You walk into a room, and you’re the only female, and such is the stark reality for many women in tech. Women currently make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. Despite these numbers, female representation in the industry has been improving. Deloitte previously estimated that women’s share in the global tech workforce increased by 6.9 per cent between 2019 to 2022.
At brac IT, we take inclusive problem-solving seriously. It’s what enables us to craft solutions that impact millions of people. And we’ve made this practice a cornerstone of our culture since the beginning. From software development to cybersecurity, project management to IT governance, they’re not just participating, but leading, creating, and inspiring others. In a world where technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives, and fast reshaping industries, the inclusion and role of women in tech is a call of the times.
Without mentorship from other women in tech, newcomers can get a leg-up in deciphering the unspoken rules or better anticipate subtle obstacles that may impede their advancement. Today, we shall explore how some of our female talents have navigated their journeys in tech, and the advice they have for young women considering careers in this sector.
Despite IT being a male-dominated industry worldwide, brac IT’s female professionals lead with expertise, resilience, and innovation. They spearhead analysis for enterprise-grade solutions, oversee development, and manage global deployments, shattering stereotypes with every milestone. Their journeys, marked by overcoming complex challenges, showcase the power of diverse perspectives. At brac IT, these women don’t just build systems, they redefine what’s possible, inspiring the next generation to thrive in tech.
I walk into the room knowing my numbers, my business case, and the strategy. That way, I’ve already won half the battle in terms of credibility.
From the moment I stepped into this industry, I made confidence and clarity my two biggest tools. I believe empathy, active listening, and transparent communication are often overlooked skills. But these helped me resolve conflicts faster, keep cross functional teams aligned, and build trust with clients across different cultures. Over time, I leaned heavily into resilience. Instead of letting setbacks and biases define me, I use them as fuel to prove why diverse leadership is critical in this space.
Looking back, I would invest more in data storytelling much earlier. Not just building models or dashboards but learning how to translate raw numbers into a clear, compelling story for executives and non-technical stakeholders. That bridge between the technical details and the business decision is where influence lives.
I dearly wish I had mastered saying no sooner. Early in your career, the temptation is always there to prove yourself by saying yes to everything. But real growth comes from protecting your time and prioritizing work that truly moves the needle. The Eisenhower method is an effective framework that has worked wonders for me as I stepped into larger shoes.
To the young women out there considering a career in the IT arena, I leave these suggestions for you.
– Specialize in something. Whatever sparks your curiosity – data, design, cloud, AI, or strategy. Expertise is confidence, which gives you a voice in the room.
– Find allies, not just mentors. You need people who will not only advise you but also advocate for you when you’re not in the room. That support network can make the difference between feeling like an outsider and feeling like you belong.
– Don’t mute your perspective to fit in. The industry needs your voice, your background, and your lens. That’s how the wheel of innovation turns.
Senior Manager Project & Operations Oversight
I joined the tech industry with a background in HR. My adaptability to navigate the complex IT governance and compliance frameworks was challenged at every turn. But today, I’m a certified ISO Lead Auditor and CMMI Associate who keeps brac IT’s operations aligned with international standards, ensuring the trust of our global clients.
One of my key strategies to thrive in this sector was that I made sure I understood the standards and frameworks thoroughly so that my voice carried weight in decision-making. I also focused on skills like empathetic listening and communication, which are essential in trust-building when engaging stakeholders, mentoring young professionals, and creating inclusive environments.
A defining moment for me at brac IT was leading the ISMS recertification when a new standard left us just two months for implementation (usually a six-month process). I led the team to complete the review and audit in just 45 days. Similarly, leading the year-long CMMI appraisal in just four months across four projects tested my planning and collaboration skills. These experiences significantly scaled my abilities and self-belief to lead under demanding deadlines and resolve issues effectively.
Women don’t need to feel intimidated by this male-dominated space. Our perspectives and skills have a place here. Keep learning, seek mentors, and trust your abilities. With consistency, you’ll not only grow but thrive
Building good professional relationships with your peers, line manager, and clients was my strategy. Over time, I realized that strong allies value skill over stereotypes, making me confident and competent at my job. Cliched? Sure, but read on.
