Celebrating Women in Tech Beyond International Women's Day: Insights from Etraveli Group's Pioneers

In the fiercely competitive tech industry, a significant demographic remains underrepresented - women. Despite their potential, women used to face and still face in some companies an uphill battle in carving out their space in this male-dominated arena. But the tide is turning - As organizations start to put diversity in the forefront, understanding more and more that better ideas flourish when everyone can have a seat at the table, at the same time, women are not just earning their space, they are transforming it. How? We interviewed? 6 women currently working in our Technology teams across Gothenburg, Athens, Krakow, Pune & Toronto to find out. Curious, then continue reading!?

When we embrace diversity, we are not just making the world a better place—we are making it more interesting, more vibrant, and more beautiful and that is a mission worth pursuing.

Being a female working in tech teams usually dominated by men, what barriers did you have to break? What does this reality look like??

Alexandra Paktiti: Breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated tech industry has been a constant journey. From facing stereotypes and biases to navigating through implicit and explicit challenges, it wasn't always easy.?

Alicja Kapera: The main barrier, which I had to break, was speaking up and asking questions if I didn’t know something and felt helpless. I used to be afraid to ask for help because I felt incompetent and thought that everybody thinks the same. The problem was only in my head. Here at Etraveli Group everybody has been very supportive and I believe it should be a standard in every company.?

Do you see any positive change from year to year??

Alexandra Paktiti: The reality is that the tech industry still has a long way to go in terms of gender equality, but I do see some positive changes happening gradually. More companies are recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, and initiatives are being implemented to address gender disparities in the workplace.

Vaishnavi Pawar: Gender equality in the tech industry is steadily improving, with more companies actively promoting diversity and inclusion. Women are gaining greater representation in technical roles and leadership positions, fostering a more inclusive and innovative environment for all.?As a female working in tech, I've been fortunate to be part of teams that prioritize diversity, where my contributions are valued regardless of gender.

Together, we're reshaping the culture of tech to be more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative.???????

How important is it to you to work for a company that embraces diversity?

Sarah Amini: Personally, I believe that diversity should not only be embraced but celebrated as a core value within any organization. Joining a company that prioritizes diversity is not just about finding a job; it is about aligning with an organization's core values and being part of a community that values and respects every individual's unique identity and perspective. When we embrace diversity, we are not just making the world a better place—we are making it more interesting, more vibrant, and more beautiful and that is a mission worth pursuing.

Indranee Sharma: As Malcolm Forbes says, “Diversity is the art of thinking independently together”.? I feel diversity brings us together, makes us stronger and wiser by stimulating creativity and innovation. When we have people from different backgrounds and experiences working at the same company, it brings together different perspectives and different approaches. We learn, we encourage each other and we grow together.

I? think my strategy was simple; being vocal about what I feel, raising my voice whenever and wherever it was required, and making sure to stay committed to continuous learning and growth.

What strategies have you personally found effective in navigating male-dominated environments within the tech industry?

Alexandra Paktiti:? I've learned to assert myself, showcase my skills and expertise, and demand the respect and recognition I deserve.?

Sarah Amini: Similarly to me, one of the key strategies has been to assert my expertise and confidence. Another strategy has been to foster strong professional relationships. I have always believed in the power of collaboration and mutual respect. I remember forming alliances with like-minded colleagues who were passionate about creating an inclusive workplace. These relationships have been instrumental in overcoming many workplace challenges and have provided me with invaluable support and guidance. Lastly, I have found that active engagement in networking, both within and outside the workplace, has opened doors to numerous career advancement opportunities. Participating in external networks and communities has allowed me to gain diverse perspectives and establish meaningful connections that have significantly enriched my professional journey. These strategies have not only empowered me to navigate through male-dominated environments but have also contributed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive culture within the tech industry. The journey has been challenging, but the growth and learning that came with it have been invaluable.

Indranee Sharma: Like other women working in these sectors, I had to overcome challenges, but I feel these experiences made me stronger. Eventually, I learned to set up my boundaries with the utmost caution, of course without hurting anyone and maintaining a very healthy relationship with people around me. Moreover, I always avoid succumbing to societal pressures. As I never judge a person based on gender, I communicate the same in very clear words to everyone I work with. So, all in all, I? think my strategy was simple; being vocal about what I feel, raising my voice whenever and wherever it was required, and making sure to stay committed to continuous learning and growth.

