Empowering Women in Technology: Insights from Manisha Dubey, IDEMIA

Manisha Dubey, head of IDEMIA India Foundation and VP of marketing communications & Brand at IDEMIA, shares her perspectives on the importance of including women in the technology landscape and the benefits they bring to business growth and innovation. She emphasizes that diversity in the workforce fosters innovative problem-solving and enriches team creativity. However, she acknowledges the challenges women face, such as lack of representation and access to leadership roles. Manisha suggests addressing these challenges by prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives, offering mentorship programs, and providing flexible work arrangements.

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?

Manisha Dubey: Diversity in the workforce promotes varied perspectives and problem-solving approaches, resulting in innovative and effective solutions. Women bring unique experiences, insights, and skills to the table, enriching the overall creativity between teams. Moreover, gender diversity in technology promotes equality and social progress by providing equal opportunities for women to participate and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Women's inclusion in the technology sector not only enhances business growth but also improves decision-making processes, employee satisfaction, and overall company culture. 

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?

Manisha Dubey: Activities predominately performed by women may be overlooked for innovation, lack of representation, lack of access to leadership opportunities, and lack of role models and mentorship opportunities. Also, another challenge that women face is the lack of sponsors. To address these challenges, organizations must prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives beyond gender representation targets. This involves fostering inclusive environments, providing gender bias training, and implementing zero-tolerance policies against harassment. Also, offering flexible work arrangements supports work-life balance, while mentorship and leadership programs empower women to thrive and advance. 

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?

Manisha Dubey: Providing diversity and inclusion training to address unconscious biases and stereotypes, establishing mentorship programs for career development, offering flexible work arrangements, and ensuring fair performance evaluation could be some of the initiatives brands can explore. Additionally, implementing policies such as paid parental leave and childcare assistance, promoting women's leadership development, ensuring equal growth opportunities, and organizing networking events that promote inclusivity and diversity are crucial. By providing tailored leadership development programs, and showcasing their achievements, organizations can empower women to thrive and contribute effectively to the workplace.

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

Manisha Dubey: Creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives is important, Also, implementing targeted initiatives is essential, such as offering leadership training for women, providing mentorship opportunities, and hosting networking events. 

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

Manisha Dubey: For women resilience, self-advocacy, and seeking support are crucial. One must cultivate resilience by understanding that setbacks and biases are often systemic issues, not reflections of one’s capabilities. Stay focused on your goals, persevere through adversity, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, you're not alone—connect with other women professionals for solidarity, inspiration, and collective strategies for success through networks and mentorship programs. Together, women can break through barriers, challenge biases, and excel in their careers.

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

Manisha Dubey: When we started, we recognized that girls exhibited outstanding academic performance, yet their true desire lay in acquiring more hands-on experiential learning. As a component of the IDEMIA Foundation, our primary emphasis is on engaging with women, motivating them to explore and experiment to uncover their true passions. Targeting the exposure gap, we have been actively launching initiatives within our local communities, constructing a bridge that empowers girls to develop a heightened interest and confidence in technology. Our objective is to steer them towards earning technology degrees and effortlessly assimilating into engineering teams, thereby facilitating a seamless pathway to success in the tech industry.