In times past there have been various discussions on the non-availability of a lot of women in the tech industries. Companies around the world have tried encouraging women to participate more by giving out scholarships for women into technology institutes to learn the things they need to know to advance in this particular area. Various programmes and events have been organised in this regard but too often, not many women turn up at these events.
Despite all the awareness and events, there seem to be fewer women showing interest in anything techy. A good example of my point is IDEA Hub: While there are over 70 men working there, there are less than 20 women there, and even fewer of us really relate with each other. Of course I am as guilty as every one of these women but how can we women do things differently hereby encouraging others develop a new kind of interest for technology?
1. Build friendships: There is this “thing,”
that women hardly work together successfully without a fight during and after. I myself have found instances where I would rather relate in the office with the guys than with any of the girls. Guys tend to say what they really feel about you and your work than the ladies. I think this is something that needs to change, ladies have to relate with each other more in the office and build friendship like never before rather than act like we’ve got something stuck up our butt when we are around each other.
2. Build a support system: Rather than letting jealousy and bitterness take a stronghold of us, we should build a working support system for each other. It will definitely be a breath of fresh air knowing that every time I encounter a bump in my job; I have my techy female friends to discuss it with and get sound advice in return. Believe me this is very important, I bet you’ll understand better if you have had to discuss your techy problems with your friends who have no idea how to successfully power up their computers.
3. Ask for help: I think women are either built or self-developed in a way to just want to fix everything by themselves. Asking for help is never a weakness but rather a sign of strength. This is one of the things I admire about my male friends, as soon as they experience a certain issue either in coding, or just getting into a site, they Skype other friends and ask for help and in few minutes have their issue resolved. I believe it will be more comfortable asking your female friends for help and not having to bug the guys every step of the way.
4. Share ideas with each other: Women seriously need to stop hoarding information like their lives depended on it. We know you do not want to share the name of your favourite weave with anyone and you have instructed the lady that supplies your jewelries in the office to never sell them to the other girls in the office because you don’t want to have to see everyone else wearing them. But please leave this mindset in your fashion league. If your happen to find important information that you know will help the other women perform better and efficiently at work,
share it!
5. Stop digging graves: In offices I’ve seen women develop hatred for other women without any reason whatsoever. I’ve been at the receiving end of this in a couple of places I’ve worked and would wonder “what did I do” but often I hear things like “Sincerely she hasn’t offended me, I just don’t like her” … like seriously? And a lot of women are often so quick to put each other down even in front of their bosses. We need to grow up and support each other, if someone does an outstanding work, commend them sincerely and ask how they were able to do it. You will be surprised how much you would learn and also end up developing a one-of-a-kind relationship with them.
6. Respect other people’s work and creation: It seems so easy for us women to find fault and put each other down. Rather than complaining and murmuring about ourselves, when someone in the tech industry does something outstanding, show your respect for the work done because you understand better what it took to put that thing in place. When someone starts up a new business, don’t be quick to name one million reasons why it will fail; support them, talk to them to get better knowledge on what the business is all about and refer others to them if you can.
7. Do things differently: After all is said and done, let us all work together, have each other’s back and teach those in other industries how they should treat others by living by example.
About the Writer: Eniola Adeniji is a woman after God’s own heart, a motivational Writer, Speaker, Fashion and Photography addict. She is also a Business Developer, Social Media Manager and the founder of Woman Of Value. She blogs at ennmae.wordpress.com
