motivate my team by fostering a positive, collaborative environment. By building strong personal relationships, we are able to work together more effectively, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. I’ve found that maintaining an optimistic outlook and a can-do attitude can make all the difference in achieving our goals.”