QUESTION

Please give us one example of how you have exhibited leadership. Explain what you
were trying to achieve, your role, how you influenced others, and the impact as a
result of your actions. Think broadly and examine the many ways you are having an
effect on the members of the different communities you are a part of. Keep in mind,
the example you choose does not need to be a formal or traditional leadership role.

ANSWER
Leadership for me revolves around influencing the people around me and guiding
them through a particular common goal. I am a student at IIT Roorkee. The gender
ratio here is as low as 17% (that too because the government enforced
supernumerary seats for women before which the ratio used to be 8%). This has
impacted the general behaviour and sensitivity of the other gender. A year back,
there were around 11 really serious harassment issues that led to several cases in
Dehradun high court. A lot of such cases are not reported, or even if they are, no
action is taken. With the Student Affairs Council having zero female leaders and
members, the issues women of campus face, in general, are often neglected. I
decided to take the initiative and currently am establishing a discussion forum and
leading the way towards adding one “Female Representative” post in the next
council. I believe that this would be really beneficial in opening up communication
channels for discussing problems specific to women and working together towards
solving them.

I am also a core member of SheTech, a forum for IITRoorkee girls to come together,
share experiences, and grow together to achieve their goals. We have regular talks
with around 227 members, organise AMAs for various programs, and share
resources with the community.

Along with all this, it’s my conscious effort to pursue my passion with dedication and
lead by example. In technology, there are lesser women to look up to as role models
for oneself, and I would like to be one. I also believe in sharing my learning with
people around me and the collective growth of everyone. Sharing my experiences
and things I have gained through various opportunities will be very beneficial for
women around, because having someone around who has already done what you
aspire to and was once in the same position as you are right now, imparts a lot of
confidence. Hence it is a primary goal to work towards the betterment of women by
working towards my goals, setting an example and thereby paving the way for
women around me.

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QUESTION
What is a significant challenge that you believe women in the tech industry face and
how do you see yourself as being part of the solution(s) to this challenge? Keep in
mind that impact can happen in many ways and at different scales.

ANSWER
Socio-cultural conditioning feeds into alienating women from the field of science
and technology. Though various global discussions and initiatives have come up to
support women in the tech industry, the masses' general perception still remains
against women in STEM. This conditioning forms the roots of various currently
prevalent challenges that women face. In most cases, women are underpaid
compared to their male counterparts and are more likely to hold junior positions
even when they are skilled enough for a better role. The gender pay gap in India is as
high as 30% in skilled professions. Due to male dominance, the number of role
models and inspirations that share similar identity is also lacking.

I strongly believe to be part of the solution, I would first need to fight the challenges
myself and achieve all the milestones I aim to achieve in order to set the ball of
possibilities rolling. My journey should open many doors of opportunities for others. I
also believe in sharing my learning with people around me and the collective growth
of everyone. Sharing my experiences and things I have gained through various
opportunities will be very beneficial for women around, because having someone
around who has already done what you aspire to and was once in the same position
as you are right now imparts a lot of confidence. Hence it is a primary goal to work
towards the betterment of women by working towards my goals, setting an example
and thereby paving the way for women around me. Already being a member of such
communities and forums such as SheTech, Aspire for Her and Team Wellness does
give me a platform to contribute in many little ways as possible but I aim at
expanding as much as I can and also spark conversations on these forums on various
topics that require attention.