International Women’s Day (IWD) was about a week ago, but it is still the month for women. Let’s talk about women in tech. For varied reasons, women are underrepresented in not just the tech space but also in the different arms of STEM. With this year’s theme, according to UN Women, being “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” there is a need to discover and share creative ways to encourage women to get into tech.
8 creative ways to encourage women to get into tech
There are many reasons there are not as many women in the tech space as men. Whatever the reason, getting women into the space will involve some creative moves to make it effective. Below are eight such ways to help achieve gender equality in innovation and technology:
Set up mentorship programs
Set up mentorship programs that put women who are interested in technology in touch with experienced women in the field. This can help women who want to get into the field by giving them advice, support, and encouragement. Everyone needs someone to hold their hands sometimes, and mentorship can help women know that they are not alone in their tech journey.
Host hackathons
Hosting women-only hackathons can help women learn new skills and connect with other women in the tech industry in a supportive and collaborative environment. Also, such hackathons reduce competition between women and men and focus on women and what they can do.
Host workshops
Hold workshops for women of all levels of experience in coding and other technical skills. These workshops can help take the mystery out of the tech industry and make it more accessible to women who might not otherwise be interested. Since education has always been a leveller of some sort, such workshops would educate more women and get them on par with their male counterparts.
Offer scholarships as one of the creative ways to encourage women to get into tech
Give women who want to get degrees or certifications in fields related to technology scholarships or other financial incentives. This can help remove some of the financial barriers that may be preventing women from pursuing careers in tech. Money is always important when attempting to convince or motivate people. scholarships will go a long way.
Create networking events
Host networking events that are especially targeted at women in technology. This can foster a sense of belonging and give women the chance to get to know and connect with other women working in the field.
Highlight role models
Showcase successful women in technology as role models for other women who want to work in the field. Women who want to work in technology may find this inspiring and motivating.
Practice outreach to schools
This is one of the tips on how to get your daughter to pursue a career in tech. It always pays to start early. Work with schools to encourage girls to take coding classes and participate in STEM programs. This can help build interest and enthusiasm for tech careers at an early age.
Promote a supportive workplace culture
Encourage the creation of a supportive workplace culture for women in technology, such as equal pay, chances to move up, and flexible hours. In addition to encouraging others to join, this can help keep women in the field.
Conclusion
Following the path of DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, technology and innovation can and should be used to attain equity. But it begins with making the tech space inclusive. In the workplace and in the tech world, the fight for equal rights is still going on. There is little proof that this struggle will end anytime soon. With the above guide, one can use creative ways to encourage women to get into tech. As these are done, there will be an influx of women into the field, making it more rounded and balanced.
