Oslopolitan chatted with Shruthi from India, who landed in Oslo after living in Malaysia and London. Works as a Test Engineer in Oslo.

Here are some reasons why she thinks why tech women should choose to work in Oslo.

1. Gender Equality the Norwegian Way

Norway has a long history of promoting gender equality, and it shows in the workplace. As a female tech engineer, Shruthi says she feels like there is a big difference working in Norway than other places. “Technology has changed the gender discrimination by creating a diverse work environment. Here in Oslo, I have many more female colleagues and the community is very inclusive”, says Shruthi.

Fast fact about Norway’s gender quality:

Women are well-represented in leadership positions in Norway, and the country has implemented policies to encourage gender balance in all industries, including tech. For example, Norwegian law mandates that publicly listed companies must have at least 40% female board members.

In addition, Norway has some of the most generous parental leave policies in the world, which enables both parents to take extended leave after the birth of a child. These policies create a culture of gender equality and work-life balance that is ideal for women in tech.

2. Oslo's Supportive Tech Community

Oslo is home to a thriving tech community, with many startups and established companies in the industry. According to Shruthi there are many available jobs, and as long as you start building a network there are great opportunities. She is keen for us to know that “thanks to technology, women have been empowered to inspire, to innovate and build”.

Fast fact about the Oslo community:

Tech women in tech can find supportive networks and resources through organizations like ODA which provides mentoring, networking, and events for women in the industry. The community is also inclusive and welcoming to women of all backgrounds, making it a great place for women who are new to tech or who are looking for a supportive environment to grow their careers.

It is also worth mentioning smaller communities such as HerSpace as well as the annual She Conference which hosted every year in the spring.

3. Strong Tech Industry in Oslo

Norway’s tech industry is booming, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The country is home to many successful tech companies, including Kahoot!, a popular educational platform, and Oda (another Oda, but this time a home delivery service). One of the things that has surprise Shruthi is the versatility in the companies in Oslo, and that there are so many opportunities to grow and develop in new fields. “Being in tech allows you to easily adopt new technologies and test out new services, and technology had been creating opportunities to learn and accomplish”, says Shruthi who works as a test engineer in Oslo.

Fast facts about Oslo’s tech industry

The government is also investing heavily in the tech industry, with initiatives like Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway supporting startups and research in the field. This means that tech women can find plenty of job opportunities and a supportive ecosystem to develop their skills and expertise.

4. Norway's High Quality of Life

Oslo is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. Some of the reasons why Shruthi loves living in Oslo is the sense of security she has in the city, combined with the work-life balance offered. It makes it so easy to combine a wonderful life with an exciting career. According to Shruthi “being in the tech field, it is great to see every day how technology and life go hand in hand to build smarter and better lifestyles, and Oslo is really a testbed”.

Fast facts about Oslo

The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with parks and forests within easy reach, and the city center is filled with cultural attractions and great restaurants. The healthcare system is also top-notch, with universal healthcare available to all residents.

In addition, the city has a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with flexible working hours and ample vacation time. This makes it a great place for women in tech who want to enjoy their lives outside of work and pursue their passions.

In conclusion, Oslo is an ideal place for women in tech to build their careers.

The culture of gender equality, supportive tech community, strong tech industry, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for women who want to thrive in the industry.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women in tech and encourage more women to pursue their dreams in this exciting and dynamic field.

Thanks to Shruthi for sharing her thoughts with Oslopolitan and happy International Women’s Day❤