On the occasion of International Women's Day 8.3, Ms. Sujatha S Iyer, Head of AI Security, ManageEngine, Zoho Corp shared her experience and advice for women in pursuing a technology industry, especially the field of AI that is becoming the focus of the current digital environment.
Technology for everyone: Breaking gender discrimination
According to Ms. Sujatha, although the technology industry is still dominated by men in many fields (especially leadership positions), she still believes that the AI field is where the ability and outcome of speech are stronger than gender.
In fact, technology is one of the most comprehensive fields, especially with the development of remote working, focusing on personal contributions rather than geographical locations.
The current rate of women in the technology industry in Southeast Asia is from 34% to 40%. However, the role of coaching and successful women's role models is extremely important in making this industry more accessible.
To young girls entering this field: Always be curious, look for a consultant, dont believe in the misconception that technology is an industry dominated by men. There will always be enough space for everyone, women's voices are essential to shaping the future of technology, Ms. Sujatha shared.
Overcoming barriers: Repeat self-doubts
In a study on impersonator syndrome, 70% of participants said they "had felt suspicious of themselves or were impersonating at some point in their careers."
In an area that is constantly innovating, it is understandable to doubt her approach, says Sujatha. From her own experience, Ms. Sujatha said that continuous learning, technical freedom and focusing on the process rather than the results will help women working in technology fields get the necessary support to overcome the limits set by themselves. She also emphasized the importance of corporate culture where women work.
Welcoming innovation
Ms. Sujatha shared that one of the most interesting aspects of her career in the field of AI and technology is constant innovation. With breakthroughs happening almost every day, the rapid development of technology makes me always interested and passionate. Whether it's testing new models or updating the latest research, there's always something new to explore.
AI requires an open and ready-to- adapt mindset, making it the perfect field for anyone who loves to challenge and learn continuously. However, it is important to look beyond the technical aspect.
Giving advice to women, Ms. Sujatha said that those in leadership positions should consider how their work impacts the customer experience and the broader business picture. Not only writing code, but shaping the future of businesses.
The role of coaching and successful women's role models is extremely important in making this industry more accessible to women.
The future of women in the technology industry is extremely promising, but this journey is not without challenges. As technology continues to develop, more and more diverse voices are needed to help shape the future.
By embracing curiosity, seeking advice and facing challenges directly, women not only break barriers but also pave the way for a more integrated and innovative technology landscape, concluded the Head of AI Security, ManageEngine.
