Navigating the tech world as a woman presented challenges, but Simran Bagga thrived by embracing continuous learning and fostering strong partnerships. One of Bagga pivotal moments came when she realized the importance of advocating for myself and demonstrating accountability in every role she undertook.
“As I climbed the ranks, I encountered scenarios where I was the only woman in the room, which propelled me to deliver results that exceeded expectations, challenging stereotypes along the way.”
However, systemic changes within companies are still needed to enhance opportunities for women to excel. While progress has been made, the gender gap persists, especially in major tech companies. Closing this gap demands concerted efforts to address biases in hiring, close the pay disparity, and foster proactive leadership among women.
Tell us about what got you interested in technology, why did you choose the space and field of technology?
Technology, as an industry, focuses on breaking new ground. Professionals in the tech sector are embedded in a culture of growth and advancement. A tech environment is a great fit for creative individuals as it allows them to develop new and inventive concepts. Creativity is the driving factor for innovation which is always rewarded in the tech industry. Being surrounded by like-minded creatives will further help the process. The opportunity to blend my analytical skills with my creative abilities is what sparked my interest and motivated me to pursue a career in technology.
There aren’t many industries that evolve according to the functioning of the world like technology. It aims to make everything we do faster, better, and easier. ICT is the place to be in the idea of working in an industry that transforms the world rapidly. I find working in technology to be a rewarding career that allows me to learn new skills every day and work across a variety of industries and sectors. It also lets me pursue opportunities in anything from entertainment and healthcare to finance and government. I have the freedom to work for either a start-up or a well-established corporation – or even a non-profit. The possibilities are endless.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry in the early 90s, required me to learn to navigate the environment. I overcame gender discrimination in the industry through continuous learning, being a trusted advisor, having a ‘can do’ attitude and fostering strong partnerships. In my current role, the initial days were challenging, as the ratio of male to female was a good 80:20. Often, I would be the only woman in a room or team. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage because while you stand out as a woman, you still need to prove your worth.
As a result, I am determined to deliver good results, perhaps even better results than expected or required at times. There needs to be a systemic change within companies which requires them to look at ways their culture, hiring processes, and leadership values can be enhanced or adapted to allow more women to excel at what they do.
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?
Women in tech are certainly on the rise these days. They are an ever-growing part of the tech landscape. While women make up 59 per cent of the total workforce, they are averaging only 30% across major tech companies., including both tech and non-tech jobs, such as Marketing and HR. When it comes to the representation of women in tech jobs at tech companies, they are unable to reach the 20 per cent mark.
The world of technology is dynamic and continuously evolving, and women become vital in shaping its future. We have seen significant growth and development in the Middle East in recent years, and technology has played a key role in driving this progress. Women are making a lot of progress in the tech industry, breaking down barriers and challenging gender stereotypes. Their contributions are not only changing the face of technology in the region, but they are also having a positive impact on society.
There are many systemic challenges that need to be addressed for women to achieve greater equality in tech, including gaps in STEM degrees, inequality in pay and workplace culture issues. The battle certainly isn’t over yet, but we are continuing to make progress. Firstly, it is important to eliminate bias in the hiring process. This can be done by hiring women into leadership roles early in a company’s inception. Next, it is crucial to close the pay gap. If men and women with the same education and skillset are doing the same jobs, it is time to figure out why that pay gap exists and set a level playing field. Additionally, there is a need for proactivity where there are always opportunities and problems to be solved. Women should step up, act, and demonstrate accountability. There is a lot more work to be done to encourage women to be proactive, agile and lead from the front.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
One of the key challenges is being treated equally compared to their male counterparts, women are often placed on an uneven playing field. Advocating on their own behalf is another challenge. Women often cannot rely on their ambition being perceived as a positive attribute. Women must push through internal and external barriers to find the confidence to express their ideas and trust their own voices. Additionally, sometimes women cannot rely on traditional ways to develop alliances as it might be misunderstood, hence, they must identify alternative routes to build mutually beneficial strategic relationships. Continuous learning, networking, collaborating with diverse nationalities, and coaching from mentors are areas to focus on to overcome gender bias, especially in the ICT industry.
What advice would you give women who are looking to get into the field of technology?
The possibilities are endless, and the doors are open, we just need to believe in ourselves. Being a woman in tech is fantastic. You have a great career in front of you. Once a woman finds her place and passion in the tech industry, I believe she can do wonders to help other women find their place too and create a sustainable workplace for everyone.
When women help each other, amazing things can happen. Professional careers leap forward. This is what Women in Technology is all about. Let us not underestimate our potential or that of others at any time. The answers are out there, give girls role models, teach them the skills they will need, and encourage and show them that tech careers will help change the world for the better. By 2030, women can and will be critical to leveraging this revolution to positively impact our global society.
