Leading the charge: Women engineers in innovation and leadership (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 24, 2024 16:10 IST

The incredible contributions of women engineers who are making significant progress in a traditionally male-dominated field. Despite numerous challenges, they continue to lead with innovation and resilience, paving the way for future engineers.

Rupal Yadav, Senior Project Manager at Beyond Key, shares her perspective on the importance of flexibility and support in the workplace. "Balancing work and personal life is often more challenging for women, especially in demanding tech roles. At Beyond Key, we have implemented a 'work from anywhere' model, which has been incredibly beneficial. This flexibility allows me to manage my professional responsibilities without compromising on my personal life."

Yadav also highlights the critical role of inclusive policies in retaining skilled employees. "Our employee-friendly policies, such as the Referral Program, Mentorship Program for Freshers and Interns, and Career Ladder initiatives, provide clear pathways for career progression. These programs are designed to support and retain talent, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed."

She emphasises the importance of continuous learning and development in thriving in tech. " We offer extensive training sessions and encourage certifications. This not only enhances our technical skills but also keeps us updated with the latest advancements in the field."

SUPPORTING WOMEN'S CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN ENGINEERING

Beyond Key is dedicated to supporting the career advancement of women in tech through various targeted initiatives:

Career ladder: At Beyond Key, we have several initiatives to support women's career advancement in tech. One of our key programs is the implementation of a Career Ladder, which outlines clear progression paths for every employee. This provides women engineers with clarity, structure, and direction for their professional growth within the company.

Open communication: We prioritise open communication, ensuring that women have access to mentors, sponsors, and leadership opportunities.

Continuous feedback system: We have a continuous feedback system in place, allowing women to receive regular input on their performance and development areas. These initiatives foster an inclusive and supportive environment where women in tech feel empowered to excel and advance in their careers.

BREAKING BARRIERS

Harpreet Kaur, Chief Engineer at Hughes Systique Corporation, reflects on her journey: "Being a woman in engineering has its unique set of challenges. From the onset, some societal biases and stereotypes suggest engineering is a 'man's field.' Overcoming these misconceptions required not only technical proficiency but also immense perseverance and confidence."

Harpreet emphasises the importance of mindset. "Having financial independence and clear opinions of what you want to achieve in life is as crucial for females as it is for males for centuries,” she says. "Having mentors who believe in your capabilities and provide guidance can make a significant difference. At Hughes Systique Corporation, we have some of the finest engineering minds, and working alongside them has been instrumental in my career growth and learning."

She also highlights the significance of an inclusive work culture. "Creating an environment where diversity is valued and encouraged is crucial. It's about giving everyone a seat at the table and ensuring their voices are heard. This not only fosters innovation but also makes the workplace more dynamic and enriching."

SUPPORTING WOMEN ENGINEERS

The Circle of Support Initiative: The Circle of Support (CoS) is a platform created to cultivate an empathetic and supportive community for women at HSC. It fosters genuine connections, establishes commonalities, breaks down cognitive limitations, challenges each other, shares and receives inputs, and enables growth through combined knowledge and experiences.

Flexible Work Options: HSC offers remote work and flexible schedules to help employees balance professional and personal commitments.

Diversity Initiatives: The company promotes gender equality and works to increase the number of women in tech roles.

Inclusive Policies: HSC has structured career paths, referral programs, and supportive policies that foster retention and career growth.

Cultural Inclusivity: The company is committed to creating a respectful workplace that celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

INSPIRING NEXT GENERATION

On this International Women in Engineering Day, let us celebrate the achievements of today's women engineers, continue to support them in their journey, and inspire the next generation to take up engineering. The contributions of women in engineering are invaluable, and their presence is essential for driving innovation and creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace.