Rama Sridhar Shares How Tech Women can Catch Up with Tech Men

Q: Given these favourable factors, why is women participation still low in the tech industry?

RS: Well, tech is largely perceived as a man’s space. There’s also few success stories of women having made it in tech. And even if there were, we hear stories of having to overcome odds, and ongoing struggles. So is it any wonder why we have few women in tech? The day when we can say it’s a level playing field, there will probably be more interest among young women to join the tech industry.

But until then, corporations should support and provide equal career development opportunities for women. And men who make up the majority of the workforce should also stop stereotyping women and discredit their confidence. For example, it is not unusual to hear men identifying certain women as being too ambitious. We need to ask ourselves: Why is being ambitious considered a positive trait in men, but an undesirable one in women?

Of course, women have a role to play too. Apart from learning to be more confident and courageous, we have to proactively match or better men’s depth of knowledge and skills. After all, we want to be recognised for being great – and not for being women.

Q: What other tips do you have for women looking to join the tech industry?

RS: Working in an industry with women as the minority, I’ll have to admit that I constantly feel that I have more to prove compared to my male colleagues. That’s why I have always pushed myself to take the harder jobs – the undefined and unstructured ones. What I’ve come to realise through this process is that not only do I win respect amongst both men and women when I pull them off, but they also set me up for bigger opportunities. So my advice is to not shy away from hard work. Instead, embrace challenges as they can potentially give you leverage for personal and career development.

Learning to stand your ground and make that first move is equally important. Simply by being more informed and stating your point clearly without backing off from difficult conversations is a good start. Meanwhile, being involved in networking luncheons or communities of practice is sometimes essential for career advancements and helping you to get ahead. But rather than waiting to be included, why not take that first step to reach out?

“It is my hope that disruptive forces like the COVID-19 pandemic can catalyse change and bring about a whole democratisation of opportunities for women so that we don’t have to wait 50 or 85 years – as per Accenture’s findings – for countries to become truly gender diverse.”

What are some qualities a woman tech professional needs to thrive in today’s environment?

What is a quote you live by?

What is an advice you have for women who are nontech native and thinking of joining the tech industry? Who inspires you professionally?

COVID-19 PANDEMIC – Boon or Bane for Women in Tech?

SERENE SIA

Senior Member, SCS SG100WIT List 2020 Managing Director, ASEAN, Autodesk First Smartphone: Palm Treo Currently Reading: Becoming by Michelle Obama Just Watched: The Social Dilemma on Netflix Must-have App: Online banking apps Last Browsed Tab: LinkedIn Pet Topic: US Election 2020 Favourite Way to Relax: Yoga

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game changer for industries and professionals. And if we were to go by global news reports and United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres’ predictions, COVID-19 could potentially reverse the progress that has been made on gender equality and women’s rights. To find out if the same is also happening in the traditionally male-dominated tech industry, The IT Society catches up with Serene Sia, Managing Director for ASEAN at Autodesk.

Q: Question, SS: Serene Sia

Q: How does it feel to be recognised in the inaugural Singapore 100 Women in Tech (SG100WIT) List?

SS: I am honoured to share this space with some of the best female tech leaders and innovators. What a wonderful way it is for SCS, SG Women in Tech and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to recognise and celebrate inspiring tech women in Singapore who have made significant contributions to the tech industry.

Q: How significant is the Singapore 100 Women in Tech to women in tech and the tech industry at large?

SS: It is no secret that gender stereotypes exist in many industries, and the tech industry is no exception. Statistically, male founders are 86% likelier to get funding than female founders – although companies with gender diverse leadership demonstrate 34% higher returns on investment.