L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth: Breaking barriers and championing female empowerment against all odds

What barriers or stereotypes have you encountered as a woman, and how did you challenge them with confidence?

Wijendra: In the tech industry, there’s a pervasive stereotype that leadership and technical expertise are predominantly male domains. This stereotype is often reinforced by the fact that, in many situations, I’ve found myself as the only woman in the room. This can be incredibly isolating and, at times, intimidating. However, I’ve never allowed these stereotypes to deter me. Instead, I’ve used them as a source of motivation, pushing myself to excel and demonstrate that women can lead with a powerful combination of technical acumen and empathy.

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One of the ways I’ve challenged these stereotypes is by consistently delivering results that speak for themselves. Whether it’s developing a complex AI model or leading a cross-functional team, I ensure that my work is not only technically sound but also innovative and impactful. This has helped me earn respect and recognition in a field where women are often underrepresented.

Additionally, I’ve taken it upon myself to mentor and support other women in tech. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance, I aim to empower them to navigate similar challenges with confidence. I believe that by lifting each other up, we can collectively challenge these outdated stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment where diversity in leadership is not just accepted but celebrated. I am convinced that diversity is not just a moral imperative but also a key driver of innovation, as it brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table.

Kaur: I think the biggest hurdle as a female footballer is that we still don’t have enough support from everyone, maybe because of the cultural barriers including gender stereotypes that we still experience until today. But I believe it is slowly getting better and we need to inspire a new generation of female footballers. Increased interest often leads to improved opportunities, support, and visibility for women’s football at various levels.

Christinna Kuan: I’ve faced the stereotype that women in fashion are just about appearances. I chose to prove them wrong—staying dedicated to my work and letting my efforts and ideas speak for themselves. I believe that consistency and passion can break down these misconceptions over time. People talk, but actions talk louder.

Jestinna Kuan: One stereotype I’ve faced is the idea that I wasn’t going to be successful juggling between my studies in pharmacy and being a content creator. In reality, the two can actually complement each other. You can definitely blend different passions and excel in both.

Kim: In business and personal life, I’ve faced stereotypes about women being too emotional or not capable of making tough decisions. I’ve also been underestimated, with people thinking I’m just “a little girl who will be eaten by the top dogs in the industry.” Honestly, I love proving people wrong simply because other opinions do not define who I am, especially in times of doubt, it’s even more important to believe in yourself when no one else does.