Industry Blog: Gender Exclusivity? Or is it actually Gender Equality?

clock • 3 min read
Industry Blog: Gender Exclusivity? Or is it actually Gender Equality?

Lizee Butler, Lead HR Business Partner – Group Sales, Computacenter

I sit writing this on 19 November.  Perhaps not a date that immediately jumps out to you but it is, in fact, International Men's Day.  I'm not sure how you feel when you hear, or are told, that there is an ‘International Men's Day'.  Let me tell you, I certainly had a few differing thoughts go through my mind when I first heard about it and I've also listened to many views from others. 

But let me tell you why this day exists. It is to amplify the positive influence that the men in our lives have on us, to highlight role models and to put the focus on men's health and wellbeing.  As a daughter who names her Dad as her biggest role model, I know first-hand the positive impact a man can have and, when I look at some of the statistics around men's mental health and suicide rates, it is all too clear why a day that puts a focus on these topics is as relevant now as it has ever been.

And when it comes to inclusion and creating a culture where everybody can thrive, I am always so passionate about highlighting role models. 

‘You can't be what you can't see' is one of the quotes that I forever find myself using in my role and I am always looking for ways to highlight and promote role models across my life, organisation and industry in general.  So, a day, for men, that highlights positive role models amongst men and puts a much-needed focus on health and wellbeing, well, I don't have much to argue with about that!

But why am I talking about this now?  Well, Computacenter are proud sponsors of the Women in Tech Festival again for 2021.  ‘Women only' events in industry can get similar reactions to that of International Men's Day.  So, let's take a look again at just a couple of reasons why events like this exist:

  • Women are still significantly underrepresented in the Tech Industry.  An event focussed on creating a safe space where shared challenges can be discussed openly is a great way to build confidence, and networks, among attendees.
  • These events highlight role models in the industry and therefore, women in tech can see somebody, who looks like them, in a position they aspire to.

International Men's Day and Women in Industry events don't seek to exclude an audience.  At their very heart, they seek to create positive change.  Gender equality is so often focussed on equality for women (and, as a woman in business, believe me, I understand why!) but equality has to be just that; equality for all.  We need to challenge, and ultimately remove, gender stereotypes for men and women alike.  And we shouldn't feel worried about the existence of these types of days or events.  We should seek to educate ourselves around why they exist today and move ourselves from misunderstanding or wariness to a place of support and coalition.  Because, if we educate ourselves on challenges that people different to us are facing then maybe we can create a mutual circle of support and change.  And then, maybe, just maybe, in time we won't need these events anyway…

Sign up to our newsletter

The best news, stories, features and photos from the day in one perfectly formed email.

More on People

Channel veteran Smee pops up as CEO of cloud analysis vendor

Channel veteran Smee pops up as CEO of cloud analysis vendor

Grahame Smee, best known for his serial M&A success in the security distribution space, is looking to work with channel partners after taking the reins at Opexx Ltd

Sara Yirrell
clock 11 January 2024 • 2 min read
Former UKFast founder and CEO found guilty of rape in Manchester court

Former UKFast founder and CEO found guilty of rape in Manchester court

Following allegations of raping two women, Lawrence Jones was found guilty in court today

Andrea Gaini
clock 23 November 2023 • 1 min read
Women in Tech Festival: Keynote speaker, