Yashaswini Srikanta works as a Senior Software Development Engineer. She is originally from India and moved to Dublin in order to pursue her Master’s degree from Trinity college Dublin. She has been working in the technology sector for close to five years now.

1.What does the International Women's Day slogan, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” mean for you in your work life? For me, Think equal, build smart and innovate for change focusses on a future in which technology creates equal opportunities for men and women in creating an inclusive environment. No doubt, technology has been able to provide a wide range of opportunities in the world but the leading trends show gender divide and under representation of women. I believe we need innovation that focusses transformative gains in society

2.What barriers have you faced, as a women, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them? I work as a senior software developer and I don’t see much women doing the same kind of job. So finding a support system is the main problem. One of the other problems is the confidence, we often tend to underestimate our skills or speak up in a room full of people.

3.What does the idea of power mean to you? Power is the ability to use your voice to influence people to be better day by day and to bind people together. The kind that resonates and uplifts.

4.How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does it mean to you? I feel when a woman supports another, it is POWERFUL. It’s so important for us to stop making comparisons and start appreciating each other. I read a quote somewhere very recently which said, “We are currently entering a new era where women are being celebrated and are given opportunities more than ever before. Let’s not throw these opportunities away in the quest to get ahead of one another.” We should always keep this in mind and we should aim to build a global community of strong sisterhood for a better tomorrow.

5.On International Women's Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers? My advice to young women is to get the right education and formal training. It would be great to see young girls getting into science and technology. If you are unsure about something, then speak up and reach out to others. Not knowing somethings is okay and never lose an opportunity to learn and diversify your skills.