As we commemorate Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable contributions, struggles, and triumphs of women throughout history. This month stands as a testament to their resilience, strength, and unwavering determination in shattering barriers, challenging norms, and fostering progress across all spheres of society.
Women’s History Month is not only a time to celebrate their achievements but also to amplify their voices and acknowledge the ongoing battle for gender equality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the strides we’ve made towards diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, as well as the significant contributions of women to the technology industry in recent years.
Throughout this month, we engaged in enlightening discussions with some of the industry’s most esteemed women leaders. Below, we present their invaluable insights and perspectives, reflecting the ongoing journey towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Pavitra Singh, Chief Human Resources Officer, PepsiCo India
In a conversation with SightsIn Plus on Women’s History Month, Pavitra said “At PepsiCo India, inclusivity is not just a word, it’s a value we hold dear. As we celebrate the festive season, we dedicate our efforts to include family members of our employees given the vital role they play as the support system and the driving force behind teams and PepsiCo’s success.”
“This year, we organized a fun-filled ‘Family Day’ pan India, for our employees and their immediate and extended families as we strongly believe when we come together as one big PepsiCo family, the bonds grow stronger, and the celebrations brighter. This Family Day was a delightful array of activities for both children and adults, adding an extra layer of excitement with special Diwali gifts and enticing prizes awarded to the best-dressed participants.” She added.
Pavitra further said, “In line with our PepsiCo Positive values, we partnered with NGOs like Nirmaan Foundation, Recity, etc. who set up stalls at the event to make this Diwali special for not just our people, but communities at large.”
Rajita Singh, Chief People Officer, Kyndryl India
In a rendezvous with SightsIn Plus, Rajita discussed women’s contributions to the Tech Industry. She said, “In the realm of technology, women are pivotal agents of transformative change, shaping the world’s trajectory as it increasingly relies on technological advancements.”
“The Women’s History Month underscores the necessity of creating an environment where women not only participate but also thrive in their careers, resultantly enabling them to contribute significantly to societal progress. A collective effort from the eco-system in the form of policies, development, innovation et al will make the impact.” She added.
She also remarked, “Advancing women’s career must become a business imperative, supported by tailored programs like mentoring and robust internal systems. Cultivating a nurturing inclusive mindset is the need of the hour and our focus.”
Sneha Arora, Chief Human Resources Officer, Simpl India
In an interview with SightsIn Plus, Sneha discussed her DE&I practices, stating, “At Simpl, March is celebrated as the Month of Women, where we reiterate our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. To celebrate this, we are organising a host of activities for women across the month that includes health checkups, personalised nutrition sessions, and financial wellness, thereby ensuring a focus on holistic well-being.”
“Notably, we are also expanding this celebration to our D2C merchant partners by sourcing merchandise bags for our women employees from women-led D2C brands. It features a curated selection of health and wellness products, personal care essentials, and nutritious snacks sourced, supporting and spotlighting female entrepreneurship.” Sneha elaborated.
Sneha further said, “Recognising the nuanced needs of our women workforce, our people policies offer robust maternity, surrogacy and wellness leave policies among other industry-first initiatives, ensuring our women employees have the support and balance needed to excel both in their personal lives and professional careers.”
Lekha Priyadarshini Bhan, Senior Lead – Data and AI, Kyndryl India
“Algorithms of Empowerment: Mentoring the Next Wave of Women in AI”– Lekha Priyadarshini Bhan
In response to how she began her career in technology, Lekha shared with SightsIn Plus, “My journey in tech has been an adventure in innovation, creating algorithms and data models, showing the potential of diverse perspectives in shaping technological breakthroughs.”
“Starting with a strong computer science foundation, I expanded my knowledge into data science, where I drove innovation in finance, retail, and IT.” she added.
Lekha further explained, “My work in AI is not just about the technology; it is about challenging the status quo. With my code, I have shown that Generative AI can be a catalyst for transformation in the industry. The use of computer vision techniques has set new benchmarks and shown the potential for tech to drive ethical and inclusive growth.”
While expressing gratitude for the recognition, she remarked, “Mentorship is important to me. It was an honor to be recognized by the Indian School of Business and it allowed me to guide a new generation of women. My research, particularly in Azure Open AI, has been well received, showing the impact of women’s contributions in STEM.”
She expressed her efforts to inspire by stating, “As a keynote speaker at the Women in Data Science conference, I have shared my experiences and insights to encourage female technologists and inspire more women to enter the STEM field.”
Lekha advised young women and girls interested in science and technology, “I am an example of what determination and mentorship can achieve. The journey ahead is full of possibilities, a future where women are not just filling roles, but leading and making a difference. Together, we are not just coding applications; we are shaping a new reality for the tech world and beyond.”
