Bridging gaps, enabling growth: Yara’s women in technology

Closing gaps, unlocking opportunities 

The declaration of February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by the United Nations in 2016 highlights a shared commitment to addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The current reality is disheartening, with women representing only one in five professionals (22%) in cutting-edge fields like AI. Despite tech skill shortages, women represent only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% in computer science.  

To address global challenges and drive the Sustainable Development Goals, we must tap into diverse talent. Empowering women in traditionally male-dominated sectors is an imperative for achieving a more equitable and prosperous society. 

In Yara, empowering female colleagues in the digital landscape aligns with our commitment to creating a workplace that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for growth and development. 

Yara's digital employees are pivotal to driving our ambition of Growing a Nature-Positive Food Future, making our dedication to unlocking opportunities for female professionals integral to our broader organizational goals. 

“Companies are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. By promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities, we are contributing to a more varied and dynamic workforce that brings new ideas and solutions within the tech industry,” 

Bitopi Sarma, Senior Software Engineer 

Enabling continuous learning and growth 

Bitopi, based in Oslo, is contributing to the development of the Golden Batch application—an optimization tool that identifies optimal environmental conditions for fertilizer production. Bitopi emphasizes the importance of a company culture that encourages collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning, and growth, especially in an ever-evolving tech landscape. 

“Yara’s commitment to professional development has been a key factor in my growth as a subject matter expert. I have had access to many training programs, mentors, conferences, certifications, and workshops,” shares Bitopi. 

Cristina Balacciu, Information Technology (IT) Global Change Manager based in Brussels, echoes the significance of equal learning opportunities. Her commitment to continuous improvement has led her to achieve professional certifications such as the ITIL v3 Expert and ITIL v4 Managing Professional. 

“At Yara, the many opportunities for continuous growth and development are especially important for women in tech—a field traditionally dominated by men. I am proud and grateful for the level of expertise I have achieved. It has been a rewarding journey that I would happily repeat,” says Cristina.

One of Cristina’s most enriching experiences involved contributing to the implementation of Yara’s IT Service Portal, Service Now- an innovative, cloud-based platform infused with AI-enhanced technology. For Cristina, this project presented a unique opportunity to gain insights into end-to-end digital transformation and accelerating business outcomes. 

Empowering female leaders 

Promoting women in leadership roles and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for success is a crucial aspect of ensuring full and equal access to, and participation in science for women. 

Natalia Serre, Program Manager Digital Operations, based in Berlin, leads a team of nine. She enrolled in the company’s leadership program ‘Leading for Growth’ designed to equip leaders with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to transform the business. 

“Yara's leadership program has been a really useful toolbox as a young leader in technology. It provided me with a platform to access insightful content, learn from industry-leading experts, and connect with a diverse leadership community," says Natalia. 

Tonje Norheim, Senior Manager Application Delivery, based in Oslo, sheds light on the vital role of role models and supportive managers in her professional journey. 

“Empowering women in technology relies on having inspiring role models and supportive managers. What fueled my growth was the early trust, responsibility, and autonomy granted to me, together with constant support from managers and mentors,” shares Tonje. 

Investing in women’s leadership development is critical for enabling inclusivity and equal representation in science. Initiatives like Yara's leadership program empower women not only to excel in their roles but also to shape the future of the tech industry.  

In essence, Yara is cultivating a workplace where the full potential of every individual, irrespective of gender, is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. By investing in professional development, fostering mentorship, and providing equal access to resources, we stand resolute in shaping a future where every voice has the power to drive transformational change.