Breaking barriers: Neha Bagaria, founder and CEO, HerKey shares her views on empowering women in technology

Neha Bagaria, founder and CEO HerKey (formerly JobsForHer), founded the company after taking a 3.6-year break in her own career when she had her children. Prior to her career break, she worked at Kemwell, a biopharmaceutical manufacturing company based in Bangalore, where she was involved in the fields of HR, Finance and Marketing strategy for their facilities in India, Sweden and the US.  Before she moved to Bangalore, Neha was the Founder & CEO of Paragon, an educational startup based in Mumbai to bring the Advanced Placement Program to India. Neha has graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with honours in Finance, Marketing and Management of Information Systems. Neha has been listed in Forbes India’s WPower Trailblazers list of 25 groundbreaking women achievers as a  game-changer and innovator who is shattering stereotypes.  She was also recognized as one of the "Top 100 Global Women Trailblazers - Founders" by StrongHer Ventures in 2023. 

DQ: In your opinion, why is it crucial to include women in the technology landscape, and what specific benefits do they bring to business growth and innovation?

Neha Bagaria: Including women in technology is vital for fostering innovation and driving business growth. Diversity in the workforce brings a wealth of perspectives and skills, which are crucial for creativity and problem-solving in the fast-paced tech industry. Studies, like the one from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, show that companies with significant female leadership tend to have higher net profit margins. This indicates that women's involvement not only promotes a more inclusive work environment but also contributes to better financial outcomes. By integrating women into technology, businesses can harness a broader range of ideas, enhancing product development and innovation.

DQ: What are some of the primary challenges that women encounter in today's workforce, particularly in male-dominated fields such as technology, and how can these challenges be addressed effectively?

Neha Bagaria: In the technology sector, women often encounter challenges such as bias in hiring and promotions, and a lack of visible female leaders for mentorship and role modeling. These barriers can hinder their career advancement. To address these issues effectively, it's crucial to foster a culture of inclusivity and support. This can be achieved by implementing unbiased recruitment and evaluation processes, and by establishing mentorship programs that connect women with leaders and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Additionally, creating networking opportunities that allow women to build professional relationships and gain exposure to diverse career paths is essential for encouraging their growth and success in male-dominated fields.

DQ: Could you share some strategies or initiatives that organizations can implement to foster an inclusive workplace culture that encourages and supports the participation of women?

Neha Bagaria: Creating an inclusive workplace where women thrive involves addressing both external barriers and internal empowerment. We're refining our hiring processes to be gender-neutral and setting diversity benchmarks. Beyond hiring, we offer tailored development opportunities to boost confidence and leadership skills, recognizing the unique strengths of each woman.

Support extends to providing mentorship and life skills coaching, helping our team members balance professional and personal challenges. It's about fostering an environment that not only welcomes women but ensures they have the tools and support to succeed. At its core, our approach is about building a community that uplifts every woman, enabling them to reach their full potential.

DQ: For business leaders seeking to enhance women's involvement in their companies, what actionable steps or best practices would you recommend?

Neha Bagaria: To boost women's involvement and leadership in companies, I recommend several practical steps. First, actively increase the number of women in senior management roles. This visibility not only breaks down gender barriers but also fosters a culture of openness and inclusivity, encouraging more women to aspire to leadership positions.

Second, tailor leadership development programs to address the unique challenges women face, building their confidence and promoting an equitable workplace environment. These programs should go beyond general leadership skills to tackle gender-specific obstacles and biases.

Lastly, celebrate and recognize the achievements of women in your organization. Acknowledging their contributions not only motivates them but also sets a powerful example for the entire workforce, demonstrating your commitment to gender equity.

Remember, achieving gender equity goes beyond just internal policies; it's about influencing wider societal norms and practices. By embedding these principles into your company's DNA, you can lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.

DQ: What advice would you offer to aspiring women professionals who aspire to excel in their careers despite potential obstacles or biases?

Neha Bagaria: To aspiring women professionals, my advice is simple yet powerful: Trust in your own abilities and never stop learning. The path in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but your unique perspective is invaluable. Speak up with confidence, champion your own growth, and face biases with determination.

Building a supportive network is key. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who encourage you to reach your full potential. Remember, work-life balance is crucial for long-term success; strive to lead by example in every aspect of your life.

When faced with setbacks, embrace resilience. Reject thoughts of giving up or self-doubt and keep your eyes on your goals. Believe in the extraordinary capabilities you have. As women, we possess the strength to achieve whatever we set our minds to.

DQ: Could you provide insights into how HerKey is actively promoting gender diversity and supporting the professional development and advancement of its female employees?

Neha Bagaria: At HerKey, we recognize that despite advancements, women in STEM still face significant hurdles, with 36% experiencing career breaks. Addressing this, we've initiated partnerships with companies to enhance the participation and performance of women at all levels within STEM fields.

Our flagship initiative, the herShakti program, developed in collaboration with the Karnataka Government and the JobsForHer Foundation, targets women looking to re-enter the workforce or kickstart their careers. This program is designed to equip them with the latest technological skills and professional competencies necessary for today’s dynamic job market.

Our approach goes beyond merely supporting women's careers; we aim to actively advocate for and facilitate their success. By providing targeted training and professional development opportunities, HerKey is at the forefront of creating meaningful pathways for women to advance and thrive in their chosen fields.