Interview Pravesha Ramsundersingh
04 February 2025 15:42 | Add to my calendar
"You often see it in movies - computer scientists portrayed as antisocial, always wearing hoodies, glued to their screens, and, of course, male. But when I started studying Computer Science at TU Delft, I thought, that can't be the whole picture. I’ve always loved talking to people, embracing my femininity, and expressing myself beyond just code.
Growing up internationally, I heard inspiring stories about TU Delft from my parents, both alumni - my mother in Urban Design & Planning, my father in Civil Engineering. Their education opened up global opportunities, and they are now successful in Singapore. Inspired by them, I pursued Computer Science, and now, as I start my master's thesis, I know I made the right choice. Technology is shaping the world, and I love being part of it.
What I enjoy most about TU Delft is how it blends theory with hands-on programming. The university keeps courses up to date, so when I graduate, I won’t just have theoretical knowledge - I’ll have the skills to solve real-world problems. Seeing TU Delft alumni succeed globally, I understand why the standard here is so high.
But my journey wasn’t without challenges. I quickly realized how male-dominated my classes were. The social environment was difficult - from being asked to “make coffee” in project meetings to hearing dismissive remarks about women in tech. Instead of staying quiet, I took action.
In 2021, I started advocating for better inclusion and social safety. Through the Faculty and later the Central Student Council, I worked up to regular meetings with university leadership. What started as raising concerns led to real change.
Today, I’m proud to be part of @Librae, a network of TU Delft women supporting each other in tech. Through events and workshops, we’ve reached nearly 2,000 women, making the journey less isolating and providing the support I wish I had in my first year.
Change starts early. From a young age, boys often get Lego while girls receive dolls - reinforcing stereotypes about who belongs in STEM. But women aren’t here just to meet diversity targets - we bring perspectives that drive innovation. My message to women considering tech: If this is your passion, don’t let anything stop you. We need diverse viewpoints to create better solutions. There will be challenges, but we’re pushing for change together. And don’t go through it silently - speak up, connect, support one another.
As I prepare for my next step internationally, I’m excited to work in an environment where I can combine my love for technology with a global perspective. Diversity has always been a key part of my life - not just in gender but in working across cultures.
I hope that in the future, TU Delft will be a place where every student - regardless of gender - feels completely supported and valued. We’re not there yet, but with every step forward, we’re building that future together."