TLDR: South East Technological University (SETU) is set to host its sixth annual Women in Technology event, aiming to inspire young female students to explore careers in tech. With participation from industry leaders and local companies, the initiative seeks to challenge outdated perceptions surrounding the field.
In an industry often stereotyped as male-dominated, the Women in Technology event at South East Technological University (SETU) promises to be a beacon of inspiration for young women considering a future in technology. Taking place today at the SETU Arena in Waterford, this initiative aims to inform and motivate second and third-level female students from counties like Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford.
Last year’s event saw over 1,000 enthusiastic attendees, and this year, participants will benefit from insights shared by distinguished keynote speakers, including two-time Irish Olympian and software developer at Sun Life, Phil Healy, alongside Likhitha Gaddi, a software engineer at Google. The event isn’t just about grand speeches; it’s also about fostering real connections. Exhibition stands featuring some of the south east region’s prominent tech companies will allow students to engage directly with professionals in technology, engineering, ICT, and software development sectors.
Amanda Freeman-Gater, Assistant Head of the Computing and Mathematics Department at SETU, underlined the necessity of encouraging more women in tech for the industry’s future. “The technology industry needs more women studying the wide range of technological programmes available, including those at SETU,” she stated. Her comments echo a growing sentiment in the tech community: a balanced workforce is not just desirable but essential. After all, as she aptly puts it, “Women make up half the world’s population, so it is only logical they should make up half the workforce in technology.”
Now, let’s get real for a moment. With the tech talent shortage we’re facing, one has to wonder why it’s taken so long for initiatives like this to gain traction. Sure, we have Ada Lovelace as a historical figure, but we shouldn’t be stuck in a nostalgic loop. We need more than just a few events to change a perception; we need systemic growth in educational choices and workplace culture. The tech industry is buzzing with opportunities—so why are we still grappling with stereotypes that make it seem like a man’s game?
One doesn’t need to be a tech guru to see the potential benefits of greater diversity in the sector. A balanced approach could lead to better products, innovative solutions, and a more inclusive work environment that doesn’t just cater to one demographic.
Interestingly enough, studies have shown that companies with more diverse teams actually yield higher profits. If that’s not a compelling reason for tech firms to back vocational events like SETU’s Women in Technology, then what is? It’s time for industry leaders to back up their claims with action—not just flashy marketing campaigns or buzzword-laden policies.
In related news, did you know that women accounted for only around 29% of the tech workforce in 2022? It seems we still have quite a journey ahead. But with initiatives like SETU’s event, there’s a flicker of hope on the horizon. Let’s keep that fire burning.
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