Feminism/Social Advocacy
Who Runs the World? Women in Tech (2022)
In the UK, the STEM sector is growing almost three times faster than the economy and contributes about £200 billion every year. At the end of 2021, the American tech industry was worth US$461billion, even after two years of COVID disruptions.
This year's International Women's Day (IWD) theme is #BreakTheBias, and yes, isn't it about time to close the gender gap? Whether intentional or unconscious, gender bias makes it difficult for women to succeed. As the IWD website states, "Knowing bias isn't enough, action is needed to level the playing field." More companies must encourage women to enter STEM and create the conditions needed to support more female leaders in the field.
In March 2020, Forbes published “Top Three Reasons We Need More Women in Tech" written by Elaine Montilla. According to the article, not only are companies more profitable with more women in managerial roles, but businesses with at least three women in leading positions saw a 66% increase in ROI and have a purchasing power of an estimated US$5 trillion. Montilla also emphasized that “women think differently" and that inclusion (and diversity) is not a “one-time campaign". The other reason why we need more women in tech? We need more role models.
The TrustRadius 2021 tech report reveals 72% of women are still outnumbered by men in business meetings. If gender equality continues unaddressed, it could create major economic challenges for businesses, leaving women's skills, experience and voices undervalued and unacknowledged.
This year, HERE360 celebrates female leaders advocating for more women in tech by also acknowledging one of our favorite female-run podcasts, “Women in Technology" (WIT). "Getting women more equitable opportunities and consistent support as location tech continues to expand is going to be key in establishing long-term success for this field." — Becky Schneider, Geospatial (GIS) Analyst, Engineer, and Consultant, INCATech, LLC
Becky Schneider currently works at INCATech, LLC (a 100% women-run small business), part of the Dept. of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel.State.Gov initiative, where she makes interactive maps for the public. Her maps visualize geopolitical relations between nation-states, travel safety, and online services for managing passports and visas.
When asked what words of wisdom Schneider would give to young women climbing the corporate ladder, she told WIT, “Take courses in new technologies and tools that interest you, attend seminars and workshops, connect and network with excited and passionate people to keep you creative."
HERE360 asked Schneider to elaborate further, why should more women consider a career in tech? “Having women present and active in the location technology industry is just as important as having women present and active in every other STEM field. Having a diversity of opinions and backgrounds will create more inclusive and productive solutions."