INTRODUCTION 

The era of technology-driven disruption is heralding fresh challenges everyday across all sectors, and data science has not been an exception. Organizations are conforming to data-driven frameworks to amalgamate their enterprise, and the field of data analytics is expanding rapidly. Data scientists, data analysts, and STEM professionals are influencing vital decisions that shape the success of global worldwide through meaningful decision-making. 

In our home ground, women returning from professional sabbatical are welcome to leverage opportunities, and to make their way in a healthy work environment. With hybrid work options, and an equal opportunities set-up, Systech has a burgeoning group of women leaders making their way up the corporate rungs. Swati Venkatesh and Sushma Kondalakana are delivery managers who have joined Systech after a sabbatical. Sushma alludes to, “undeterred interest for learning, amidst mounting challenges” as a definite way to rise!  

While Systech and other organizations in the industry are focusing on creating a space to nurture women leaders, it is surprising that only 15% of data scientists and 26%  of data professionals are women, and the numbers declining higher the rung. 

 THE PRESENT SCENARIO 

With business being taken over by technology, data becomes the bottom line in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and machine learning (ML). The outlook of organizations is constantly disrupted through technology, and applications functioning based on the data being fed into it. This could be making a wider pathway for millions of opportunities across sectors. On the offside that the raw data is skewed, the algorithms constructed based on it are likely to be wrong as well. A similar gender disparity rises as a result of this notion.  

HOW IMPORTANT ARE FEMALE LEADERS IN DATA ANALYTICS? 

Significantly, the presence of women in technology help avert biases by bringing different viewpoints to the table when extracting patterns and constructing algorithms. In a world where predefined algorithms impact every part of life, women getting up to speed in the world of technology creates an impartial front. By increasing data literacy, superior decision-making happens, which enables better data analytics insights for their organizations. 

Traits like communication, networking, organization, creativity, feedback, and delegation also balance out the existing rigid framework and provide opportunities to flourish in organisational management. 

With exceptional competence for executive and leadership roles, they are torchbearers who bring unique abilities and inventive views to the table. Furthermore, they bring in a diverse outlook, to drive solutions and unearth overlooked nuances.  

Quoting Swati, “Adaptability and perseverance are key virtues. Holding one’s ground and driving the team with confidence is a valued trait in a woman manager.”  

“USP – WHAT DO FEMALE LEADERS BRING TO THE TABLE?” 

• Straight off the bat, they bring in exceptional leadership skills. They have high standards, are inspiring, empowering, accessible, tough, and empathic. Emotional intelligence, one of their unique selling points, facilitates networking with peers and building relationships. 
• Communication is a close second, where connecting with employers, co-workers, and partners is utilized to foster clarity. 
• A refreshed perspective, along with innovative business ideas, bringing forth better decision-making and insight, is a triennial trait. 
• Stepping outside their comfort zone to adapt to challenging situations brings up the quartet factor. 
• Bringing up the rear is their ability to harness fresh talents and become a role model to the team. 

Sushma further avers, “A keen sense of consulting, domain expertise, people skills, and a sharp learning curve; this is the growth formula for women in this arena.” 

IN CONCLUSION 

To ensure that the world of data science is moving towards a gender neutral space, bringing in adequate representation of women in STEM is imminent. Equipped with skills, qualifications and a sharp learning curve, women leaders would bring in value add and credibility. It may be a work in progress, but there is still promise in the horizon!