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International Women’s Day 2025 - Celebrating Women in Science & Technology

March 8, 2025, marked International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to celebrate the incredible achievements of women across the globe and raise awareness of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. For the 2025 edition of IWD, the House of Lords held a debate with a particular focus on women in science and technology, a vital area where progress is still needed.

At Simplestream, we want to lead by example, not only as leaders in the OTT streaming space but as a company that is challenging the status quo in the tech industry as we know it. With women making up a third of Simplestream’s workforce, it’s fair to say that our organisation helping to set new standards for diversity and inclusion in the sector.

According to recent research published in the House of Lords Library, women account for just 23% of the tech workforce in the US and 19.1% in Europe. Globally, women represent only 35% of STEM graduates, with that number dropping to 28% in engineering and 30% in ICT. In the UK, women make up only 17% of engineering and technology apprenticeship starts, despite comprising 52% of apprenticeship starts across all subjects. These numbers highlight the ongoing disparity, but they also fuel our determination to drive change within our industry.

And with that in mind, there’s no better time to celebrate the talented women who make up such an integral part of our team here at Simplestream. Let’s hear from some of them about the roles they play and how they’re driving Simplestream’s success.

Rashmita Khimji, Finance Director

In my role as Finance Director, I manage the day-to-day operations of the finance team, handle monthly reporting to management, provide updates to the board, and collaborate with various teams to streamline and improve internal processes. As a woman in a leadership role, I’m constantly reminded of how important it is to feel supported and empowered to take on challenges and make impactful decisions. I’m fortunate enough to work with a company that fosters a culture of inclusivity.

Alka Bajracharya, Software Development Manager

"As a Software Development Manager, I lead a talented team of engineers working on cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of streaming technology. Simplestream has been incredibly supportive in my role, allowing me to innovate while fostering an environment of equality and respect. It’s inspiring to be part of a company that truly values the diverse perspectives women bring to tech."

Alejandra Jimenez Rozo, Technical Account Manager

"As a Technical Account Manager, I bridge the gap between our clients and our internal stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions and build client relationships. Simplestream’s dedication to diversity, especially in the tech space, creates a workplace where everyone can succeed. As a woman in tech, it’s empowering to know that my work is helping shape the future of OTT streaming in such a meaningful way."

Liana Man, Technical Project Manager

"As a technical project manager, I’m responsible for the planning, execution and smooth delivery of streaming services across all platforms by coordinating teams and navigating complex technical workflows while adhering to project timelines and budgets. I ensure that projects are executed efficiently and to the highest standards. I love the collaborative nature of my role, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside talented colleagues who value diverse perspectives. At Simplestream, gender equality is a priority, and I feel empowered to confidently lead projects, knowing that the company is truly committed to creating a balanced and inclusive environment."

Lila Lopez, Head of Project Management

"As the Head of Project Management, I’m responsible for overseeing the delivery of complex, large-scale projects. The technology industry often lacks female representation, so it’s inspiring to work for a company like Simplestream that actively strives to change that. We’re not only leading in tech, but we’re also setting a new standard for how women can excel and lead within this field. I’m proud to be part of a company that believes in the power of diversity and inclusion."

Looking to the Future

IWD gives us time to reflect on the importance of diversity and is a good reminder that a diverse workforce isn’t just a nice to have – it makes good business sense. Research by consultants McKinsey & Company shows that companies with diverse leadership teams continue to be associated with higher financial returns.

“Despite a rapidly changing business landscape, the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not only holds, but grows even stronger.”

- Quote: McKinsey & Company – Diversity Matters Even More Report (2023)

At Simplestream we’re proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and will continue to build on our commitment to diversity, empowerment, and equal opportunity every day. To learn more about Simplestream and stay in the loop, follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our regular Unboxed newsletter. Let’s keep the conversation going and work toward a more inclusive future in tech, one step at a time.