🇺🇳 Women in Tech Talk with Microsoft & United Nations

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Moh Suthasiny, co-founder of Happy Ground, had the honor of speaking at an inspiring event hosted by Microsoft and Chulalongkorn University at the United Nations. The event, focused on empowering women in tech, gave Moh a chance to share her personal story, highlight Happy Ground’s mission, and emphasize the critical role that women in tech can play in driving inclusive business and sustainable change.

Overcoming Bias: Moh’s Journey from Rural Thailand

One of the most powerful moments in Moh's talk was when she reflected on her upbringing in rural Thailand. As a girl, she was taught that women should be followers and serve others, rather than taking leadership roles. This traditional mindset was something Moh had to unlearn as she carved out her own path as a leader in climate tech.

She shared how, despite these cultural expectations, she chose to challenge these norms and redefine her role. It wasn’t just about personal growth—it was about creating the kind of culture she wanted to be a part of, where women are empowered to lead and drive change in every industry.

“We need to unlearn the biases that hold us back,” Moh said. “We must build a culture where women are encouraged to lead, innovate, and create the solutions that are necessary to shape the future.”

Design Thinking and Radical Listening: Building Products with Real Impact

During her talk, Moh also discussed the importance of design thinking and radical listening in building products that truly make a difference. She stressed how these methodologies are at the core of Happy Ground’s approach to regenerative agriculture and climate tech. Listening deeply to the people we serve—especially smallholder farmers—and designing products with their needs at the center, is what allows us to create real, lasting impact.

Moh gave a powerful example of how female farmers often make decisions differently from their male counterparts. She shared that female farmers are more likely to shift to organic farming when they see the impact of chemicals on their children’s health. In contrast, male farmers tend to stop using chemicals only when they personally experience the negative effects on their own health.

This insight highlights why it’s crucial to listen carefully to the unique perspectives and experiences of women farmers—and to design solutions that align with their values and priorities. By embracing design thinking and radical listening, we can build solutions that are not only effective but also resonant, meeting the real needs of those on the ground.

Empowering Women Through Tech: Happy Ground’s Mission

Moh also spoke about Happy Ground’s work in using biochar and data-driven tools to empower farmers—especially women farmers—in Southeast Asia. Through our work, we aim to restore soil health, reduce PM2.5 pollution, and help farmers build climate resilience. She explained that technology isn’t just about innovation; it’s about creating solutions that are inclusive, accessible, and grounded in the needs of the communities we serve.

Looking Ahead: Creating a Culture of Change

The event at the United Nations was a reminder of how much work is still needed to ensure that women in tech are at the forefront of creating sustainable solutions. Moh left the event feeling even more determined to support women leaders in climate tech and social entrepreneurship. She believes that to drive change, we must unlearn old biases, embrace inclusive leadership, and foster a culture of empowerment where everyone—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to lead, create, and innovate.

The event was a huge step forward in building stronger networks for women in tech and reaffirmed that the future of leadership is inclusive, innovative, and community-driven.

“The future of tech and climate action will be shaped by inclusive leadership. We need more women at the table, leading the way with compassion, creativity, and care,” said Moh.

Thank you to Microsoft, Chulalongkorn University, and the United Nations for creating such an empowering and impactful event. Let’s continue working together to build a world where women lead, change is driven, and tech solutions serve people and the planet.