Role of women in shaping the next generation of engineers

By Sonali Kochar

When I reflect on my journey in technology, I am reminded of Newton’s words: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” For me, those giants were the women and the men who challenged stereotypes, created space in boardrooms and classrooms, and showed by example that we belong in engineering.

Their influence has shaped not only my career but also my belief that every woman in this field carries both an opportunity and a responsibility: to inspire, mentor, and lift others as we rise. 

Representation matters. When young girls see women leading projects, inventing technologies, or guiding research teams, they don’t just see a career; they see a possibility.

Mentorship as a multiplier

Role models help break invisible ceilings, but mentorship builds the ladders to climb higher. Women who share their journeys demystify engineering, help younger peers build confidence, and expand the horizon of what’s possible. Mentorship is not charity; it is a legacy. 

The doors we hold open today shape the engineering workforce of tomorrow.

I have often found that women bring a different lens to engineering, one rooted in empathy and compassion. Whether it is designing healthcare devices, financial systems, or smart cities, empathy is a critical value that ensures that engineering doesn’t lose sight of the people it is meant to serve. 

In a world where technology touches every aspect of life, empathy-driven engineering is not optional; it is essential.

Representation shapes technology

As the world races toward AI-driven systems and digital platforms, representation is not just about fairness in the workforce, it is about fairness in the technologies we create. Algorithms learn from data, and data reflects the perspectives of those who build and curate it. Without diverse voices at the table, we risk embedding bias into healthcare diagnostics, financial services, recruitment platforms, and civic systems.

When women contribute to the design and governance of next-generation technologies, they help ensure that these systems are inclusive, equitable, and trustworthy. In this sense, representation is not symbolic, it is structural. 

It safeguards the integrity of innovation itself.

Redefining workplaces

The next generation of engineers will inherit not just our technologies, but our cultures. And cultures, like systems, must be intentionally designed. 

I have seen firsthand how women leaders reshape workplaces: advocating for flexible policies, building mentorship programs, and ensuring fair recognition. These are not just benefits for women; they set the tone for entire organisations. Inclusive environments are acts of engineering in themselves, built through imagination, iteration, and collaboration. And just like any resilient system, inclusive workplaces make the whole stronger, because talent thrives where it feels valued.

The way forward

India is already a global technology hub, and its importance is poised to grow even further in the era of AI. But for our leadership to be sustainable, women must be at the centre of the story. Diversity fuels innovation. Empathy grounds it. Representation safeguards it. Mentorship sustains it.

The future of engineering will be shaped not just by algorithms and architectures, but by the people who design them. Women engineers are already leading this change with resilience, creativity, and vision. 

By amplifying their contributions and fostering cultures where they can lead, we will redefine what is possible for engineering, for society, and for the next generation of business and technology professionals. This will encourage innovation through diverse perspectives and help build a better, more equitable world in the process.

(The author of this article is the Senior Vice President of Digital Experience at Encora.)