How one woman is helping to shape the future of women in tech

In a sector where women remain underrepresented particularly when it comes to leadership; Naureen Farhan, Course Leader (MSc Information Technology Management) at Ravensbourne University London, stands as a powerful example of what it means to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

Her journey into tech and academia wasn’t perfectly mapped out from the start but evolved through curiosity and a deep commitment to student success.

A JOURNEY THAT GREW INTO LEADERSHIP

“I began my journey in Higher Education in 2008, shortly after completing my postgraduate degree in Computer Science… I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed teaching.”

That early experience set the foundation for a career that would span continents and institutions. Over more than a decade, Naureen progressed from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, completed a PhD with scholarship support, and eventually relocated to the UK – joining Ravensbourne in 2024.

Her growth has been steady and intentional, fuelled by a commitment to learning:

“Alongside teaching, I continuously invest in my professional development… I completed the Advance HE Aurora Women’s Leadership training, AFHEA (Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), and am currently working towards FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy).”

Her journey, she says, “evolved naturally from teaching into leadership,” driven by a passion for education and student success.

RISING ABOVE GENDER MISREPRESENTATION

Like many women in tech, Naureen realised pretty early on how gender imbalances were playing out in her career.

“I occasionally noticed subtle gender dynamics in the workplace… but I chose to stay focused on my work, development, and long‑term goals. What stood out most was the importance of mentorship and support networks… both male and female mentors played a crucial role.”

This experience shaped her commitment to mentoring others and creating inclusive spaces for women and underrepresented colleagues. For women in mid‑career positions, which is often the stage where progression slows, Naureen emphasises staying technically current and personally grounded.

“Keeping yourself updated with upcoming technologies is crucial… And importantly, don’t underestimate the value of kindness and authenticity.”

When asked which emerging areas offer the strongest opportunities for women, Naureen challenges the idea that certain tech fields are gender‑specific. “Women are doing amazing work in every area of tech… nothing can stop them if they decide to go ahead on this journey.”

LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY

For women entering management roles, especially in male‑dominated environments, Naureen’s guidance is grounded and practical.

“Stay focused and let your work speak for itself. Build credibility through consistent delivery and professionalism.” And her golden rule: “Read the room first, understand the culture, and then introduce change thoughtfully.”

Leadership, she reminds us, isn’t about volume. “Leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest person in the room; it means being effective, thoughtful, and dependable.”

Naureen believes that when women feel valued, they excel. “They can do wonders if they feel appreciated and if they begin to feel their safe zone within the working culture.” Acknowledgement and appreciation, she says, are powerful catalysts.

THE ROLE OF ALLIES AND REPRESENTATION

Progress isn’t a solo effort. Male allies and strong institutional frameworks matter. “Male allies play an important role by advocating, acknowledging contributions, and ensuring women’s voices are heard.”

And at the organisational level: “Fair policies, mentorship programmes, and transparent progression pathways are essential.” One of Naureen’s most transformative realisations was recognising kindness as a leadership strength: “Earlier in my career, I never thought kindness was a leadership quality… over time, I realised the opposite – kindness builds trust, motivates teams, and strengthens relationships.”

The Aurora leadership programme helped her see that empathy, listening, and support weren’t soft skills – they were leadership skills. “That experience helped me embrace authenticity and lead with confidence.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WOMEN LEADING IN TECH?

Looking ahead, Naureen believes the next five years will reward women who combine technical fluency with strategic confidence. “Continuous learning is essential… staying up to date with AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital ethics is critical.”

But mindset and visibility matters just as much: “Adaptability and a growth mindset are key. Women should actively seek leadership opportunities, share their expertise, build networks, and advocate for themselves.”