How technology companies encourage female employees

These points were discussed at the Leader Talks "Women in Tech: Break Through The Barriers" on Thursday, which featured four female speakers: Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software; Victoria Ossadnik, COO and a member of Board E.ON; Pham Thi Thu Diep, Country General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Vietnam; and Lenka Prevuznakova, Unit and SDM Manager at FPT Slovakia.

The leaders discussed their passion for the technology industry, efforts to overcome social and family barriers, and long-term experience running IT businesses.

Ha, who has been familiar with technology since her student years and has been associated with FPT Group for 30 years, understands the difficulties for women pursuing this field and the advantages they bring to the business.

According to Ha, there are numerous projects at FPT Software that require a certain percentage of women to participate, so they frequently have programs that encourage female participation.

Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software. Photo by Tung Dinh

FPT Software currently has 31% female staff. The company has many solutions to encourage women to engage in a variety of fields and enhance their abilities.

In 2022, the company launched a project to increase employee learning and set the objective of having all staff possess foreign qualifications. As a result, the company acquired 26,000 new foreign credentials.

This year, on the 35th anniversary of FPT Corporation, the company set the goal of creating a happy workplace in which employees can do what they want while also maximizing their abilities and strengths.

"These fundamental values will have a long-term impact. The strength of women is required in this foundation because women are tenacious, diligent, and never give up. That is also the value of women at FPT Software" the female leader stated.

The other speakers agreed with Ha's viewpoint. According to Victoria Ossadnik, COO and a member of Board E.ON, the technology industry requires women since they are sophisticated and understanding.

"A business without women may lose customers."

Victoria Ossadnik, COO and member of Board E.ON. Photo by Tung Dinh

Pham Thi Thu Diep, Country General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Vietnam, stated that the company shares several activities with FPT Software.

IBM currently has 45% female employees. As a result, it has created a number of programs to help women advance in their careers.

There are people who have worked for 25–30 years in 10 different roles and are always willing to change to develop their new skills.

"Sometimes someone who has been in the industry for a long time may find the job boring" she stated.

Lenka Prevuznakova, Unit and SDM Manager of FPT Slovakia, said that women are very brilliant and can do a lot if they have confidence.

Pham Thi Thu Diep, Country General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Vietnam. Photo by Tung Dinh

Aside from policies that encourage women to get more involved in the technology business, the speakers also discussed the challenges of managing a male-dominated industry.

She claimed pressure is unavoidable as IBM's first female leader in 25 years of operations in the Vietnamese market. However, she tells herself frequently, "I'm not the best, but I'm optimistic and accept everyone's help."

"There is a concerted effort to ease the pressure. "Whether it's women or men, when you are confident, you can do it," IBM Technology Group CEO Viet Nam said.

Lenka Prevuznakova, Unit and SDM Manager at FPT Slovakia. Photo by Tung Dinh

Victoria acknowledged the existence of gender discrimination in the workplace, but she emphasized that the crucial factor is whether it is constructive or destructive. Taking a positive approach reveals its potential benefits for women as well as the drawbacks it may impose on them.

In all roles, women need to feel confident. "It is a natural tendency for people who lack self-confidence to withdraw," she explained. However, women in leadership should focus on understanding what needs to be done instead of exerting all their efforts blindly.

"I have encountered a number of people who are excellent but insecure. They have accomplished outstanding achievements thus far. Ladies, conquer all obstacles and believe in yourselves," Victoria urged.