Samsung, the global leader in technology and innovation, has launched a new program called sheLEADS, which aims to develop and nurture women leadership in the technology sector. The program is a 12-week intervention that identifies, develops, and empowers high-potential women talent at Samsung and enables them to take up leadership positions and drive change.

Why sheLEADS?

Samsung believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for continued innovation and excellence, and that gender equality and women empowerment are key aspects of DEI. Samsung has been creating platforms and opportunities for its female employees and showcasing their achievements and contributions, both within the company and in the wider society. Samsung India has also been at the forefront of promoting women in technology, by supporting initiatives such as the Women in Tech Forum, the Women in STEM Scholarship, and the Women in Tech Hackathon.

However, Samsung also recognizes that there is still a significant gap and challenge in the representation and retention of women in the technology sector, especially in leadership roles. According to a report by Nasscom, only 36% of the IT workforce in India were women in 2021, and only 11% of the C-level executives in the IT sector were women. Samsung believes that this gap needs to be addressed and bridged, and that more women need to be encouraged and enabled to pursue and excel in technology careers.

How sheLEADS?

The sheLEADS program is designed to provide a comprehensive and holistic learning experience for the selected women employees at Samsung, who have the potential and aspiration to become leaders in the technology sector. The program covers various aspects of leadership development, such as:

Self-awareness and personal branding: The participants will learn about their strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals, and how to create a positive and authentic personal brand.
Business acumen and strategic thinking: The participants will learn about the business environment, the industry trends, the customer needs, and the competitive landscape, and how to think strategically and creatively to solve problems and create value.
Communication and influence: The participants will learn how to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and non-verbally, and how to influence and inspire others to achieve a common vision and goal.
Collaboration and networking: The participants will learn how to collaborate and cooperate with diverse and cross-functional teams, and how to build and leverage professional networks and relationships.
Innovation and change management: The participants will learn how to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, and how to manage and lead change in a dynamic and uncertain environment.

The program also provides the participants with access to mentors, coaches, and experts, who will guide and support them throughout their learning journey. The program also offers the participants a complimentary SAP certification voucher, which they can use to take the certification exam and demonstrate their proficiency and expertise in SAP technologies.

What sheLEADS?

The sheLEADS program aims to create a positive impact on the participants, the company, and the society, by empowering women in technology and enabling them to become leaders and change-makers. The program aims to:

Enhance the skills and competencies of the participants, and prepare them for the current and future challenges and opportunities in the technology sector.
Increase the confidence and motivation of the participants, and help them overcome the barriers and biases that they may face in their career paths.
Expand the network and visibility of the participants, and connect them with other successful and inspiring women in technology, both within and outside Samsung.
Improve the diversity and inclusion culture at Samsung, and create a more supportive and conducive work environment for women in technology.
Inspire and influence more women to join and stay in the technology sector, and contribute to the digital transformation and social impact of the world.

The sheLEADS program is a testament to Samsung’s commitment and vision to lead by example and advocate for gender equality and women empowerment in the technology sector. The program is a part of Samsung’s digital skills initiative, which aims to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for digital employment for all.