My very first project at brac IT was to develop three analytics dashboards for an ERP solution which serves about 100,000 users of the world’s largest NGO. Coming from a non-tech background, the technical jargon stressed me out. It was my line manager and team members who demystified them and the entailing processes, until I felt ground beneath my feet. Small circles of supportive figures (both women and men) will help you ease into fundamentals and adapt to the ever-changing landscape that is tech. You have to find your circle.
Those of you considering a career in IT, know that impostor syndrome is normal, but it gets better with time. Your skills and experience will grow, and so will the awareness that not everyone’s perfect. And that’s okay! Ups and downs are features (pun intended) in work, no matter what the industry. A dose of self-determination will get you over the finishing line, always.
I’ll leave you with a Pikachu reference, because it taught me an important life lesson.
Pikachu may just be a yellow anime character to some, but for me, it became a reminder that even when you don’t fit the mold or feel out of place, it doesn’t mean you lack value. Sometimes it just takes the right person (like Ash), the right moment, or the right environment for your spark to truly shine. Your Pika Pika moment may be around the next corner.
The ethos of genuine inclusion and equality needs to saturate every level of an organization, from daily operations to the overarching mission. It’s about driving a culture of equality and inclusion that goes beyond corporate frameworks and becomes the very essence of brand identity. We enshrined these values in our practices and policies but also realized that attracting female talent is just the first step. Retaining and growing that talent requires a supportive and enabling culture. Besides these practices, we actively promote:
At brac IT, our HR team plays a pivotal role in weaving inclusion into our culture. We’ll hear from our HR Coordinator about her journey, and how her efforts helping catalyze an environment that supports our female employees to thrive and amplify their voices.
HR Coordinator
The experience of working in a traditionally men-dominated industry has pushed me to evolve in ways I never imagined. Early on, I thought of HR as purely people work, but HR roles are very data-driven today. My skill stack needed upgrading and I enrolled in HR analytics and automation courses. The effect was immediate. I could present evidence-backed ideas using data when pitching to the leadership.
A key strategy for me to nurture a network of mentors and supportive colleagues. They helped me identify the levers that would unlock the most growth for me. I also made it a point to speak up in discussions, volunteer to lead meetings, suggested process improvements, and shared my perspectives. These helped me find my voice and prove to myself that I can thrive and add value.
A key turning point in my career at brac IT was helping drive the transition to paperless HR processes. We revamped the talent acquisition process and policies with workflows and UX refinements to create a seamless experience for both the recruitment team and candidates. This shift reduced inefficiencies, increased transparency, and strengthened our ability to hire faster.
I’m already on my next mission to make brac IT a more women-friendly workplace. We’re going to deploy electronic dispensers of feminine hygiene products across our campus to support women’s physical wellbeing and dignity, while bolstering brac IT’s commitment to inclusivity. Talent acquisition, policies and processes are only half the story of HR. It’s also about creating an enabling and compassionate environment for people.
The demand for skilled talent is high, and women who have both tech and communication have a real advantage. If you love technology, take the leap. Each step forward builds confidence and opens doors to new possibilities.
The voices and ideas of our women are helping shape industries and building solutions that impact millions and leading with vision. From Anika’s resilience to biases and setbacks to Nahar’s unyielding determination to Tajrina’s passion for nurturing an enabling environment for women – their stories testify that inclusion fuels growth and innovation. As an organization, we are committed to our Vision 2030 to shape a balanced tech world through mentorship, university partnerships, and tech seminars that empower the next generation, and continue to open doors for young talents – especially women – in tech.
To you aspiring female innovators, we say that your representation matters! Join our mission or connect with us at events to help redefine tech. It’s essential that women keep aiming high and become the leaders for the next generation of female tech talent to look up to. As our CEO puts it – “When women rise in tech, everyone rises”.
Jonathan Das is a Communication Manager specializing in solutions storytelling and product marketing. He’s previously worked in brand and social media management, fund-raising, and audio-visual production roles with consumer brands, global non-profits, and startups. Jon holds a BA degree in communications from University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. He enjoys making music, going on long walks, and reading about culture and technology.
