Creating a Network of Women in Tech: The Power of Community
There is a diversity issue in tech.
When I was researching for people to follow in Conversion Rate Optimization and experimentation, a field I became so eager to understand better, which led me to marketing analytics and data science, I noticed a consistent trend. They were mostly men. Actually, they were all men. I honestly overlooked this when I was initially networking with several people in the field, until it struck me, why am I not following any women at all?
When I became aware of this, I became specific in my search: Women CRO Specialist. And then, like magic, one... two... three... a plethora of lists showcasing women in CRO appeared before my eyes. I eagerly reached out and connected with these incredible women. It was as if the LinkedIn algorithm sensed my interest because suddenly, my feed was flooded with recommendations of more women in the field of experimentation.
Could it be that the LinkedIn algorithm is playing favorites and sending me more men in this field? Or perhaps these individuals are just really good at getting noticed with keywords and engagement over the rest making the algorithms their friends?
The Gender Gap in Tech
According to Anitab, women account for less than 1/3 (one-third) of the workforce in technology.
Get this: in 2022, only 27.6% of women are projected to be working in the tech industry. And get this, analysts are saying that a measly growth rate of 0.9% from last year won't even come close to achieving gender equality anytime soon. We're talking about a whopping 12 years just to get equal representation, even if we manage to consistently grow at around 5% every year. It's time to step up and make some serious changes!
The Role of Women's Networks Awareness
I was thinking about this story in my mind as I met women in the data science field when I became an FTW Scholar during our recent orientation. Two things I experienced that day were a sense of excitement and genuine interest.
The FTW Foundation, also known as For The Women Foundation, is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that focuses on empowering women in their pursuit of careers in technology. It aims to provide training, resources, and support to help women transition into tech roles.
If I hadn't noticed it, I would have never realized the issue of gender in CRO. And most people won't either until they see the statistics and notice the difference. It's only when we open our eyes and observe our surroundings that we truly understand what's happening.
Being a woman in engineering, I was well aware of the difference between the numbers of women and men in engineering. Perhaps, it was well known in my mind that it became my normal.
I was reminded of the importance of creating a network of women in tech when I attended the FTW orientation and met these amazing women. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of empowerment and pride that we were all there to make a difference not maybe for the world right now, but first, with ourselves, and our family.
Community
One takeaway I got from the speaker that day was that she felt empowered and capable because being surrounded by women in space was her everyday experience. She grew up in a female-dominated family and continued to work in an environment with a significant female presence as a data scientist.
It's not your everyday story, especially considering my personal journey as a female in the engineering field. But thinking about it, when you gather a tribe of passionate individuals who are committed to reaching greatness, the possibilities are endless!
You will not feel different. Not someone who'll stand out because of your gender, but someone who'll stand out because of your skills.
I remember one of the scholars I met said she felt she was too old already to shift into Data Science but thinking about it that day, she's not. The three of us are about the same age.
I also felt the same. I felt I was too old since I'm in my late twenties. I knew no one when I became interested in the field. I only rely on Google, YouTube, groups, and forums to find the answer. That is why networking with other people is really important for me.
However, having a community of individuals who experience similar difficulties, obstacles, concerns, and inquiries, and who are seeking resolutions, striving for identical objectives, and desiring to pursue a career in the same industry, considers the potential collaborative achievements. The depth and quality of discussions that could occur could be immense.
Mentorship and Leadership
FTW Foundation has partnered with different brands like Insular Life Foundation, Lazada, Accenture, Canva, Aboitiz Group, and now GCash (Mynt - Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), to provide free data science and technology training for women. They also partner with Google, DataCamp, Slack, and Tableau to provide better platforms in delivering training to women in the field.
If you are a women in tech, there are also international communities available that you can check out too:
WOMEN IN TECH®- Global Movement
These communities are great platforms for women who want to learn more about various aspects of tech. They offer comprehensive resources, tutorials, and events that can help women grow their technical knowledge and skills.
Mentorship is also an important component in creating a network of women in tech. With the help of mentors, you can get advice on career paths, job opportunities and even sharpen your skills.
Conclusion
Not all is lost. In the ever-evolving tech landscape, women are making significant strides in leadership roles, marking a double-digit rise in their representation. Deloitte Global predicts that major global tech firms will see nearly 33% overall female representation in their workforces in 2022, a notable increase of over 2 percentage points since 2019. While women in tech leadership roles have traditionally lagged behind in numbers, they are now experiencing the fastest growth.
This progress aligns with research indicating that diverse teams enhance innovation and performance, prompting tech industry leaders to recognize the business value of diversity. With women now occupying approximately one in four leadership positions in large global tech companies, diversity initiatives are gaining momentum. Many tech giants are publicly committing to gender equality in leadership and broader diversity, signaling a positive shift in corporate culture and talent retention strategies.
The ability of women to create a network of support and share information can play a critical role in elevating their presence in the tech industry. Through cultivating strong networks with peers, mentors, and sponsors, women can build supportive relationships that foster collaboration, innovation, and success. By creating a community committed to advocating for gender equality and inclusion, women in tech have the opportunity to work together to close the gender gap.
Lastly, we should all work together to create an environment where everyone can feel safe, supported and empowered to pursue a career in tech. I owe all the success in the transition I had in my life and career in communities and people who did not gatekeep the knowledge and generously shared their experience and wisdom.
Still on this journey but looking with a positive light and hope.
Bridging Tech's Gender Gap
In navigating the tech landscape, the gender gap persists, urging a call to action. FTW Foundation stands tall, championing women in technology, offering a paradigm shift from doubt to empowerment. As women's representation gains ground, mentorship and global partnerships propel the industry forward. Be part of shaping an inclusive tech future.
Originally published on LinkedIn in September 2023