Madhuparna had the privilege of speaking on “Skills to Lead the Digital Transformation: Who Gets to Learn and Lead?”, at the OECD-OCDE forum on Gender Equality in Paris on a topic that sits right at the intersection of technology, equity, and opportunity.

What she chose to bring into the discussion was not just policy but lived experience.

Having built her career across India, UK, and Sweden, she’s seen how different ecosystems shape talent:

India gave her a strong technical foundation and resilience
UK taught her the importance of being valued as a person, not just a professional
Sweden showed what true egalitarianism can look like at a systemic level

Each of these perspectives reinforces a simple truth:
👉 Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.

That’s where communities like Society of Women Engineers play a critical role.
From collegiate to professional stages, SWE creates not just access; but belonging, visibility, and continuity for women engineers across their careers.

Same holds true for the Women in TechWorks initiatives in UK.

In the discussion, a few themes stood out strongly for Madhurpana:

🔹 Pathways matter as much as access
We need to look beyond entry points into STEM and focus on progression, retention, and leadership.

🔹 Early exposure shapes aspiration
Initiatives like UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), Raspberry Pi Code Clubs using creative tools like Scratch, are powerful examples of how we can make technology accessible and engaging from a young age.

🔹 Multiple routes into tech are essential
The UK’s apprenticeship ecosystem is a great example of how vocational pathways can unlock opportunity for a broader talent pool.

🔹 AI must be shaped intentionally
In the Q&A, I shared insights from the Society of Women Engineers in Europe conducting an Inspiration Series focused on AI in STEM recruitment, highlighting both the promise and the risk of bias if we don’t act deliberately.

🔹 Parents and role models matter more than we think
Bias doesn’t start at the workplace; it starts early. Encouraging curiosity, confidence, and equal access to technology at home is foundational.

What stayed with her most is this: We don’t just need more women in technology.
We need systems that support them to stay, grow, and lead.