Geospatial World has been at the forefront to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the geospatial industry. As an organization, we believe that to advance innovation and creativity in geospatial technology, we must build a diverse and inclusive community. An essential aspect of DEI is the representation of women in the workforce.
As part of our dedication to these principles, GeoSmart India 2023 recently hosted the Women in Geospatial Panel Discussion & Networking Session. This event celebrated the achievements of women in the field, addressed the challenges they have overcome, and shared the invaluable experiences that have shaped their incredible journeys. The session aimed to propel the geospatial industry to new heights, emphasizing the power of women’s stories, the wisdom they’ve gained, and the paths they’ve paved.
The session commenced with an opening address from Annu Negi, Senior Vice President of Geospatial World. She shared her personal journey within the organization and highlighted Geospatial World’s deep-rooted commitment to gender inclusivity. An important point that was highlighted during her address was that the company has consistently been led by female leaders since its early years.
Annu emphasized the importance of implementing programs that help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. She discussed what motivates many women to choose careers, often in response to limited opportunities for advancement in traditional corporate structures. She stressed the need for organizations to have an open and inclusive environment with employees, regardless of gender, can address their problems openly. Given the substantial time spent at the workplace, fostering a supportive and open atmosphere is crucial. Additionally, she highlighted the pressing need for more female mentors in the industry. This focus on mentorship was a common theme throughout the session, highlighting its critical role in nurturing the next generation of women in workplace.
The session proceeded with Bharti Sinha, the Founder of Strategists’ World, leading the discussion. Bharti is deeply passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and has made significant contributions to numerous DEI conversations. She is a known specialist in this field and has frequently been a keynote speaker on DEI at various conferences. She put forward some essential questions related to the inclusion of gender diversity in organizations, especially in technology, entrepreneurship, and top leadership positions. Bharti challenged the notion that merely putting policies in place is not enough. She highlighted the need for a strong infrastructure that genuinely welcomes women, men and other genders in the workplace.
Ananyaa Narain, Vice President of Geospatial World, highlighted the importance of women setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, understanding their strengths, and building reliable teams. Ananya raised an important concern about the limited participation of young leaders, especially in the field of technology which highlighted the growing need to encourage and mentor the next generation of female leaders in geospatial technology.
Rashmi Gupta, Head of Marketing at Esri India, highlighted that women must believe in themselves and their aspirations. She stressed that if you are firm about your career, your family and society will adjust accordingly. Rashmi also underscored the importance of leveraging available support systems, such as family, spouse, house help, and crèches. She emphasized the urgent need for training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women in the workplace.
Saurabh Rai, CEO of Arahas Technologies, highlighted an important aspect that women’s issues may not come naturally to men. He stressed that discussions in an open forum and transparency in conversation are essential for understanding the challenges faced by different genders, including mental health issues. Saurabh pointed out that gender-diverse teams not only perform better but also yield good results.
Dr. Aparna N, Group Director at the National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, delivered a powerful message, urging women to stop pitying themselves and stop playing the victim. She emphasized that women are entirely capable of taking care of their problems, setting boundaries, and providing solutions when needed. Dr. Aparna encouraged women to keep their skills and expertise at the forefront, with gender taking a back seat. To maintain a work-life balance, support is crucial, either from family or the organization they serve. Being outspoken about their needs and fighting for them is essential, and Dr. Aparna’s words resonated as a call to empowerment.
Professor Dr. Seema Mehra Parihar from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, acknowledged the changing times and emphasized that women need to become competent and high-performing individuals. She also touched upon the fact that only 7-8% of projects are targeted towards women. It reflects the need for greater opportunities for women in the geospatial sector.
Megha Datta, Senior Advisor Consultant at Woolpert, encouraged women to open up, question authority, follow their passions, and do the inner work needed to succeed. She stressed that women should not seek easy solutions but delve deep, educate themselves, and strive to find their passion while working diligently. Her message was clear: be kind to yourself and to others, and success will follow.
Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, delivered a concluding remark that resounded profoundly. He emphasized that “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not an ideology, but a responsibility.” Sanjay’s words underscore the gravity of the DEI commitment. It is not merely a concept or a trend but an ethical responsibility that organizations and individuals must actively embrace.
In conclusion, the Women in Geospatial Panel Discussion & Networking Session was a powerful reminder of the significance of diversity and inclusion in the geospatial industry. The insights and stories shared by these remarkable women and men serve as an inspiration to all, underlining the collective responsibility to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our professional lives. Sanjay Kumar’s concluding point encapsulates this responsibility beautifully, highlighting that DEI is not just a buzzword but a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. It is a responsibility we must all carry forward with determination and dedication.
