When it comes to helping women advance in their careers, HCL Technologies is leading on the front foot. The global tech giant’s Women Lead Australia initiative proudly first launched in Australia and went global with the launch of the Women Lead Nordics mentoring programme in Sweden earlier this year.
In my role as owner and publisher of Women Love Tech, I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony for mentors and mentees alike in Melbourne prior to the current lockdown with HCL Technologies’ Head of Diversity Anuradha Khosla and the Country Manager and EVP Michael Horton, who awarded certificates to the team of women who took part in what was the third chapter of the initiative.
The program aims to unite successful, leading and experienced executive leaders or Mentors with bright, high-potential female tech employees or mentees. The goal? Bridging the gender diversity divide in the technology sector and developing female leaders of the future.
In more recent news, HCL Technologies announced its plan this week to acquire DWS Limited, a leading Australian IT, business and management consulting group. As the IT industry continues to evolve and the growing demand for digital strategies increases, DWS, with over 700 employees and offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Canberra, delivers business and technology innovation to large clients across a spectrum of verticals.
“We are excited for this expansion of HCL Technologies in Australia and New Zealand and are confident that our combined strengths will further accelerate the digital transformation journeys of our clients and innovations for their end customers,” said Michael Horton, Executive Vice President & Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand, HCL Technologies.
“HCL has invested in the region for over 20 years and is committed to enabling digitilisation and growing the local ecosystem. DWS has forged a sterling reputation, powered by highly talented consultants who enable organisations to be at the cutting edge of technology. We look forward to welcoming the DWS team to HCL and creating enhanced global learning and career opportunities for them.”
Apart from investing in the region, HCL Technologies takes a strong stance when it comes to helping helping women in the technology sector grow to their full potential and disrupt the sector.
In Australia, only 13.7% of chair positions, 17.1% of CEOs and 30.5% of key management personnel positions are held by women.
Launched in 2015, HCL Technologies Women Lead Australia initiative seeks to break even more ground and have an even greater impact on nurturing female leaders. Anuradha Khosla described its plans to extend its reach and make the program more of a ‘Power Network’ as well as a mentorship program.
During the event, there were some incredible speakers including Dr Bronwyn King, who told the inspiring story of how she managed to make a real impact in the world by curtailing the financial support given by superannuation funds to tobacco companies. In doing so, Bronwyn had to win the attention of the French President and former Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull before she could make her presence at the United Nations’ Annual Summit in New York. Bronwyn, who was recently made Victorian of the Year, overcame numerous and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve her objectives and her story is one of steely grit and determination.
A lively discussion also took place and I was proud to be on the panel to talk about what are the best steps to ensure women’s voices are heard and why both female and male role models are a vital part of the equation.
While it may be some time before we see events like these with current COVID restrictions, one unequivocal fact is by closing the gender gap, everyone will benefit.
Arpit Gupta from HCL Technologies listen to the panel discussions
About HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade today. HCL’s Mode 1-2-3 strategy through its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of ideapreneurship™ enables businesses transform into next-gen enterprises.
HCL offers its services and products through three business units – IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in areas of Applications, Infrastructure, Digital Process Operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering while under P&P, HCL provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized under Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Services, Telecom & Media, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Public Services.
As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability and education initiatives. As of 12 months ended June 30, 2020, HCL has a consolidated revenue of US$9.93 billion and its 150,287 ideapreneurs operate out of 49 countries. For more information, visit https://www.hcltech.com/
About DWS Limited
DWS is an ASX-listed Australian-based IT services company which provides a suite of integrated solutions, including consulting services, such as custom application development and project management and digital solutions, such as data automation and design services. DWS was established in 1991 by current CEO, Danny Wallis, and was listed on the ASX in June 2006. DWS is headquartered in Melbourne with Australian-based offices located in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.