How can we make the future of tech more equal?
Head of Social Media, Digital Services
Head of Social Media, Digital Services
Head of Social Media, Digital Services
I posted this picture on a social feed and got some great reaction with people saying this is great “buy her a computer” and others saying this is a sign that she will be into computers in her future, On the other hand, I thought how can we hold onto this feeling, this moment this belief that; “I can do anything I want”. As research shows, girls interest in and staying-power in technical subjects tends to trail away as they become teenagers.
Why is it that statistics reveal, girls across the world tend to outperform boys in reading and writing skills, however, something happens in their early teenage years and the ending result is that they continue to be under-represented amongst top performers in Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). And subsequently in the working world and by default in leadership positions in technology.
According to a report commissioned by Microsoft and highlighted by CNN, the exact age when girls drop their interest in Maths and Science subjects is 15 years of age.
Martin Bauer, psychology professor of the London School of Economics, who helped to co-ordinate this survey of 11,500 girls across 12 European countries – said he believed the reasons this happens are:
"Conformity to social expectations, gender stereotypes, gender roles and lack of role models continue to channel girls' career choices away from STEM fields."
A new world awaits – who will create it?
The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation—65 per cent of children entering primary school today will enter a new world of jobs that do not yet exist. We need to create excitement about the future and have open discussions about representation. What would it be like if we lost the diversity and inclusion angle in creating the next wave of robotics, our future workspace, our future environment?
Some questions we need to ask ourselves include: how can we as parents, mentors, tech employees collectively continue to ignite and fuel this fire in girls so that they will continue in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) subjects in school and university and later on take a leading role in the shape, form and direction of technological innovation.
Girls in ICT Day 2021
There are now international outreach and initiatives as part of Girls in ICT day – this April 22nd 2021. This year represents the 10th anniversary of Girls in ICT and to celebrate this event, we gathered some esteemed Ericsson leaders in technology to share what they have learned in their technology careers to date. We asked one of the industry stalwarts, Dr Sally Eaves to interview several experienced women in tech from Ericsson and ask them what would be their advice to girls considering a career in STEM ? How is it to navigate in a primarily male-dominated environment and what are the crucial career tips they would share?
Esra says: ‘Find a mentor’
Dr Sally Eaves first spoke with Esra Kocatürk-Norell, Head of Solution line UDM and Policy at Ericsson. Esra said that girls and females aspiring to technology leadership positions should be aware that their voice in decision making matters. She cautioned that “technology needs women – our differences are what will make an impact”. She also advised people early on in their career to find a mentor – male or female – who is willing to be their champion.
Eva: “Claim your space – be part of the innovation”
Eva Hedfors, Head of Marketing & Communications at Ericsson Digital Services said it’s especially ‘rewarding to choose a career in technology.” Eva, shared some of her wisdom learned over her 20+ career in industry, and also advised also to seek out a mentor. She was firm that women need to ‘claim more space’ and added that she personally will be more proactive in advocating for her female colleagues.
Monica: ‘Be generous - women need to acknowledge their female peers’
Monica Zethzon, is the head of Head of Solution Area Packet Core at Ericsson and said she believed that women leaders have ‘an obligation to make the achievements of their colleagues known’. She added that when she actively supports her colleagues, she herself receives a boost and encourages all female leaders to be ‘generous with sharing and acknowledging the great work of your peers.”
Change the script: what is a tech career?
Meanwhile we spoke with Sally Eaves after these videos, Sally is a powerful advocate for women in technology and Girls In ICT, and has also just started a new initiative called Tomorrow’s Tech Today #365 initiative aiming to reach the under-represented groups when it comes to tech careers. Here is what she had to say:
“According to the latest Tech Talent Charter research, in the last quarter of 2020 women made up just 19% of the UK IT industry – and this is a picture that is illustrative globally too. When we reflect on ‘the why’, for me two areas come to the fore. Firstly, the drop off in girls taking STEM subjects at GCSE and A-Levels or equivalent, and even when pursuing these subjects beyond this, not ultimately applying them in their ultimate careers. Secondly, it is about changing the narrative of what a tech career ‘looks like’ - the diversity of roles available beyond coding for example, the dynamism of the sector and what you can be part of building, and the holistic range of skills that make a difference.
Supporting this, visibility of role models is absolutely key alongside putting a spotlight on enhancing inclusion and diversity in the sector every single day. This was the catalyst for Tomorrow’s Tech Today’s #365 initiative, aiming to reach girls, young women and under represented groups more broadly when they’re making these life choices, sharing advice and experiences, inspiring curiosity and confidence, and moving beyond STEM to STEAM - because technologists and scientists are artists and creators too!”
Ericsson mentorship program for teen girls
Meanwhile, it’s important that corporates also advance opportunities and we are excited to announce a new partnership with Technovation, whereby 97 of our colleagues have signed up this year to mentor teenage girls around the globe to learn about entrepreneurship, technology and coding and inspire them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
This shows that there is a great momentum to lift each other up and really embrace mentorship so we can keep alive the fire of passion and sense of curiosity in the teenage years.
Learn more about this initiative here: Technovation Girls contest