EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
CHEN WEBBER- KENTOR , GROUP PRODUCT MANAGER , ZERTO
DEEPIKA GAJARIA , VP OF GTM AND STRATEGY , SECURIN
Now in its 11th year , International Women in Engineering Day serves as a reminder of the hard work and contributions that women engineers make every day but also to call attention to the gender gap in the engineering industry . Globally , women hold less than 30 % of science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) jobs , but in my role as group product manager at Zerto , I have the pleasure of working with a diverse and talented team of engineers . As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day , I reaffirm my belief that gender parity in STEM provides diverse perspectives and unique problemsolving approaches that lead to more innovative and balanced solutions .
The STEM field has historically faced challenges in embracing new perspectives and voices . However , you possess the qualities necessary to thrive in this field if you have a passion for problem-solving , a curious mindset , a desire to make an impact , and a willingness to learn and network .
Within my own journey , the experiences and qualities I collected throughout my career have provided me with valuable insights that the technology industry and my organization values . Because of this , I am passionate about enabling more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in STEM .
My passion for engineering lies in its challenging nature and the creative possibilities it offers , and I actively encourage more girls and women to pursue this exciting field . Achieving gender equality in STEM requires a proactive approach : setting clear objectives , crafting opportunities , and imparting the significance of diversity and inclusion to all employees . Additionally , fostering an inclusive culture , where women have equal opportunities for career advancement , is key for an organization ’ s success .
Remember to be courageous enough to take your time . Trust in yourself and your audience . When you have something to say , know that it is worth the wait . I ’ ve witnessed countless brilliant women diminish their impact by feeling rushed and speaking too quickly . So , pause . Reflect on your next words . Stand firm . Make them wait . Speak slower , move with purpose . Your voice matters , especially in STEM .
MARGARET HOAGLAND , VP , GLOBAL SALES & MARKETING , SIOS TECHNOLOGY
Those willing to learn , build connections , ask questions , and tackle problems independently have significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully , no matter their background .
SOUJANYA NAMBURI , SOFTWARE ENGINEER , TRACEABLE AI
Young girls can be inspired to pursue careers in engineering by introducing them to STEM opportunities early on , fostering their interests through mentorship programs or clubs , and showcasing diverse role models in the field . For existing female engineers , employers can foster an environment where women feel comfortable leading by prioritizing respect and inclusivity . They can do this by implementing equal pay initiatives and being transparent with promotion processes to ensure fairness and opportunity for all employees . Additionally , they can implement a culture of zero tolerance for discrimination and open communication . These things will help create a supportive atmosphere where women can thrive in leadership roles without fear . p
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