This week on Thursday 8th March it is International Women’s Day. This day is an important day to recognise and celebrate how far women have come in the modern world today. However, as a company in the tech industry we, Everything Tech, see and understand the struggle to engage women in the industry and for the women currently working in ours and other STEM industries.
Did you know that only 26% of computing jobs are held by women and only 5% of leadership positions in tech are held by women?
Because of the lack of women in these career industries we have decided to focus this week’s blog posts on celebrating, acknowledging and sharing information with you about Women in Tech from the past and present.
(above) Sheryl Sandberg- Chief operating officer of Facebook.
(below) Katherine Johnson- Research mathematician for NASA.
I thought it would be good to start the week off by telling you what Women in Tech is all about, and why it’s good for the industry.
Women in Tech is many different groups, events and individuals from all over the world, all with the same mission and goal of helping and advancing women in technology. The groups’ aims are to help girls and women of all ages to excel in these predominantly male industries.
Why Do We Need More Women in Tech?
Having more women in the industry brings gender diversity, which is an important aspect, and greatly benefits the tech companies themselves. Through having a diverse team, it has been proven to increase productivity, experimentation and creativity.
“A study surveyed 1,400 team members from 100 teams at 21 companies in 17 countries. The study found that gender-balanced teams were the most likely to experiment, be creative, share knowledge, and fulfil tasks. The study also found that the most confident teams had a slight majority of women (60%)”.
More women in tech also gives the industry the opportunity to expand its profits and audience through bringing a whole different outlook and being able to engage, create and aim more technology towards the female market.
Why Are Women in Tech Important?
Women in Tech are important because of the lack of young girls that are interested in these subjects. This is rooted deeply in the fact that tech subjects are not viewed as a sport for girls.
Women in tech are trying to change this view by highlighting many women in tech and their success in the industry, as well as making us aware of the current issues women have in STEM industries that need to change.
Exposing current and past women in technology is important because it allows young girls to connect to the industry and see somebody who they can relate to.
I also love these events because not only do they inspire other women, but they also celebrate and acknowledge the achievements women in the industry have made.
Women in Tech are changing the culture of tech. Let’s be honest STEM subjects aren’t exactly gender neutral, at least not yet!
