Tech leaders rally for gender equality & workplace reform
With International Women's Day on the horizon, the spotlight is increasingly focused on gender equality, particularly within the tech industry. Female leaders use this occasion to discuss and recommend strategies to reform the industry and create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Paula O'Brien, Board Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, has been a prominent voice in advocating the utilisation of data-driven insights to foster gender equality and organisational change. With over three decades of experience in digital services and IT sales, O'Brien emphasises the necessity of using comprehensive data to address gender disparities actively. "Great salespeople excel because they deeply understand their customers' needs and challenges, often exceeding expectations. The same principle applies to fostering an inclusive workplace - real change starts with real understanding," she notes.
O'Brien points out that gathering diversity data, analysing inclusion sentiment, and collecting employee feedback can reveal underlying issues, such as advancement barriers facing underrepresented groups. Ricoh, she elaborates, supports diversity and inclusion with initiatives like affinity groups for gender, ethnicity, and other categories, allowing safe space for expression and learning.
Similarly, Susan Hill, Vice President of People at Amperity, remarks on International Women's Day's crucial role in promoting gender equity awareness and action. Hill highlights the stories of historical figures like Katherine Johnson and Hedy Lamarr, whose contributions were often overlooked, as a reminder of the persistent gender gaps in the industry. "It's about ensuring that today's girls and women see themselves reflected in STEM, know their contributions matter, and have the opportunities to lead the future of tech," Hill asserts.
Hill identifies underrepresentation, the gender pay gap, and unconscious bias as primary challenges for achieving gender equity in tech. She calls for increased recruitment and promotion of women, transparent pay structures, and focused training on bias to ensure equitable access to opportunities.
Caitlin Stephens, Head of HR and L&D at Eagle Eye, also champions the movement for gender equality. She has fostered a supportive culture at the SaaS company and spearheads the Purple Women Employee Resource Group, which connects women across the organisation for support and advancement discussions. By focusing on inclusive policies such as menopause support, parental leave, and flexible return-to-work options, Stephens aims to make professional growth compatible with personal life.
"It all comes back to the golden rule," Stephens shares, emphasising a workplace culture built on mutual respect and support. She believes this approach promotes loyalty and helps employees feel valued in their contributions.
As International Women's Day approaches, these leaders underline the importance of action, not just conversation, to make tangible progress in the tech industry and beyond. Their leadership and initiatives reflect a commitment to forging paths that recognise, support, and elevate the contributions of women within tech and other industries.
