Tech leaders calling for gender equality & inclusion

In anticipation of International Women's Day, key figures in the technology sector have voiced their thoughts on the ongoing challenges and achievements of women in the industry. Highlighting the significance of gender equality and inclusion, these leaders from prominent technology firms have underscored the necessity of promoting and supporting women in both professional settings and wider society.

Christina Yap, Enterprise Sales Director, Asia at BlueVoyant, shared her views on how an inclusive work environment is vital for promoting gender equality. According to Yap, a culture of open communication is fundamental. "Accelerating action for gender equality involves building an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected," she stated. At BlueVoyant, weekly catchups across the Asia Pacific region have been instituted to enhance understanding and support among team members, thereby fostering collaboration and innovation. Yap also highlighted the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal life, a priority she says is actively supported across the company.

Yap is also committed to advocacy beyond the confines of her workplace, volunteering with community programs that empower women from underprivileged backgrounds to improve educational and economic opportunities. She remains a strong supporter of continuous learning and facilitates diversity-focused conversations within her company, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives.

In a similar vein, Mei May Soo, Chief of AI Global Solution Specialist at Dell Technologies, emphasized the importance of diversity when developing Singapore's standing as a leader in AI. "While Singapore leads Southeast Asia in female representation within the tech industry," Soo noted, "more action is needed to ensure women not only participate but thrive in leadership and technical roles." She advocates for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment as a key driver of economic growth, especially in sectors where balancing career and family can pose significant challenges.

The strategic vision at Dell Technologies includes ambitious inclusion goals: by 2030, the company aims for women to comprise 50% of its global workforce and 40% of its leadership positions. This commitment is being actioned through initiatives such as MentorConnect, which seeks to nurture the next generation of female tech talent, thereby driving innovation and progress.

Soo believes that true equality is achieved not by minimising differences between genders but by recognising and celebrating the unique strengths that women bring to various fields and challenges. In her leadership role, she regards diverse perspectives as essential in building ethical and trustworthy technology, especially as AI continues to evolve as a transformative global force.

These insights reflect wider industry trends that stress the importance of gender diversity and inclusive practices in driving both corporate success and broader social progress. With International Women's Day serving as a focal point for these discussions, companies like BlueVoyant and Dell Technologies are setting examples of how commitment to equity can foster growth and innovation in the tech sector. Their policies and initiatives could potentially serve as models for other industries and regions striving for equality and inclusivity.