Having female colleagues in decision-making or senior positions is a clear indication that women’s contribution in Etraveli Group is valued equally alongside men's and this, as I said, is something extremely important to me.

How have your career choices and opportunities been influenced by the presence or absence of female mentors and role models in the tech field?

Sarah Amini: Having strong female leaders has provided me with invaluable guidance, support, and inspiration throughout my career journey. Their mentorship has helped me navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities for growth and advancement.? Additionally, seeing successful women in leadership positions in different teams has motivated me to aspire to similar career paths and break through barriers. On the other hand, the absence of female mentors and role models can create feelings of isolation and uncertainty, making it more challenging to envision and pursue ambitious career goals. Therefore, I believe that the presence of female mentors and role models is essential for fostering diversity, inclusion, and gender equity within the tech industry.

Elena Chronopoulou: To me, belonging in a workplace culture where every person is given equal opportunities to grow, receive recognition, develop skills, and thrive is essential for my professional fulfillment.? Having female colleagues in decision-making or senior positions is a clear indication that women’s contribution in Etraveli Group is valued equally alongside men's and this, as I said, is something extremely important to me. I am more than? grateful to be part of an organization and department where gender diversity (and diversity in general) is seen as an opportunity rather than a barrier

Vaishnavi Pawar: The presence of female mentors in the tech field has provided me with invaluable insights, advice, and encouragement throughout my career journey. Their experiences and achievements have served as beacons of inspiration, showing me that there are no limits to what I can accomplish as a woman in tech. Their mentorship has empowered me to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence in everything I do.

I see a crucial role for all employees in actively listening to diverse perspectives, giving credit where it's due, and advocating for fairness and equality in all aspects of work.

From your end, is there anything you can do to bring this positive change? Do you see any role an employee can actively play so that such gender gaps are eliminated in the future?

Alexandra Paktiti: As an individual, I believe I can actively contribute to fostering positive change by speaking up and raising awareness about harmful stereotypes or biased assumptions, thereby helping to create a more inclusive and respectful work environment. Additionally, I see a crucial role for all employees in actively listening to diverse perspectives, giving credit where it's due, and advocating for fairness and equality in all aspects of work. By embodying these principles and behaviors I can see a future where gender gaps are eliminated, and all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Idranee Sharma: Yes, there are many things we can do, and I always try to do it from my end. First and foremost, develop empathy for others. One must contribute towards building a work environment where everyone feels included, can contribute their perspectives, and has equal access to development opportunities.

Elena Chronopoulou: Never stop self-questioning! Unconscious biases can impact our thoughts and behaviors without us even realizing it. Taking a pause from time to time to re- iterate?ourselves and uncover potential biases from our own mindset is essential. At the same time, getting around with people who challenge our thinking and point of view will always give us? an opportunity to enrich our? perspectives and embrace diversity in a greater sense, eliminating also gender gaps, when existing.

Do you believe celebrations such as that of International Women’s Day are still relevant and can help in this direction?

Vaishnavi Pawar: Yes, I do. International Women's Day is an important occasion to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women in all aspects of life. It's a time to honor the progress made and to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

At Etraveli Group while we adopt a people strategy that fosters diversity and inclusion, we are not compromising on talent or performance, as seeking the best possible individuals for each role to join the team is instrumental in shaping the next day for the company. This is something that is reflected at all levels of the company, where naturally we have a rich mix of talented individuals, both males and females, from various nationalities and different generations, and the future couldn't look more promising with this balanced approach.?Especially with respect to the women vs. male ratio in the full team as well as in leadership roles (40%), we are happy not only about the numbers themselves but also about the fact that this is not an enforced quota, but rather a testament to talent and dedication. At Etraveli Group there are not just women in leadership roles, they are leaders who have proven they make a difference and earned their positions through their undeniable competence, diligence and dedication. Similarly, in the management team, women's representation not only increased (36%) but is also trending well in comparison to the global equivalent (32.2%).