Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) is a focus area of technology centric initiatives contributing towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality). 

Pink IT is an annual initiative of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) which aims to address the issues of gender parity in technology industry especially with the objective of bridging the gap in leadership. The 3rd edition of PINK IT 2024 was organized on 14th March 2024 at Five Mad Men, Salt Lake Sector V Kolkata. 

More than 70 Women IT professionals and entrepreneurs came together to discuss career growth, work-life balance and importance of health. Successful women leaders came to Kolkata from Bengaluru and Mumbai to share their journeys.

Some observations highlighted at the discussions include building more confidence (which may be enhanced by upskilling and training), building resilience with positivity, importance of healthy living (with emphasis on the point that women live longer than men as stats say).

Concerns are still there with disparity in pay scale across geographies. Ironically, some developed economies have also witnessed lesser participation of women in workforce even with higher participation in STEM education.

Surprisingly, still not many women are aware of their legal rights. POSH is unheard to many, as understood from the response at the forum.

Women leaders joined from Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata to share their thoughts and interact with fellow women in technology sector. The speakers included: 

• Ms. Minal Bhagat, Member, IT Entrepreneurs and eCommerce National Committee, BCC&I and Director, Ensonic Computech Pvt Ltd.
• Ms. Pushpalatha M.S., CEO & Director, Prameya Health and Cofounder & Director, GarbhaGudi IVF Centre from Bengaluru
• Ms Sunita Mohanty, Head of Cloud Success Services, SAP India, Bengaluru
• Ms Amrita Chowdhury, Co-Founder & CEO, Gaia Smart Cities, Mumbai
• Ms. Kamalini Paul, Managing Director, Paulson Hotel and Resorts Private Limited  (D C Paul Group of Companies), Kolkata
• Ms Rashmita Parija, HR Head- India, Lexmark International Inc., Kolkata

Ms. Ulrika Andersson, Founder and Advisor, Nisimaldar Advisory AB and Co-founder & Board Member of Girls in Tech Nordics joined from Stockholm virtually, in conversation with Mr. Niladri Shekhar Dutta, Member, IT Committee , BCC&I  and VP and Global Head of Consulting & Telco Industry Solutions, Virtusa who also joined from Stockholm virtually . 

Mr. Vivek Jalan, Chairperson, Fiscal Affairs & Taxation (National) Committee, BCC&I and Partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP, Kolkata was also present who shared legal perspectives.