Women in Tech. Don't pull up the ladder behind you.

I've recently been having some wonderful conversations with my female colleagues and friends about the hot topic of 'Women in Tech'. I have to admit, 7 years ago, mid way through a second degree in Directing and Scriptwriting, if you'd told me I was going to end up in the tech scene I would've balked. Tech?! For ME???

I've come to realise 2 things;

Firstly, tech is a medium not a sector, tech crosses every other existing sector. Tech is exploration, tech is a fast-paced, fun-loving culture, tech is exciting, creative and attracts people who think differently, people who are driven by risk and risk management, hard work and peace, dedication and freedom. A place where all women (and men) can find something that fits with their interests, skills and lifestyle, a place where women can thrive. But it's a hard place to settle too. A place that traditionally has been dominated by guys, lovely guys don't get me wrong (there aren't much nicer creatures than the men I meet in tech), yet still a.lot.of.guys.

Secondly, I've never come across ANY anti- 'women in tech' conversations. Ever.

Then what is the issue here? If men are keen to have more women in tech (which they are), and there are wonderful organisations encouraging women in startups and tech, like Geek Girl, Girls in Tech, Campus for Mums at Google's Campus London and Ladies who Code, why are we still not a 50/50 sector? 

Is it a confidence thing? Women feel they don't know what goes on in 'Tech', perhaps we assume it's 'not for us'? I know I did. Perhaps we need more eduction around the types of roles and skills required? I mean, for years coders and developers were in ridiculously high demand, now we're beginning to see a rise in the need for marketeers, a predominantly female job role...

Is it lack of support from other women in tech? There's a theory about there 'not being much room for women here' so those of us that are already here, pull up the ladder behind us? (Also a fab quote from Madeleine Albright "there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”). Do we? I think you'd have to be pretty mean spirited to do that to a fellow lady.

For me it's a very interesting topic, one I'd love to hear your thoughts on. How can we encourage more women into the tech scene?

Final note, I love the tech scene. I love the people in it. If I can help anyone out there understand what it's about, how it works, or what you can bring to the party, then I'm more than happy to help.

Here's my new project, Together, helping women feel empowered, healthy and confident, please do follow us @TogetherHer. And as a thank you for reading all the way to the bottom of my post, here's a discount code for you: 'Ladder50'

May you find great peace in small things x