WOMEN IN TECH: AN EMERGING FORCE FOR GROWTH
South African tech landscape is evolving rapidly, there is a persistent imbalance that can’t be ignored: only 23% of tech jobs are held by women in South Africa. Out of 236,000 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) roles, women occupy only 56,000 of them (less than 25%).
What’s more, a recent McKinsey study found that while 86 women are promoted to managerial roles for every 100 men, in technical roles, the ratio drops dramatically to 52 women for every 100 men.
At the same time, research shows that diverse and inclusive teams perform better, they are more creative and they make better decisions. Diverse teams are also 70% more likely to develop solutions that help their businesses access new markets and drive innovation.
To enable South Africa’s tech industry to flourish, it is essential to keep harnessing the immense potential that greater gender diversity brings to the sector.
As South Africa observes Women’s Month, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is acknowledging the dynamic women leaders who exemplify the company’s commitment to gender empowerment in the technology space. We spoke to three senior TCS professionals who embody this commitment: Lead Business and Process Analyst Moniemang Selebano; Data Protection Officer (DPO) Kayla Wilson; and Employment Equity Manager Prenisha Sharma.
A tangible impact
Moniemang Selebano, lead business and process analyst at TCS, says she is driven by an insatiable curiosity that was sparked by her brother. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but as she grew up, she found herself attracted to technology. Moniemang realised that – just as she would have been able to do in medicine – technology allowed her to make a tangible impact, solving real-world problems.
As a lead business process analyst, Moniemang says she works to build a culture of “curiosity, and continuous learning,” within her team, as well as a strong work ethic, ensuring that TCS delivers exceptional service and cutting-edge solutions for clients.
She acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field but emphasises the importance of women pushing boundaries and making themselves visible. Her advice to aspiring female tech professionals? “Dream big, be deliberate, and stay persistent. You’ve got this!”
Get curious!
A passion for the law and a desire to build a world that is more just led Kayla Wilson to the world of data privacy. The TCS DPO believes “information and data are key drivers to the world of technology” and that responsible management is crucial.
As a DPO, Kayla takes a collaborative approach and encourages a teachable culture when it comes to data privacy within TCS. She believes in continuous learning and critical thinking as the foundation for building “safer and stronger practices and technologies for all”.
Kayla says that for women in tech, the climb to leadership positions is a slow but steady process, and she is inspired by the strong female representation within the TCS global privacy network. Her advice to young women starting out in tech? “Get curious and get moving! Try to be constantly learning and seeking opportunities to apply your skills.”
Prioritising employees
TCS employment equity manager Prenisha Sharma sees herself as working at the intersection of law, employee wellbeing, and workplace inclusion. She says “organisational capability and productivity” are maximised when companies prioritise their employees.
At TCS, Prenisha drives initiatives that promote employment equity and support the advancement of women – which also show measurable results. As evidence of this, she highlights how the TCS global workforce now includes people of 151 nationalities – 35.% of whom are women.
Prenisha emphasises the company’s dedication to supporting the development of women leaders through “mentorship, customised programmes, and clear succession planning”. She sees TCS as a driving force in creating a diverse workforce within the South African tech industry.
The TCS workforce transformation goes beyond social responsibility – it’s a business imperative. As women professionals thrive and reach their full potential in the technology sector, this unlocks vast amounts of energy, talent and creative innovation that will ultimately benefit TCS clients, their communities, and the world.
To learn more about career opportunities at TCS and to help shape the future of technology, visit tcs.com/careers.