Tech Talk: Women Championing Action

Achieving gender parity in the tech sector is not just a matter of fairness but a crucial driver for economic growth and innovation, particularly in Europe. Therefore there needs to be more women championing action in the industry.

Despite progress in many areas, the gender gap in tech continues to persist, holding back an underutilised talent pool which could significantly benefit the industry. By challenging gender bias, embracing inclusive recruitment practices, and fostering supportive work environments, we can unlock the potential of women in the tech industry and contribute to a more diverse, dynamic, and prosperous future. This event delves into the challenges faced by women in tech, highlights the importance of mentorship, and outlines the necessary steps to create a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable tech sector.

Panelists:

Francesca – Principal Consultant & DEIB Advisor

A dedicated technology recruitment expert with seven years of experience fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) across Europe. Passionate about intersectionality, Francesca advocates for underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiversity, and racial equity. She has built impactful communities, empowered professionals, and spoken at top industry events like DevOpsCon and WeAreDevelopers.

Krystyna – Head of Technology at Hitachi Energy

With over 20 years of management experience in international companies. Starting as a software engineer, Krystyna has worked across various tech roles and brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. Her expertise in crisis management and leadership development has made her a trusted advisor across the USA, Europe, and Asia.

Ewelina – Head of Data and Engineering

Ewelina has worked in the tech industry for over 10 years, starting her career in recruitment before transitioning into data and engineering leadership. As Head of Digital & Data Poland at Jacobs, Ewelina drives transparency and visionary leadership, spearheading the Digital & Data Hub to integrate cutting-edge technologies and transform operations.

Ania – General Manager at StoneX Poland

Although relatively new to the tech industry, Ania is deeply passionate about supporting and empowering women to drive progression and inspiration within the sector. With extensive experience in scaling teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving operational transformation, Ania focuses on aligning business objectives with technology-driven solutions.

Eva – Founder of Evanie Consulting

A senior transformation leader and digital strategy expert with nearly 20 years of experience driving technology-led change across banking, fintech, e-commerce, and the public sector. Eva offers a diverse perspective on career transitions within tech. With a Cambridge MBA and expertise in corporate strategy, she specialises in innovation, process optimisation, and inclusive workplace cultures.

Key Takeaways: Accelerating Gender Parity in Tech

Driving Economic Growth

Achieving gender parity in the tech sector is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth, particularly in Europe. Closing the gender gap could significantly boost Europe’s GDP by tapping into the underutilised talent pool of women.

Challenging Gender Bias

Gender bias remains a major issue in tech. It’s crucial to acknowledge and actively challenge these biases with training programmes, to mitigate their impact. Women should be hired for their skills and competencies, not just their gender. Using diverse recruitment teams and inclusive language in job postings can play a significant role in reducing gender bias and attracting more women into tech.

Gender Gap in STEM

There is a noticeable drop in the number of women pursuing STEM careers, particularly between school and university and from university to the workplace.

 Encouraging STEM from Early Years

Encouraging girls to engage with STEM subjects from a young age and supporting women in leadership roles will increase female participation in the tech industry. According to NESCO, only 30% of scientists are women. This statistic highlights the need for more systemic changes to encourage women into scientific and technological careers.

Systemic Change Needed

To support women in male-dominated environments, systemic changes must be implemented, helping women feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking leadership positions.

Creating Inclusive Cultures in Tech

Diversity in Hiring

Cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace culture is essential for innovation. However, this can sometimes lead to friction due to differing backgrounds and opinions. Hiring for diversity is important to ensure that different perspectives are represented.

Reducing Barriers to Advancement for Women

Women are 25% less likely to be promoted than men and often have fewer opportunities to become decision-makers. This limits their ability to contribute to the company’s strategic direction and operational development.

Socialising Diversity

Teaching children the value of diversity will help create more inclusive generations. Emphasising the importance of different perspectives from an early age will contribute to more diverse workforces in the future.

Women Need to Speak Up

Women should not feel the need to prove themselves solely through their actions. They should feel empowered to vocalise their ambitions and desires within their organisations.

The Value of Diverse Teams

Companies with diverse teams see a significant increase in innovation and return on investment (ROI). Diverse perspectives lead to more creative problem-solving and improved outcomes for businesses.

Female Mentorship and Leadership

Female Leaders and Mentors

Having women in leadership roles and access to mentorship is key to helping other women break through barriers and increase their confidence in the workplace. Female leaders and mentors challenge disparities, foster inclusion, and improve workplace dynamics by encouraging empathy and understanding.

Benefits of Mentorship

Women who have mentors tend to earn 20% more on average and are more likely to receive promotions. Mentorship is not just about career development; it also provides the support and guidance needed to navigate workplace challenges.

Mentorship as a Workplace Standard

Mentorship should be a basic offering in the workplace, with everyone encouraged to actively support one another. By lifting each other up, individuals can help improve opportunities for others, contributing to a more equitable environment.

Mentors Beyond Recognition

Mentors don’t need to be high-profile figures; they can be anyone who inspires you. Leadership advice and career guidance can come from any person who has knowledge to share, making mentorship accessible to everyone.

An Evolving Industry

The tech industry is constantly evolving, offering numerous opportunities for learning from others. Mentors can be found within any part of the sector, and the value lies in shared knowledge and inspiration rather than formal recognition.

A Few of the Panelists’ Inspirational Figures:

Susan Allen – Head of Yorkshire Building Society

Known for her deep connection with every staff member, Susan prioritises understanding the personal stories and experiences of her team. She believes strongly in the importance of valuing people within a business.

Kim Scott – Author of Radical Candor

Kim is known for her approach to leadership, teaching people how to be assertive and direct, while also providing guidance to help others advance in their careers. Her work emphasises the need for clear communication and empathy in leadership.

A mother

Who never allowed gender limitations to hold her back. She was a strong advocate for equal opportunities, always encouraging others to pursue their goals without compromising their potential based on gender.

At Cavendish, we advocate for equal opportunities and always look for areas we can improve for our team and clients. Find out more about our tech opportunities here

Watch the full discussion here