‘There’s a tax we pay for being women in the workforce, but I’ve not felt that at Meta’

Ranked as the most influential woman in the Impact 50 Most Influential Women of 2024, Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Head of India at Meta, delivered a heartfelt speech that highlighted her journey, gratitude, and vision for the future.

Addressing a room filled with trailblazers, Devanathan began with humility and inspiration, reflecting on the collective journey of women leaders across industries. “This is why we do what we do—to support each other and be part of this incredible journey together,” she said, lauding the platform provided by Impact and exchange4media for recognizing and spotlighting women’s contributions.

A cornerstone of her message was acknowledging her family and team at Meta, who, she said, have been unwavering pillars of support. Devanathan emphasized that despite the pervasive challenges women face in the workplace, her nine years at Meta have largely been marked by a culture of inclusion and empowerment. “There’s a tax we pay for being women in the workforce, but I’ve not felt that tax most days at Meta,” she noted.

Devanathan also spoke passionately about the transformative role of artificial intelligence, highlighting a stark statistic: only 22% of leadership roles in AI globally are held by women. She urged the industry to collaborate on empowering, skilling, and enabling women to pivot into AI-focused roles, reinforcing the message that inclusivity is essential for progress.

In a poignant reflection, she credited her success to her upbringing, education, and the role models in her life, especially her aunts, who inspired her belief that “anything is possible.” As she concluded, Devanathan reaffirmed her commitment to breaking barriers for the next generation of women and building a future where women play an equal role in shaping technology and society.

Her speech was not just a tribute to her journey but also a call to action—reminding everyone that India’s tech ascent will only reach its full potential when women are equal partners in its success.