Gender gap in the technological industry has been a heavily discussed topic for some time now. The number of female experts still lags behind males’, and even though there is a visible tendency to support women who aim to build a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), there’s still a long way to go. In recent years a trend has emerged which admittedly seems to speed up this process: female-only support groups, conferences, workshops, and educational programs were organized throughout the world on a mission to close the gender gap and help women find their motivation within the industry.

Women in tech is one of the lead organizations behind the movement. According to their manifesto, they are represented by persons of all abilities – regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, class, age or sexual orientation, and have members in over 100 countries. Their purpose can be defined by understanding 5 of United Nations sustainable development goals, meant to be achieved by 2030:

1. -Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
2. -Quality Education
3. -Decent Work and Economic Growth
4. -Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
5. -Reduced Inequalities

Creating equal opportunities by providing access to quality education, a professional network and career opportunities are among their daily duties, as well as connecting technologically skilled women all over the world. Their LinkedIn page counts over 50 thousand followers, and their advisory board features experts like Dr. Christyl Johnson, deputy center director for technology and research investments at Nasa, and Carlos Moreno, Co-Founder & scientific director chair ETI at Paris1 Pantheon Sorbonne University.

The 2021 global forum was the second event of the annual series, originally expected to take place both online and in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Naturally, the pandemic had its say in the plans, so the conference migrated onto the internet, and was even made free eventually. The program was 2-day-long, beginning with an opening ceremony on the 23rd of February and ending with closing remarks on the 24th.

The event accommodated around 100 speakers on 30 topics, and also included a pitching contest for young entrepreneurs and their ideas. The first day was divided into 6 panels, each circling around a different topic, while on the second several individual talks were held.

Though every minute of the conversation highlighted important and interesting issues, there were 3 that especially caught our attention.

Increasing women interest in STEM education

Name of the speakers:Paula Belizzia, Dr Maja Zelihic, Lindalia Reis
Moderator: Andrea Sesum

The STEM sector is perceived to be the center of innovation, the hot-pot change and the engine of the economic system. Multiple studies show that males and females generally approach solutions in an entirely different way, so it is evident that equal representation of the genders is of utmost importance. However, it is still considered to be a male-dominated industry, full of job opportunities “meant for men”. This exclusivity not only blocks out a whole range of perspectives and thinking-methods but creates the false impression that men are genetically coded to be more successful in the area. Among these intrapersonal issues, organizational practices and cultural issues contribute to the segregation of the market. Multi-level intervention has proven to be necessary to create a more equal space, and it is no surprise it has to start at an early age. The introduction of role models in childhood is one of the most influential factors that is proved to have an effect on one’s career choice. There is a great need for female experts to be more represented: the tech industry is not limited to the most powerful elite (say Steve Jobs and Elon Musk). Press and social media are both doing a great job to reform this incomplete perception, but formal education and printed materials still have some catching up to do. But inciting motivation is nothing without creating access. The focus should simultaneously be on teaching the necessary skills, knowledge, and savvy while urging the industry to welcome women the same at any organizational level. The future is filled with trust and belief, and as always, change comes from an individual level.

Femtech

Name of the speakers: Sophie Smith, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa
Moderator: Melissa Slaymaker

The word “femtech” is used to describe all technological advancements directly related to women, their health and particular interests. The term surfaced in 2013 and was first used by Ida Tin, founder of the since successful period tracking app, Clue. There are multiple applications and programs on the market specifically targeted at women, offering solutions to countless problems, or just making everyday life a little easier and more convenient. The talk featured a really interesting perspective, stating Covid 19 will have a positive impact on the health-tech industry. Many people turned towards online solutions while not being able to seek in-person counseling or training. Scanning applications and internet-based services also boomed as they were proven to be safer during the pandemic. Vaccinations also sparked debate around women, especially pregnant women being excluded from clinical trials. As most of the drugs, vaccines were developed to be tested on men, evidently leaving out half of the population of the process. Many countries all over the world advise against vaccinating women with children, solely because they were not included in the preparation. This shows huge negligence in the industry, which has to be acted upon in the future.

Embracing intersectionality in tech

Name of the speakers: Ozioma Egwuonwu, Reshma Ramachandran, Isabelle Mauro, Bianca Tudor
Moderator: Lieke Lamb

In 2021 the tech industry is dominated by white men only. Women, people of color and those of a more vulnerable background are not only excluded from leadership positions, but they are only represented in an infinitesimal percentage in the whole sector. As we know, knowledge and talent can not be limited to any physical form, but unequal access to materials and education makes it harder for certain social groups to be included in STEM. Intersectionality, meant as welcoming all races, genders, ages and classes into the field, is one of the most courageous purposes of the Women in Tech movement. Discrimination is still present in the forms of a whole category of experiences: stigma, prejudices and pay gap are all part of the problem, and picking up the fight requires intervention on an organizational level. Dialogues and conversations about experiences contribute to the change by helping past trauma heal, but acceptance still has to be developed and practiced worldwide. Elevating awareness can create strong allies regardless of skin color or sexual orientation, and will eventually create empathy and inclusion. Countless organizations offer various educational programs and networking opportunities for those who are trying to make it into tech, and even mentorship programs are starting to be available for wider audiences. People who advocate for these issues are often outstandingly passionate about tech itself but welcoming others too, considering the establishment of intersectionality their mission. We are interested to see more and more talents stepping a foot on the same path in the future too, and are already amazed by all the magnificent progress we will be able to witness.

Listening to talented and successful women discussing such matters was an experience of incredible value. Here at IseeQ, we cherish the opportunity of participating and are more than thankful for all the insights these talks provided us with. If you wish to see the talks for yourself, all of them are available to watch on the website of the conference and on youtube as well.