'Gender diversity in technology is a no-brainer'

Di Boyer, who received special recognition at CRN's inaugural Women in Channel Awards, outlines her changing outlook since last year's ceremony

In October 2018, I was recognised with a highly commended in the Unsung Hero category at the CRN Women in Channel Awards. These awards acknowledge the efforts of female role models in our industry, and how they inspire the next generation to do even better.

As well as feeling incredibly honoured and humbled, it also came as a huge surprise. Not least because I'd never really thought about gender equality specifically, and certainly didn't see myself as explicitly championing it. At least not consciously.

However, in the five months since, I've had an opportunity to let it all sink in and think more deeply about these issues and the role women are playing in the technology sector today. In such a male-dominated sector with such broad stereotypes, it's heartwarming to know there are so many wonderful women out there doing their bit. But there's still a long way to go.

Discrepancy dilemma

Globally, there remains an IT skills crisis. But despite being half of the global population, women make up only a quarter of the global IT workforce. This simply doesn't add up. Creating greater gender diversity in technology is a no-brainer. We know organisations desperately need access to the best talent, so why limit the talent pool?

This situation has in part been self-perpetuating. Because technology careers may be perceived as male-dominated, women may have been dissuaded from pursuing opportunities, or even training for them in the first place. We have a responsibility to change this perception by educating everyone from day one. This means breaking down assumptions.

For example, technology companies often argue that diversity is hard to achieve because of this absent talent pipeline. However, senior management teams in any industry typically hail from a range of professional backgrounds, such as finance, HR, legal, marketing, and so on, rather than solely from the sector in which the organisation operates. Therefore there is no reason why the management career path for technology should be any different.

What's more, demand for talent won't diminish any time soon. As technology becomes ever more prevalent and widespread, the sector will in turn need greater numbers of capable workers. By engaging young women early, we can forge these careers and help them lead us into the next generation.

It's already happening in plenty of places, with excellent results. Trend Micro and AWS, for example, recently launched 'Close the Gap', a collaborative initiative to connect women and gender-diverse talent to relevant networking and career development opportunities, training, investment, and programmes that will lead them into fulfilling cybersecurity careers.

Indeed, 2018 may well have been the year that women started getting ahead in tech. There was certainly a clear mantra emerging, a movement that brought women together in numbers to focus on real change. And in 2019, I'd like to think we can aspire to more of the same. Forbes has commented on five key tech trends that will be driven by women in the coming months: political engagement, democratisation of access, enterprise interoperability, safety and security considerations, and international customisation. This demonstrates that more women are taking their seats at the top table both strategically and managerially.

Diversity makes the difference

These are just a few of the great things I've noticed going on in recent months. And although I never naturally saw myself as an agent for gender equality, it has certainly influenced the way I go about my work here at IPNetix. As I prepare our current employees and aspiring apprentices for life in a fast-moving, constantly evolving technology world, I want to ensure every one of them has the same opportunity to make the most of their unique skills and specialisms, regardless of gender.

Diversity and inclusivity is better for all of us; I'm excited about what it will do for our business, our customers and the sector at large.

Di Boyer is company secretary at IP Netix