The UN is celebrating today under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’.
The gender gap in digital access, the threat of gender-based online violence, and an underrepresentation of women in STEM education mean women benefit from technology much less than they should.
Yet the digital world can be the key to eliminating gender inequity as technology has the potential to empower women, girls and other marginalized groups.
To celebrate international women’s day, Katie and Debbie give a little insight into themselves and their thoughts on gender equity in tech.
Katie has worked her way up through the company since being an apprentice. As Production Manager, she ensures that we can be confident in our commitments to our clients through proper planning and processes.
What do you think might encourage more women to work in tech?
I think engaging girls from a young age is key, not just in tech but in stereo-typically more ‘boy’ interests such as lego and math, so that they grow up not just thinking that certain jobs are male jobs. I think all children need to realise they really can follow any career that interests them, regardless of gender.
How do you think the tech sector would benefit from an equitable workforce?
I think a more diverse workforce (not just gender) benefits any sector, tech included. The more diverse we are the more we are able to consider an alternative approach. This isn’t just in developing a new solution for a client or creating an amazing design, but right down to our team dynamic and balancing skills. Everyone brings something different to the team and the more diverse our workforce the better we can structure the project team to meet a client’s needs.
What was your dream job as a child?
I never really had a strong desire for a specific career as a child. I loved art and spent most of my free time drawing and painting. I also enjoyed photography and I would often take pictures of animals and wildlife and then come home and draw them. As I got older I became really interested in Psychology and I had considered a career in criminal psychology. I have always been fascinated by the power of our brains – there’s just so much we don’t yet know!
What are you most proud of in your life?
I’m most proud of my growth in self confidence. I was very shy as a child and full of self doubt, when I think about where I am today and all that I’ve achieved both in my career and personal life I think my younger self wouldn’t believe it was possible! I owe a lot of that to running, it has allowed me to push my limits and find out just what I’m capable of – I do most of my best thinking whilst on a run too!
Debbie, Head of Sales, has remarkable experience as a business development manager. We asked her the same questions…
What do you think might encourage more women to work in tech?
Most definitely awareness needs to be raised at young girls through education at school.
How do you think the tech sector would benefit from an equitable workforce?
Each person brings with them different (hard and soft) skill sets; being a diverse workforce will always benefit companies.
What was your dream job as a child?
Forensic Scientist. When I was looking at careers back in the day (1980’s), this was classed as a man’s job.
What are you most proud of in your life?
Watching all my children grow up into loving, intelligent, thoughtful adults with successful careers all whilst being a single working mum with my own successful career.
Read more about gender and technology at www.unwomen.org.
