In today’s dynamic technology environment, it is important to recognize the shift in perspective that drives innovation and growth. With more women entering the technology forefront and taking on technical roles traditionally reserved for men, it creates room for better collaboration and strengthened efforts to bring about positive change in society. International Women in Engineering Day, held on the 23rd,rd The event, held each June, highlights the achievements of women in engineering and recognizes their skills in leveraging advanced technology and simplifying technical complexity. Such recognition helps build a more equitable engineering community and promotes practices and policies that encourage generations of female engineers to enter the field and make positive contributions to society.
Ascendion
Vasundhara S, Executive – Presales Engineering, Ascendion
Engineering is more than just a profession; it represents a mindset that drives continuous technological advancements. As part of an engineering company, I am fortunate to see how engineering drives technological advancements, enhances convenience, and improves the overall quality of life. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with diverse teams. In my role, I have the opportunity to interact with some of the brightest minds in the industry. I get to see the unique perspectives and innovative approaches that women bring, resulting in more creative solutions and effective outcomes.
Engineering is constantly pushing the boundaries, and we are on the brink of a new era where advanced AI algorithms, especially large-scale language models, will revolutionize industries by understanding and generating human-like output such as essays, code, and art. My role as a presales executive is to not only understand these technologies but also to convey their value and potential to customers and help them leverage the power of engineering to achieve their goals. I am fortunate to witness the profound impact of these cutting-edge technologies, from optimizing operations to enhancing data security to delivering unprecedented insights.
Having had the opportunity to observe firsthand the contributions of women in engineering, I am optimistic about the future. I believe that in the future, we are on a path to seeing more women enter STEM fields and increase their ability to solve complex challenges and create effective solutions. Together, we can unleash the full potential of engineering and shape a future where technology serves humanity in more meaningful ways.
Tata Elkus
By Vamsi Ravali P., Delivery Manager and Head of Regulatory Affairs, Healthcare Business, Tata Elksi
As a medical engineering professional, I have often seen that female engineers have a unique strength in emotional intelligence that helps them develop medical devices and products. The “female perspective” often adds a unique dimension to medical engineering, as women excel at analysis and interpretation. Women engineers in the medical field have consistently demonstrated the ability to leverage their natural caring qualities to produce strong, superior designs.
The engineering profession positively impacts the personal lives of women engineers, further enriched by their empathetic and compassionate nature. In essence, I encourage all women engineers to trust themselves and have the courage to take on more leadership roles. Women in leadership positions are uniquely positioned to understand and mentor other women engineers, fostering a supportive community so that we can care for and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Equinix
Fah Choo Lim, vice president, human resources, Asia Pacific, Equinix
We recognize the immeasurable contributions of female engineers who are transforming industries with their innovation and expertise. At Equinix, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where women can thrive and thrive. We are proud to have made significant progress toward our five-year diversity goal, including a 17% increase in our female employee base globally. By leveraging the unique perspectives and talents of women, we drive creativity, productivity and innovation within our organization and across the technology industry. Our initiatives, including mentorship programs, leadership development and flexible work arrangements, are designed to support and empower female engineers at every stage of their careers.
Usha Rani N, who joined Equinix in 2023 as Principal Technology Program Manager, Bengaluru, said: “My passion for problem-solving and innovation inspired me to become an engineer. I am excited by the ability to create tangible solutions that can improve people’s lives. At Equinix, I’ve found a supportive and safe environment that fosters my professional growth. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes me feel valued and heard. Equinix provides ample opportunities for learning and development so I can continue to grow my skills. The diverse team, collaborative culture and access to cutting-edge technology inspire me to push my boundaries and excel in my career.”
By encouraging young women to pursue careers in IT and engineering and providing ongoing support and development opportunities, we can ensure that women in engineering continue to be #EnhancedbyEngineering. We are proud to be part of this global movement to celebrate the achievements of women engineers and pave the way for future generations.
WattFix
Chaitanya Bhandari, Software Engineer at Whatfix
National Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to highlight the incredible achievements of women in our industry, despite facing gender bias. I encountered gender bias early in my career and had my abilities questioned not only at work but also by clients. As a result, I felt the need to continually validate my skills and capabilities and strive to outperform and exceed expectations compared to my male colleagues. To overcome these challenges, I focused on building confidence in my skills and knowledge. This has made a huge difference in the way I communicate, interact with others and get my work done.
