Authored By: Racheal Hehir
Marketing Executive
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women’s Impact in Technology
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a momentous occasion that honours the achievements and addresses the challenges faced by women across various sectors, particularly in the technology industry. Despite making significant strides, women remain notably underrepresented in tech, emphasising the necessity for sustained advocacy and action to foster gender equality.
The Current Landscape for Women in Tech
The technology sector has evolved dramatically over the decades, but the representation of women in this field has not seen proportional growth. Globally, women hold around 32% of tech roles, a slight decrease from 35% in 1984. The challenges extend into leadership positions, where women’s representation peaked at 14% in 2022. These figures spotlight the ongoing struggle for gender parity in tech, despite the essential roles women play in fostering innovation and driving progress.
At mhance, we take pride in our efforts to buck this trend, with 34% of our workforce being women, and 28% occupying managerial positions. These statistics not only surpass the industry average but also underscore our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Insights from Helen McManus: A Veteran’s Perspective on Women in Tech
Helen McManus, our longest-serving female employee and an ERP support manager, shares her enriching journey of 30 years in the tech industry. Beginning her career as an apprentice in an era dominated by “dumb terminals,” Helen witnessed firsthand the technological evolution and the shifting landscape for women in tech.
Throughout her career, Helen encountered challenges and embraced unique opportunities, transitioning from a consultant role to spearhead the support department. Helen stated that ‘As the Support department increased in size, I was an integral part of this growth, as I managed the team. At one time we had total 8 members, of which 5 were female.’ Her journey underscores the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and a passion for technology & diversity.
Celebrating personal milestones alongside professional achievements, Helen highlights her experience as a mother and a tech professional, emphasising the balance she achieved and the growth she experienced. Her story is a testament to the resilience and dedication of women in tech, serving as an inspiration for many.
Envisioning the Future: Championing Diversity and Inclusion
As we observe International Women’s Day, Helen’s vision for fostering diversity and supporting women in tech aligns with this year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion.” She advocates for a collaborative environment where women support each other, recognising and nurturing each individual’s talents and contributions. As Helen says ‘I think all women should support each other in the workplace. We all have value, and that value should be based on our skill set. Currently, I am supporting my female team members, with developing L&D plans to enhance & evolve those skills and the intention is to retain & nurture their talents.’
At mhance, we are committed to continuing our efforts to champion diversity and inclusion, understanding that our collective success is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of every team member. By investing in learning and development initiatives, we aim to retain and nurture talent, ensuring that women in our organisation have every opportunity to excel and lead.
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognise the indispensable contributions of women in the tech industry and reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality. By acknowledging the challenges, celebrating the achievements, and working tirelessly towards a more inclusive future, we can inspire the next generation of women in tech to achieve even greater heights. Let’s continue to champion the cause of women in tech, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.
