4 Platforms Redefining Women in Tech Narrative in 2021

With the undergoing digital transformation, now is an exciting time to be working in technology and redefining women in tech narrative. However, it is a well-known fact that women have historically found it difficult to carve out a place for themselves in the tech industry. The industry indeed has made significant progress in catering to the needs of the women in tech. Still, it has not done a good job of ensuring greater representation of women in technology. According to the Belong survey, the overall representation of women in the engineering workforce of Indian IT firms is only 34%, with one woman engineer out of every three men engineers.

Furthermore, the survey found that up to 45% of women in tech leave core engineering roles after less than eight years. There are more women in software testing roles (a less favoured skill) than in core programming roles among India's tech talent. The survey also discovered that if 29% of women begin working in a given year, the percentage drops to a pitiful 7% after 12 years. One of the primary reasons for this dropout is women taking a break to start a family. And, many do not get a second chance.

Fortunately, there is a rise in platforms which, through their special offerings, are redefining women in tech narrative by empowering women in reimagining their careers in technology. While some employ cutting-edge technology, others utilise holistic systems to create a spot for women to enter and engage in the tech industry.

--Aanchal Khosla, Head of University partnerships, Newton School

Newton School

Newton School is an online education technology platform that encourages women to re-enter the workforce with industry-specific skills. The startup offers a four-month training course that is reverse engineered to meet industry needs and is led by dynamic women with extensive industry experience. The course, which is offered with a pay after placement model, allows women to learn industry skills without incurring any financial burden. Newton School is redefining women in tech narrative by assisting them to overcome barriers such as a lack of confidence, direction and opportunity when returning to the workforce after a break.

Meetup

Meetup is an excellent place for women to start their tech communities and meet other women who share their interests. With over one million members representing 1,400 different "women in technology" groups, there is bound to be a welcoming network no matter where one is or what tech topics one is interested in. The groups include everything from women software developers to business owners and everything in between. Meetup groups bring together over 250,000 women from all over the world to improve their software development skills.

PowerToFly

PowerToFly is a diversity recruiting and retention platform that connects candidates to job roles in high-profile industries. The platform vets, coaches and places women in tech jobs all over the world. All of the jobs PowerToFly finds are remote, giving applicants the freedom to work from wherever they want. The company achieves its mission through connecting diverse talent to free live virtual events with decision-makers from companies. They also feature upskilling content and host summits with industry leaders, creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

JobsForHer

JobsForHer is a great platform is committed towards redefining women in tech narrative by helping women in the workplace in reaching their full potential. JobsForHer, which bills itself as India's largest online women's portal, assists women in rejoining the workforce through upskilling, enhanced job searches, and networking opportunities. JobsForHer is also well-known for its MentorHer programme, in which experienced female industry leaders share their knowledge with applicants looking to advance their careers.

Technology offers limitless opportunities, and women have demonstrated dedication and passion over time to pave a path for their careers. In addition, initiatives like the ones mentioned above are also helping this lost talent get back to the workforce. However, there is no silver bullet for bridging the gender gap in the tech industry. Closing the gap will still necessitate a collaborative effort from different sectors to inspire more women to break down barriers at work.

--By Aanchal Khosla, Head of University partnerships, Newton School 

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