Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, and the country’s tech industry is booming. However, there is a significant gender gap in the tech sector, with women underrepresented in leadership positions and technical roles.
She Loves Tech Indonesia is an annual event that aims to address this issue by highlighting the achievements of women in tech and providing a platform for them to connect and learn from each other. The event includes a series of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, as well as a startup competition for women-led businesses.
The 2020 Fireside Chat
One of the highlights of She Loves Tech Indonesia 2020 was a fireside chat featuring some of the country’s most prominent women in tech. The panel included:
– Nixie Amelia, Head of Marketing at Bukalapak
– Faye Alund, CEO of Kargo Technologies
– Teta Moehammad, CTO of Ruangguru
– Dian Noeh Abubakar, Founder of Agate International
– Yunita Anggraeni, Product Manager at Traveloka
The panel discussed a range of topics related to women in tech, including the challenges they face, the importance of mentorship and community, and strategies for increasing diversity in the industry. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Challenges Facing Women in Tech
The panel acknowledged that women face a range of challenges in the tech industry, including unconscious bias, lack of representation in leadership positions, and a lack of support and mentorship. However, they also emphasized that these challenges can be overcome with determination, hard work, and a supportive community.
“It’s important to find your tribe,” said Nixie Amelia. “Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
The Importance of Mentorship and Community
All of the panelists emphasized the importance of mentorship and community in helping women succeed in tech. They encouraged women to seek out mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.
“Mentorship is critical,” said Faye Alund. “Find someone who can help you navigate the industry, and learn as much as you can from them.”
The panel also highlighted the importance of building a supportive community of peers. They encouraged women to attend events like She Loves Tech Indonesia, where they can connect with other women in tech and share their experiences.
Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Tech
The panelists discussed a range of strategies for increasing diversity in the tech industry, including:
– Providing more opportunities for women to enter technical roles
– Offering mentorship and support to women in leadership positions
– Creating more inclusive workplace cultures
– Encouraging men to be allies and advocates for women in tech
“Diversity is not just a checkbox,” said Teta Moehammad. “It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included.”
The She Loves Tech Indonesia Startup Competition
As part of the event, She Loves Tech Indonesia also held a startup competition for women-led businesses. The competition received over 100 applications from across Indonesia, and the top 10 finalists presented their pitches at the event.
The winner of the competition was Kostoom, a startup that provides custom-fit clothing for women using 3D scanning technology. The company received a cash prize of IDR 50 million and will represent Indonesia at the She Loves Tech Global Startup Competition in China.
Conclusion
She Loves Tech Indonesia 2020 was a great success, bringing together women from across the tech industry to share their experiences and insights. The fireside chat provided an opportunity for some of Indonesia’s most prominent women in tech to discuss the challenges they face and strategies for increasing diversity in the industry.
Events like She Loves Tech Indonesia are crucial for building a supportive and inclusive community of women in tech, and we look forward to seeing more initiatives like this in the future.
