Women Engineers Redefine the Future with Empathy and Innovation

The engineering landscape in India is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by the rising influence of women leaders in the field. These professionals are not only increasing in number but are also reshaping the dialogue surrounding engineering, emphasizing values such as empathy, responsibility, and imagination. Their contributions are setting a new course for the future of the discipline.

Empathy and Innovation at the Forefront

Companies like Dell Technologies are placing emphasis on the foundational aspects of engineering rather than merely focusing on advanced tools. According to Sudha KV, Vice President at Dell Technologies, the core elements of engineering—including power, cooling, and user experience—remain critical to building resilience in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. “Core engineering will remain vital—power, cooling, user experience—these are areas where innovation must accelerate,” she stated.

The focus on these essentials indicates that the future of engineering is not just about technological advancements but also about nurturing a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Sudha KV believes that embracing diversity and fostering entrepreneurship will empower the next generation to lead with responsibility.

Mindset Shift in Engineering

At Salesforce, the narrative shifts towards the importance of mindset in engineering. Parul Jain, VP of Software Engineering, highlights how a subtle but vital shift in perspective can dictate the outcomes of engineering projects. “A good engineer solves,” she explained. “A great engineer reframes. She doesn’t just ask ‘how?’—she asks ‘why not?’” This approach encourages engineers to think beyond traditional solutions and to innovate in ways that can create genuine breakthroughs.

The conversation also touches on the identity of women in engineering. Many women resist being labeled as exceptions in a male-dominated field. Vidya Venkataramani, Executive Leader at GE Aerospace – India, expressed this sentiment clearly: “I want to be recognised first as an engineer. But yes, the perspective I bring, shaped by my journey, is unique.” Her comments reflect a growing desire among women to be acknowledged for their skills and contributions rather than their gender.

Training platforms are also adapting to these changes. Kusum Saini, Director at Simplilearn, noted that the role of engineers is evolving from tactical problem-solving to overseeing and orchestrating complex systems. “The role of engineers is shifting from tactical firefighting to orchestrating systems,” she remarked, highlighting how educational institutions are preparing engineers for these new responsibilities.

Furthermore, advancements in manufacturing and design are redefining creativity itself. Renuka Srinivasan, Education Sales Director at Dassault Systèmes, explained how technologies like virtual twins help engineers model outcomes before physical production begins. “Virtual twins allow us to test what-if scenarios before a machine is built,” she said, emphasizing the powerful intersection of creativity and science.

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and predictive analytics is creating systems that learn and adapt autonomously. Purvi Sanghvi, Director at Axis Solutions Limited, identified this trend as pivotal: “IoT, automation, and predictive analytics are coming together. That’s where we’ll see intelligence embedded into the everyday.” This technological convergence signifies a new era in which engineering solutions are not just reactive but increasingly proactive.

In the public sector, the role of engineering extends far beyond efficiency; it directly impacts lives. Bhagyashree Bhoyar, Engineering Manager at OpenGov, emphasized the immense responsibility engineers bear when developing technology for government applications. “Every line of code and every AI model has the potential to improve real lives,” she noted, underscoring the ethical implications of engineering decisions.

As women lead the charge in redefining the engineering profession, they are not merely contributing to a field but are establishing a legacy. Their focus on responsibility, creativity, and courage sets a new standard that future generations will inherit, shaping the course of engineering for years to come.