Breaking the Bias: Celebrating the women at Samsung

With International Women’s Day taking on greater meaning for many of us this year, Samsung asked their women colleagues of various backgrounds to share what motivates and empowers them to be their best.

In sharing everyone’s unique experiences, the overarching lesson we all came to realize is that great ideas can come from anyone, no matter their skill level, gender or background — an important revelation at a company whose mission it is to help people everywhere defy barriers.

Gender diversity in technology remains an obstinate problem despite the growing voices pushing for gender equality in the industry. Reports show that as women make up 59% of the total workforce, they present only 30% in major tech companies.

When it comes to economic access, women entrepreneurs also face significant barriers and are behind in the race for economic opportunities. Declination over the past few years of women’s participation in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) discipline is another factor making females away from technology. In this way, there is a need to empower and build strategies to unlock growth and prosperity for women in technology. For companies to achieve gender equality, recruiting more women in their IT team can be an obvious solution.

Samsung’s unwavering commitment to women’s equality is evidenced by the action we take to create positive change both within our organization and in the communities where we live. That action is reflected across the board from our citizenship programs that foster girls’ interest in STEM to our Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE) Employee Resource Group (ERG), a network created to promote and encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.

From software backgrounds to service marketing, Samsung’s women have been empowered to be the best version of themselves.

Anjalee Erathna- Manager, Software Quality Assurance

The culture at Samsung Sri Lanka has allowed us to be our best versions and thrive at the workplace. With constant training, supportive management and teammates, Samsung Sri Lanka is a key driver in women empowerment.

Kumudi Panditharathna- Asst. Manager, Finance

I know many women have faced prejudices throughout their career however I, very positively, cannot say that I have faced any. My career has definitely seen a great positive change ever since I joined Samsung and I look forward to furthering my career and skills through Samsung.

Nilanga Ranagala- Manager, Finance

You don’t need to be at the top at Samsung to have a strong female voice. All employees are heard and valued at Samsung Sri Lanka.

Judith Jansz- Manager,

Product IM

Samsung is a progressive workplace with an inclusive and equal environment. In a time where women are achieving great heights in many industries in Sri Lanka, it is a privilege to be a part of this change.

Nilusha Wanasinghe- Manager, Marketing, IM

We would love to see more archetypal women holding up a chain of smaller female figures who climb up a mountain together, helping each other on the way and raising their flag – reflecting the strong female voices and unstoppable leadership potential, which is the culture that is cultivated in Samsung Sri Lanka.

Pawani Lakshani- Executive, Marketing

I am seeing a positive change in Samsung Sri Lanka with regards to equality and diversity. In the beginning, it wasn’t uncommon for me to be the only woman in the room. It was a little intimidating at first, but I was persistent because I knew I had the talent to continue on my career path.

Natalie Goonawardene- Manager, Service Marketing

At more senior levels in the tech industry, certainly, there are more challenges. While working through them, it is important to raise visibility and pave the path for others. The industry at a large is slowly learning to judge people based on their work, rather than who they are or where they come from.