Careers in the digital and IT industry are glowing with opportunity! They can help people cultivate crucial skills of the future whilst they benefit from a higher paying salary.
However, the gender inequality in the industry has resulted in a lack of female role models for women and men. For the digital economy to be an inclusive place for us all, we must encourage women to be a part of building it.
Role model influence is different for everyone
It’s important to note that role models are subjective to our individual needs. Role models at any stage of life, woman or man could help an individual. As it stands, there are 1 in 6 women specialising in IT (1). With the ratio being at an imbalance, there is a need for motivation from more female peers. A need for more female role models. To do this, women must be encouraged.
Encouraging the younger generation
In honour of International Women’s Day, Estio Training’s Functional Skills Manager, Amandeep Bhamra and Progress Management Coordinator, Holly Moffitt come together. They discuss their scape of female role models and the very importance of them.
Growing up Amandeep says that she “didn’t see any female role models in technology”. Her influence was one founded later in life and goes on to say, “I’m seeing more role models now and I wish I had that opportunity when I was younger.”
Holly admits how the IT classrooms weren’t always encouraging for her. She found that this space wasn’t “welcoming to women” because of female stereotypes. At times this made her feel “like an outsider in the classroom”.
The classroom is a place of growth. Where for most children and young adults, this is their only exposure to education. Tackling the issue from the start of education means engraining the mindset that this industry is available to anyone. Only then will women acknowledge their potential when working in the digital and IT industry.
Amandeep is now using her knowledge to help educate the younger generation as she exposes her children to the skills needed in the digital world. Breaking the bias of this industries gender inequality. Whilst Holly continues to help learners to stay engaged with their course and give them support. So that they are encouraged by this industry.
Supporting women in the workplace
Businesses can help women to progress at any stage in their career. By showing women that following their passion has no time limit.
This could be considering a new career path in tech related roles. Showing them the options and how they can help one another means working together as one strong team, which is encouraging for women.
Perhaps they feel their continued professional development needs adapting. With business support women can pursue their passion because they have been inspired. Women will continue to achieve excellence.
Find out more about our courses here.
(1) https://www.womenintech.co.uk/the-future-of-women-in-it
