Women Leaders Driving IoT Access Across Emerging Markets

With over 12 years of management experience across diverse industries, Galih Savitri specializes in HR and administration. She currently leads Teltonika Indonesia, driving organizational growth while fostering people development alongside the company’s success.

In an engaging interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Galih shares her insights on how digital inclusion initiatives through IoT are empowering women in underserved regions. She talks about advancing equitable access, fostering leadership, and driving innovation in Indonesia and beyond. Explore her perspectives in the article below.

How do digital inclusion initiatives improved access for women in underserved regions through IoT solutions?

I’ve witnessed how digital inclusion through IoT can transform lives, especially for women in underserved areas.

By providing access to IoT-based tools, such as GPS tracking, remote monitoring, and real-time data, we help women gain control over agricultural, logistics, and small business operations. These technologies reduce dependency, increase efficiency, and open doors to broader markets.

In regions with limited infrastructure, IoT becomes a gateway to financial independence and digital literacy. Most importantly, it gives women the confidence to lead and innovate within their communities, proving that with the right tools, they can thrive and create lasting impact for the next generation.

As IoT is a critical driver for smart and connected economies, what role can women leaders play in advancing equitable IoT access across Indonesia and other emerging markets?

Women leaders have a vital role in ensuring IoT growth is inclusive and equitable, especially in emerging markets like Indonesia. As decision makers, we bring diverse perspectives that are essential in designing tech solutions that reflect the real needs of all communities.

Women leaders can drive policies and partnerships that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and education around IoT.

We also serve as role models, showing that leadership in technology is not limited by gender. By mentoring future female talent and advocating for inclusive innovation, we help shape a smarter, more connected economy where no one is left behind in the digital transformation.

How have you cultivated a culture of innovation that enables women in IoT and tech roles within your company to progress into leadership?

We have built a culture where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand. We actively encourage women to take on roles in engineering, product development, and technical sales which are areas traditionally dominated by men.

Internally, we’ve implemented mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and targeted leadership training to support career growth for women in tech roles. By fostering an environment that values talent over stereotypes, we ensure women not only enter the tech space but also thrive and lead in it.

In your collaborations with industry partners or regulators, how have gender-diverse perspectives shaped strategic decisions related to expanding IoT infrastructure and applications?

Gender-diverse perspectives have proven essential in shaping more inclusive and effective IoT strategies. When diverse voices are present at the table, we gain deeper insight into the needs of various user groups. This has influenced how we design IoT solutions, ensuring they are not only technically sound but also accessible and relevant. Diversity leads to smarter, more human-centered innovation, and it’s key to sustainable IoT expansion.

Can you share an example where a woman leader in your organization turned a significant challenge whether operational, strategic, or market-driven into a new opportunity within the IoT space?

One standout example is a woman from our business development team who led a turnaround during a challenging market entry in Eastern Indonesia.

Initially, local adoption of our IoT tracking solutions was low due to limited awareness and infrastructure. She recognized the need to localize our approach and collaborating with community leaders, simplifying technical language, and tailoring solutions for smallholder logistics. Her strategy not only improved product adoption but also opened a new market segment for Teltonika.

What started as a barrier became a gateway for growth. Her leadership turned a market challenge into an opportunity that is proving with the right perspective; women can drive impactful innovation and expansion in the IoT space.

What key mindset or practice would you recommend to aspiring women leaders who want to excel and lead in high-impact, technology-driven industries like IoT?

I strongly recommend embracing a growth mindset; believe that skills, knowledge, and leadership are developed through continuous learning and persistence. Stay curious, be willing to take risks, and don’t wait for permission to lead. Build confidence through competence, and seek out mentors who challenge and support you.

Most importantly, bring your authentic perspective to the table. Innovation thrives on diversity of thought, and your voice matters. Tech industries need more women who are not only capable but bold enough to reshape the narrative. Lead with vision, empathy, and resilience and you will inspire change while building real impact.