Capgemini knows that women face a variety of challenges in the workplace. That's why it makes conscious effort to make gender equality a reality throughout the company. Loveleen Kaur, an Associate Consultant at Capgemini, shares her insights on the changing face of women in IT and Capgemini's commitment to diversity.

Fighting a battle for equality

Loveleen explains that, since the dawn of time, women have assumed different roles in different cultures, and it is rare that women enjoy more power than men.

"For most of us, it’s still very much a man’s world. Our society is full of stereotypes that keep women from realizing their full potential and thriving independently. And, although times are changing, women still have to prove themselves at every step, fighting a new battle every day in a war that is far from over," explains Loveleen. 

"A Honeypot study conducted in February 2018 shows that women constitute around 50% of the general workforce, but only 30% of the high tech sector. A 2016 World Bank survey shows that only 19% of firms are led by women."

Challenges in the workplace

Loveleen continues to share her thoughts about the variety of challenges women face in the workplace that male colleagues in similar positions may not even know to exist. The greatest ones are cognitive bias and unequal titles or salaries.

"We find ourselves under constant pressure not to be perceived as “too feminine” (code for shy and less confident), or “too masculine” (code for bossy, too ambitious, and not a team player)," says Loveleen.

Parenthood is another challenge that also has a larger impact on women's careers than men's. Once a woman becomes a mother, she is expected to take on less-challenging work, reduce  her hours, and focus on the family, whereas a man can continue - and is expected to continue - in the same role. This is why maternity leave is usually so much longer than paternity leave.

Loveleen understands that many organizations try to be fair by implementing meritocracy, such as awarding incentives and promotions based on performance, but believes that because women are normally more reticent, their efforts are often undervalued and sometimes unnoticed.

Efforts to close the gender gap

"As a woman in the technology sector, it is deeply important to me to work for an organization that acknowledges women’s contributions, makes conscious efforts to close the gender gap and empowers its employees to master their skills. That’s why I love working for a company that has equality imprinted in its DNA," says Loveleen.

Loveleen details some of Capgemini's numerous initiatives for gender equality, including POPSH (Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment), OWL (Outstanding Women in Leadership), MAPP (Mentor and Protégé Program), and SpeakUp. These initiatives make the workplace less inhibiting and more nurturing for women and celebrate strong, empowered women.

"Thanks to initiatives such as these, I know that I will be free to take my career in any direction I choose and boldly follow my heart and my interests," adds Loveleen.

Across many countries, Capgemini has also attained EDGE (Economics dividend for Gender Equality) certification, prompting conscious efforts to make "gender equality a reality." Loveleen explains that these initiatives connect women across business units and countries and provide them a platform to inspire and learn together.

"In so doing, Capgemini lends a sense of purpose to people who are passionate about what they do and what they believe in," she adds.

"The road to gender parity is long and difficult because the roots of inequality are embedded deep within our society. Any progress will require everyone’s incessant efforts. We need to identify the visible as well as hidden factors of disparity, take measures to rectify them, acclimatize ourselves to the change and begin the cycle again," says Loveleen. 

"Based on my experience at Capgemini, I could not be more optimistic about the future of women in technology. I love equality. I ace promoting women in technology."

Join talented women like Loveleen at Campgemini

If you want your career to make a positive social impact, Capgemini employees are committed helping communities harness the opportunities of digital technology. If this sounds like something for you, take a look at Capgemini's exciting job vacancies and see where your career will take you.

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