Women have gained noticeable recognition in terms of professional life if compared to few decades ago. However, if we narrow down our observation specifically to the domain of technology, we will see that women in business are finding it challenging to gear up with updated technology.

In spite of growing tech industry, women in business are still facing obstacles because of the ever-evolving nature of technology. Women in business have already established themselves in healthcare, skincare, sustainable products and other industries but to stay in market for long term, technology is required.

With the introduction of internet, the work has eased a lot for them. Women are holding senior positions in various IT, Engineering and technology sectors through their creativity, innovation and hard work. Women have been struggling through generations, juggling between her household responsibilities and professional commitments. No doubt, they delivered everything aesthetically.

Now we shall proceed to the challenges faced by women in technology leadership.

Current Landscape of Women in Technology Leadership

Let us say, Anna wants to begin her business in healthcare. She felt that concern towards mental health is on rise and people require help for counselling sessions and therapies. She decides to begin an online counselling and therapy platform where people can seek help in a similar way when they visit doctors offline.

The very initial phase would be arranging a server, getting in touch with professionals and adopting to the technology as per latest trends. While setting up a clinic online, she might counter challenges like storing data securely, keeping the whole process bug free, regular follow up with patients via emails and making sure no malware attacks the system.

Though, these factors can come up as challenge, women in business are capable of coping through these issues.

Key Challenges Faced by Women in Tech

• The first challenge is cyber security. There can be data breach, malware attacks, bugs, ransom wares, scams when planning to start a business where technology is crucially required.
• Developing a software is another huge hurdle if it is not in an expert hand. It is important that a software developed, should be user friendly and bug-free.
• Creating a website also plays crucial role. It personifies the organization which allows to learn more about the company virtually. Hence, having a pleasing, user-friendly and relevant website is important.
• Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) correctly is necessary. AI can be very helpful to run a business and increase productivity with proper management.
• Storing data on cloud can be cost effective for the women in business. This will allow the business to operate remotely and across borders.
• Synchronizing the devices is important. Internet of Things (IoT) is useful in creating a perfect balance of connectivity and communication.
• To upscale the productivity it is required to involve robotics. Having sufficient knowledge and hiring a great team can lead the business to success.
• Having a social media presence with good visibility and relevant content is a challenge too.

Strategies for Change

• There are currently numerous tools available in the market to upscale the strength of cyber security. This security is required to safeguard from threats like phishing, ransomware and social engineering completely. By providing regular training for security and encrypting the data, cyber security can be enhanced. Keeping a track of cyber security trend, updating the software regularly, using firewalls and VPNs and regular backups will aid in cyber security.
• While developing a software, implement some practices like testing early and cross browser testing which will help to curate an error-free software. Further, testing on multiple devices, optimizing automation testing, trying ad hoc exploratory testing and ensuring to produce bug reports will leverage the game for women in business.
• Create a website that looks pleasant and is user friendly. Before looking for a website builder, deciding the niche is important. Building relevant pages while adding structure to the website, customizing website’s design, purchasing the domain names and web-hosting services
• . The final touch is to review and then publish. Once published make sure to promote the site and maintain the growth.
• Using AI in growing your business can add more benefits to the turnover. AI will not only reduce the errors but will increase the productivity as well. Women in business can be benefited by AI by making them your smart assistant. AI can do number of tasks like reminding you for meeting, seeking information, making phone calls and send text messages. These AI can also level up the game of business by leveraging security by using facial recognition technology, sending personalized market messages, detecting fraud and behaving like helpdesk chatbots.
• Storing data on cloud helps businesses to store and access data across the devices. In this case personal data centers are not required and it saves the data across the redundant servers. This moves expenses from capital expenditure model to operational. Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Dropbox are few names that are leading in the market.
• Women in business face various challenges and Internet of Things can prove to be helpful to reduce the hassle. By introducing Internet of Things, tasks will be streamlined and predictive maintenance will be used which will reduce the cost. The engagement of employees will increase resulting in high efficiency and productivity. IoT will also allow to get flexibility to work outside typical work environments.
• To produce error-free and uniform quality products, automated systems can be introduced which will help to meet stringent industry standards and customer expectations.
• Social media is a Newgen technology to increase reach which allows customers to directly communicate with brand. This enhances branding by connecting social media users with your business. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are to name some.

Final Takeaway

Women in business are now stronger and smarter. They know what suits best for their business model. Adding up the above given ideas can help their business grow. All that they need to do is keep updated and keep growing in the market.