Nurturing Female Employees Builds a Stronger Future Leadership Pool
Supporting the advancement of female employees is essential for a stronger future leadership pool, especially in the STEM and IT sectors. Wendy Koh, Vice President and General Manager of Hitachi Vantara Asia Pacific, emphasizes the importance of fostering female talent within organizations.
The Changing Landscape for Women in STEM
Nearly three decades ago, Wendy Koh joined a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering program in Singapore. At that time, the number of women in her course was minimal compared to thousands of male counterparts. Today, the dynamics are shifting positively.
- In Australia, one in five IT professionals and managers are women, according to recent census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
- Women under 30 constitute one in three IT managers and business systems analysts.
- Despite this progress, men earn an average of $12,600 more than women, based on ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2024 report.
Nurturing Female Leaders
To combat existing disparities and create a robust pipeline of female talent, organizations must nurture women in early and mid-career stages. Koh reflects on her own journey, noting the vital role played by a supportive male leader in her career advancement.
This leader provided invaluable insights and fostered confidence in her abilities, allowing her to transition into a more significant role. The mutual benefits of this mentorship were clear: while Koh excelled, the organization gained a capable leader aligned with its goals.
Strategic Goals for Future Leadership
Corporations like Hitachi Vantara aim to achieve a 30% representation of female leaders by 2030. Identifying and cultivating talented women is critical to this effort. By providing opportunities for growth, organizations can elevate high performers into leadership roles.
When capable employees lack support for professional development, they may seek opportunities elsewhere, taking their skills to competing organizations.
Paying It Forward Through Mentorship
Koh’s commitment to mentorship stems from her own experiences. She prioritizes time for those seeking career advice, whether they are colleagues, team members, or friends. Even brief conversations can significantly impact someone’s decision-making process.
- She embraces the lessons learned from both successes and challenges.
- Koh believes mentorship should be seen as a partnership for mutual growth and understanding.
With International Women’s Day 2026 approaching, themed ‘give to gain,’ Koh looks forward to collaborating with others dedicated to enhancing women’s roles in IT. At Hitachi Vantara, this commitment extends beyond a single day; it is an integral part of daily operations and culture.
