International Women’s Day 2024 Empowering through inclusion

As we mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, I reflect upon gender equality within education and technology.? This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion it's essential to reflect and celebrate on the progress we've made towards gender equality in education and technology. However, work remains to be done, the voices and contributions of women are still being undervalued and underrepresented.

We have to look no further than articles in main stream press such as the New York times publishing a list of influential women in Artificial Intelligence (one if not the most disruptive technologies of our time) yet not listing a single woman! Despite their being many women making impact in this area.? There is also the conference that listed female speakers and when it came to the event, there weren’t any female speakers.? It turns out the profiles were all fake!

Yet, amid challenges and barriers, women continue to carve out spaces, driving innovation, and reshaping the landscape of education and technology for the better.

The IWD website offers the following action areas for organisations and groups to #InspireInclusion

• forging women's economic empowerment
• recruiting, retaining and developing female talent
• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
• designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
• helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
• involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
• providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
• elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
• promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
• addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls

I feel these action areas also translate into individual action quite well.

Before I continue let me share with you, aspects of my portfolio.? I am a #TechWomen100 award winner (2022) and UN WomenUK Delegate (2023).? I have developed a portfolio career, which sees me as an Education Consultant, Coach, Author, Mentor, Speaker, Trustee and a few other hats!

Promoting Girls in Tech

To this end, here is some recent work that promotes girls into tech.? Last month I was a panellist at an event for education and industry, championing gender equity in computer science, hosted at Tata Consulting Services and highlighting the I-Belong programme from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). The event saw educationalists, industry, and policymakers come together to champion a shared commitment to removing barriers to participation for females in computing and tech.? You can play your part as an educator or industry professional in this key area – more details are available here:

• https://teachcomputing.org/blog/tech-for-success
• https://www.stem.org.uk/all-news/education-and-industry-unite-at-key-event-championing-gender-equity

At Home and School

Parents, Families and Educators, can encourage girls (and all children) to read for pleasure on tech topics. I believe this is one of the ways we can inspire inclusion.? My pandemic project saw me create a children’s book series – The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip.? The books have a tech focus, designed to spark the imagination and to normalise talking about tech.? You can find out more and get involved here.

In the classroom

Around the world, women educators are breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of learners. They bring diverse perspectives, nurturing environments where all students, regardless of gender, feel empowered to explore, learn, and grow. Through their dedication and passion, they challenge traditional norms, fostering inclusive learning environments that celebrate the unique talents and abilities of every individual.

I always try to shine a light on the T in STEM, and to share relatable girls and women that teachers can use in the classroom, to inspire our learners.? My three top picks are below, who would you add?

Women as Creators and Inventors

Women creators and inventors have been instrumental in driving progress and innovation. From pioneering computer programming languages to leading ground-breaking research in artificial intelligence and robotics, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the digital world we inhabit today. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, women remain underrepresented in many tech-related fields, facing barriers to entry and advancement.

Build your awareness

As a quick activity, each time you see an article, advert, display board, product etc; place a “gender lense” over it and ask yourself – id there representation here?? If not obvious, then dig a bit, are there hidden voices and achievements, that should be shared??

This does a few things, improves your own knowledge and insights, along with amplifying the voice(s) of under represented groups.? You will be playing your part in actionable activity.

What is Inclusion about?

Inclusion is about creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives fully. In education, inclusive practices ensure that all students have equitable access to learning opportunities and support systems tailored to their needs. In technology, inclusion fosters diverse teams that leverage a wide range of experiences and insights to develop solutions that benefit society as a whole.

?Create lasting impact

Together we can create lasting impact and make a difference. Let us commitment to fostering inclusion in education and technology. Let us recognise and amplify the voices of women who continue to drive change and break barriers. And let us work together to build a more inclusive world where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. #InspireInclusion

Do you wish to work with me?? Please reach out today.

Also take a look at previous articles that I have written for #IWD