Khawla Hammad: Leading Women in Tech
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting female founders in tech who are empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs across the world. CEO & Founder of Takalam, Khawla Hammad, shares the story that drove her to create an award-winning UAE-based online counselling platform for mental well-being.
Tell us about your career in tech. What inspired you?
The tech industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but more and more women are breaking through and making significant contributions to the field. I have always had a passion for Technology and enjoy learning about it. Tech is a field that is constantly evolving, and there are endless possibilities for new ideas and solutions. This allows for a high level of creativity and the ability to make a real impact on people’s lives. The satisfaction that comes from working on projects that have a positive impact on the world, is one of my biggest motivations for being in the field.
How did Takalam come together?
Takalam was launched after going through difficult times and facing personal challenges. I experienced depression and anxiety but found it difficult to seek professional support due to logistical constraints and cultural stigma. I believe that no one should face these challenges alone, and everyone who needs mental health support should have access to it without any hindrances.
The need for Takalam was amplified by the larger issue of inadequate resources and infrastructure for mental health support. Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health disorders affecting millions worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 264 million people suffer from depression, while anxiety disorders affect around 284 million people worldwide as of 2019. These figures do not account for the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on mental health, which has significantly increased mental health challenges globally.
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
I take pride in starting Takalam, which makes a positive impact on our community and makes a real difference in people’s lives. My proudest achievement to date is overcoming the challenge and resistance of introducing such a stigmatised topic to our community and stakeholders, who now see the real value in the solution.
What are the main challenges you see women and young girls facing when wanting to pursue their passion?
The challenges vary depending on their circumstances. For example, the lack of role models can make it difficult for women and girls to see themselves succeeding in certain fields or pursuing their passions. This is especially true in fields that have traditionally been dominated by men, such as science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or politics. Limited or lack of access to education and resources and cultural barriers restrict women from pursuing such fields.
What advice would you give girls looking to kick-start their career in tech/science?
Pursuing a career in tech or science can be rewarding and exciting, with plenty of opportunities for growth and success. With dedication, hard work and the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and make a real impact in your field. Good luck on your journey!
Thanks again, Khawla, for sharing your incredibly inspiring journey with the AX community!
Sign up to the Aerospace Xelerated mailing list to hear the latest news from our network, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on LinkedIn.
