TECH NEEDS MORE WOMEN TALENT FOR BETTER PROBLEM SOLVING AND HIGHER PERFORMANCE

Having team members from different walks of life, showcasing different experiences and perspectives, results in an intersection of varied ideas and solutions, says Sandra Teh, Chief Culture Officer, APJC at Amazon Web Services

- Mamta Sharma

Sandra Teh, the Chief Culture Officer, APJC at Amazon Web Services (AWS), manages branding and talent engagement for AWS in the APJC region – including driving diversity of talent and addressing the gender imbalance within the tech industry.

Singapore-based Teh often speaks on topics related to inclusion and diversity, and how Amazon hires and develops talent and is enthusiastic about the ways technology can be more inclusive, equitable, and flexible for all. She conceptualised the first AWS DeepRacer Women’s League in ASEAN and is AWS GetIT’s chief ambassador in Asia.

In an interaction with People Matters, Teh talks about what works to close the diversity gap in tech and why it's so critical in the fast-moving industry.

What are the major reasons for fewer women in tech even when the tech industry is booming? How has it changed in recent years?

When it comes to entering the tech business, women encounter several challenges. There are structural and cultural barriers, as well as a perceived high learning curve, lack of visible women role models, and difficulty determining where to begin when considering IT career paths.

Studies indicate that the number of women entering STEM-related fields is on par with men, but at managerial positions and higher, this gender representation becomes more disparate. Today, women make up 34% of the IT workforce in India, with a 50:50 gender parity rate in STEM graduates according to 451 Research.

However, while women make up 51% of entry-level recruits, only 25% are in managerial positions, with less than 1% in the C-Suite. This lack of women representation at higher levels makes the tech industry seem male dominated, resulting in less women pursuing a career in the industry.