Skills Gap
Paving the Way for Inclusion in the Tech World
The concept of inclusion to me takes various forms, whether it's personally uplifting other women aspiring to make their mark or demonstrating the power of collaboration within our industry and community.
The concept of inclusion to me takes various forms, whether it's personally uplifting other women aspiring to make their mark or demonstrating the power of collaboration within our industry and community.
It's about providing the tools, courage, and belief that every woman can carve her path in this industry, debunking the outdated notion that certain roles are reserved for specific genders or backgrounds.
The importance of creating a more inclusive world for women cannot be overstated. It's not just a campaign message; it's about fostering broader thinking and acknowledging that the unity of all genders working together generates improved results through greater diversity of thought.
In the tech and cyber industry, where stereotypes of a male-dominated world persist, inspiring inclusion is key for driving success and innovation. For too long, the industry has carried this perception, but thankfully, a positive change is underway, even if slowly.
It's a fact that when people of all genders and backgrounds collaborate, their diverse approaches often lead to rich differences in opinions, ultimately amalgamating into outstanding results.
From my own experience, the tech industry faces a significant challenge in inclusivity, especially regarding bringing more women into the technical areas of the cybersecurity domain. Overcoming this challenge requires not only encouraging women but also promoting diverse thinking to address the myriad challenges in all technical roles.
To overcome these hurdles, early education is key. Cybersecurity needs to be integrated into the school curriculum, made widely available, and encourage all students. Stamp out prejudices at the early stages and encourage women currently in technical roles to actively drive awareness through education fairs and recruitment drives.
Fostering a more inclusive environment in the tech/cyber industry is not just a moral imperative; it's a catalyst for enhanced creativity and better problem-solving. The mix of genders brings a wider diversity of thought and planning, undoubtedly leading to great benefits for the industry as a whole.
Inclusion plays a pivotal role in breaking down stereotypes and biases that may discourage individuals from entering the tech/cyber industry or specific roles within it.
Business leaders, in particular can play an important role to inspire a culture of diversity and belonging by ensuring gender equality in pay and benefits, promoting unbiased hiring practices, and actively encouraging women to apply for traditionally male-held positions.
I strongly believe that mentorship and networking opportunities are indispensable in facilitating the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Listening to the diverse experiences of successful individuals enhances one's belief that they too can achieve greatness.
In my day-to-day work at Trend, I've embraced the opportunities that come my way, proving that you can succeed without a degree or major certificate. Working closely with younger colleagues, passing on ideas, and presenting at Women in Business events are just a few ways I contribute to inspiring inclusion. I've been fortunate to work under inspirational female managers and a highly successful CEO at Trend, further showcasing that ambition knows no gender.
As a woman in the tech industry, I understand the importance of a positive mindset. It's crucial not to perceive ourselves as "hard done by," but rather to outwardly showcase that we are just as capable, driven, and able to achieve greatness in this ever-changing world.