Breaking the bias to succeed in a male-dominated industry

For many people, ICT is generally seen as a stereotypically male-dominated industry. However, for Karuna Dhital, ICT Service Specialist, she has never let this stereotype limit her drive to succeed, achieve her full potential and pursue a career in this profession.

Karuna began her ICT career with HSS 11 years ago at the Department of Health and chats to us on International Women’s Day (8 March 2022) about what her experience has been like working in a male-dominated industry within the health sector and the hopes she has for her children’s futures.

For me, International Women’s Day is about acknowledging the challenges and hurdles women have faced to fight for equality, to be recognised, and to be in this position we are in today. It’s also about inspiring both the current and next generation of women to go out there and reach their potential – regardless of gender bias.

I want to share with you a bit about my career in ICT in the hope that I can inspire even just one woman working in or considering a career in a male-dominated profession.

I have been working in ICT for the past 14 years and it has been a great experience of personal and professional growth for me. When I joined the Field Support Team at HSS in 2011, I was one of very few women in the team. I’m sure my male colleagues must have been surprised to see a woman in ICT, because it wasn’t very common.

As a woman and at that time, I did feel that I needed to work harder and be emotionally stronger than others to be recognised and given opportunities. Nevertheless, I was determined to work hard and be as equally competent and skilled as my male colleagues.

Over the years, I found it got a bit easier as more women joined the team. My colleagues have been supportive of me, and other women, and leaders have recognised my work and skills. I have been given several training and leadership opportunities and I am very thankful for this because I don’t know how many other women would have had the same experiences elsewhere at the time.

I think it’s important to work with an organisation that supports women and helps us reach our goals. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve worked with HSS for so long – I feel seen, heard, supported and valued for my contributions regardless of my gender.

More broadly, I think women in ICT still have a way to go, and I’m hoping as time goes on more women will come to work in the profession and take on leadership roles - because we are still in the minority.

I’ve personally found working in ICT within our WA health system rewarding. There are so many opportunities for development and growth, and I feel proud knowing what I do is helping the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide health care to the WA community.

Outside of work, I am a mum to a little girl and boy. It’s important to me that they believe every person in this world is equally as important and capable, regardless of their gender, diversity and beliefs. I especially want my daughter to believe she can achieve anything she wants to do.