In a landscape often dominated by traditional perceptions, breaking barriers in technology requires more than skill—it demands resilience and determination. Meet Salphie Kechichain, a trailblazer in construction technology, who defied societal norms to pursue her passion.
From battling stereotypes in a male-dominated industry to reshaping the future of construction tech, her journey is a testament to the power of persistence and innovation.
In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her path, the challenges she faced, and her unwavering commitment to paving the way for women in technology.
Tell us about what got you interested in technology, why did you choose the space and field of technology?
In high school, I was fascinated with physics and engineering and I applied to study both at university. As a 15-year-old girl in an Arab country, I faced pressure to steer away from more so-called ‘masculine’ fields. Civil engineering was a no-go. I picked computer science instead.
In 2005, I graduated with a Masters in Computer Science and secured a job at a construction company as a software engineer. It didn’t take long for me to gravitate towards the construction projects. I became fascinated with the challenge of addressing long-standing ‘pains’ in the industry.For me, emerging construction technology represented huge potential to bring meaningful change to an industry that had resisted change for a long time.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
My journey in construction technology started in 2005 when I had my first assignment at a remote oil and gas refinery in Hashan, Abu Dhabi. When I met the project director, he told me: “I don’t know why they sent me a girl. I’m not sure what you are trying to prove”. As a 21-year-old, this hit me hard, I was adamant to prove him wrong, and that’s exactly what I did. By the age of 24, I was one of the most sought-after engineers for on-site project assignments.
What is your take on women in technology and how is the landscape changing? What can be done to ensure there are more women in tech roles?
I think as women in traditionally male dominated industries, we have shown time and time again the power of a fresh perspective and independent way of thinking. The industry wasn’t so open to accepting women were more than capable of leading and innovating in tough industries such as construction, but in recent years especially, women have been amongst those making the most meaningful changes in construction technology.
The fact that WakeCap has two women in its most senior roles and is increasingly recognised as a significant regional player is someting we are all – men and women in the team – immensely proud of. . Many women still shy away from pursuing careers in construction technology because it is still a challenge to start families. Many companies don’t provide the right conditions for women to have children. Short maternity leaves, rigid working hours, and the judgement of prioritizing young babies makes it challenging for women to take the plunge. We need more companies to normalize this and not shame them for wanting to build families and have a healthy life-work balance.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
I think the biggest obstacles that women face in construction technology is an outdated perceptionaround women in #Contech. but I am happy to see that this is changing fast, and women are being recognized and appreciated in the industry.
What advice would you give women who are looking to get into the field of technology?
Today, the industry has many innovators, visionaries and forward-thinking leaders Many of these are women!
Don’t waste your time trying to convince the wrong people of your value. Remember: “Just because you fit, doesn’t mean you belong”. Look for a company that believes in your potential and values your hard work and don’t settle for anything less.
