We are pleased to announce that we are launching ‘Women Making SAP Happen’, which is set to be a series of articles featuring inspirational women working within the SAP ANZ ecosystem.

To celebrate this, and International Women’s Day, we have interviewed 3 influential women who work in SAP around the globe;

• Sandra Rowe, SAP FICO Systems Lead at GFG Alliance, Australia

• Rocio Valdez Bautista, SAP Program Manager at Hewlett Packard, UK 

• Isa Zöller, Learning Innovation Expert at SAP SE, Germany

Sandra, Rocio and Isa have kindly shared their thoughts on what today means to them and how we can inspire more women to work within SAP internationally.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Sandra: To me it is a day to celebrate women everywhere, whether you work or do not have paid work at all. We are all contributing to society in many different ways. I think everyone should take some time out on March 8th and toast the women in their lives. 

Isa: International Women’s Day to me is to care about women and their equal rights. 

Rocio: To me this is a great opportunity to show all the world our value, our ideas, our creativity and most of all, our way to influence as leaders.

What female inspiration have you had in your career? 

Sandra: I’ve been very fortunate to work with many strong and independent women over my entire SAP career at all levels of organisations. This is from Project Directors/Managers, to my female colleagues. I have watched, listened and absorbed from other women. I’ve seen what works and what does not. 

But I do also have to say I have always had equal support from all of the men I have worked with. I’ve been very fortunate in that respect. There are some terrific people working in SAP, all genders.

What is the best thing about being a woman in SAP?

Isa: Women at SAP support each other. There is a lot of solidarity and appreciation. 

What inspirational words would you offer to other women? 

Sandra: I always think back to a bumper sticker I had when I was at university “Girls Can Do Anything”, I do truly believe this is the case. 

My father also told me this all the time, but he said, “You can do anything”, gender did not come into it. So, I grew up not knowing that gender discrimination existed which is good thing. I’d encourage all parents with daughters to do this as well. 

Always do the best you can and if you don’t know the answer to something go and find it out (that can be your super power). 

Why do you think Tech/SAP have been male dominated in the past? 

Sandra: I do think that IT has a bit of a reputation as being a bit dull, unsexy, and “full of geeks”. If I had a dollar for every person who has said to me “you must be really smart to work in IT” or “I’m not clever enough to work in IT”. I would be very rich. I do think this perception is changing, with more women undertaking STEM. 

In my experience, there are a lot of really clever people in IT, but one skill that I think is most useful is actually common sense. I do think women bring a different approach to problem-solving, not just a technical solution. I’m very hopeful more women will get the opportunity to work in IT. 

Isa: It's an historical reason. Women in Germany built up the family, took care of children, while men could focus on career and networking

How would you like to see the equality landscape change in the industry over the year ahead?

Isa:  I don't want to see any company in the future who differentiates between gender when it comes to equal pay. But that, even in 2019, is a big vision that we have to fight for. Especially independent of time spent in a company.

Rocio: I would like to see there be a deep and true change in the world of today, because equality for me means being seen and appreciated for what I am.

If you would like to be featured in any future ‘Women Making SAP Happen’ features then please speak to nadine@sapture.com.au