My advice to women in engineering or considering a career in this field is to be confident in your knowledge and abilities. This confidence will impact your communication, interactions, and job performance. Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay on top of new trends. Being familiar with new technologies will give you an edge over others. Additionally, having end-to-end ownership will set you apart. Managing all aspects of a project from start to finish demonstrates your expertise, dedication, and leadership.
In an industry where you often have to work twice as hard to prove yourself, it’s crucial to keep learning, know your worth, and above all else, believe in yourself. Together, we can shatter glass ceilings and push boundaries.
Honeywell Connected Enterprise India
Author: Shubhanjali K, Principal Software Architect, Honeywell Connected Enterprises India
Diversity is a key catalyst for growth in any industry, but especially essential to driving innovation and progress in technology. Diverse perspectives, professional experiences and personal backgrounds facilitate the development of solutions that are broadly accepted across diverse markets and customer segments.
Having a mentor has been a game changer for women in engineering. It’s like a personal cheerleader and a seasoned professional all in one. Not only do mentors show you that successful female engineers exist, they also actively help you navigate your path to success.
My mentor always helps me identify areas where I need to improve. Whether it’s specific technical skills or gaining confidence in networking and presentations, my mentor provides me with invaluable support. Together we develop strategies to address these weaknesses. My mentor recommends relevant courses, introduces me to experts and role-plays difficult situations for me.
But mentorship goes beyond technical expertise. My mentors help me recognize and develop my strengths. They push me to take calculated risks, step out of my comfort zone, and present my ideas. Their unwavering support gives me the courage to overcome self-doubt and fully embrace my capabilities. With their guidance, I am constantly learning, growing, and becoming a more well-rounded engineer.
Honeywell recognizes the importance of equal opportunity and is committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive. Our comprehensive women’s development programs, including ASPIRE and the Women’s Leadership Forum, provide targeted leadership development, mentorship and real-world business projects to ensure women have the support they need to succeed.
US
Colleen Dougherty, Chief Human Resources Officer, UST
Women engineers are breaking down barriers and making incredible contributions to society. Their innovative solutions and perspectives are driving technological advancements and tackling global challenges. But none of this is possible without support. Technology companies play a key role in nurturing female students in STEM fields and grooming them to become the engineers who will shape the future.
On International Women in Engineers Day, and every day, we celebrate UST’s commitment to reskilling, upskilling and mentorship programs that increase female representation and equip everyone with the skills they need to excel.
Altimetric
Anuradha Natarajan, Head of Quality Engineering Practice – Altimetrik
“In technology, we are seeing an increasing number of women serving as innovators, leaders and change-makers. According to the National Science Foundation, the percentage of women in leadership positions has been gradually increasing and now accounts for approximately 29 percent of STEM jobs. This upward trend signals a broader cultural shift within the industry where merit and talent are being recognized and rewarded, regardless of gender.”
As a woman with over 25 years experience in the dynamic field of engineering, I have seen firsthand the challenges and successes that come with a career in this industry. Engineering is not just about building structures or developing software; it’s an innovative perspective that solves problems and shapes our shared future. It requires gender-neutral qualities, including creativity, analytical thinking and perseverance.
India is witnessing a rapid rise in STEM initiatives for women through government policies, scholarships, and programs such as the Women in Science and Technology Initiative and KIRAN, providing greater career opportunities and critical support in science and technology. These initiatives aim to build an enabling ecosystem for women in STEM fields, upskill them, and strengthen innovation quotas in engineering. The focus is not just on increasing numbers, but also ensuring quality participation and leadership of women in STEM fields.
As an industry leader, we have a responsibility to mentor, support and nurture women in technology by providing targeted mentorship programs, funding opportunities for women-led projects, and a platform for networking and professional growth. With a vision to build a more inclusive work culture, Altimetrik accelerates the career growth of women in STEM fields through innovative programs and policies, providing flexible work arrangements and focused development opportunities.
We must create a workplace that values work-life balance, promotes equal opportunity and actively combats bias.”
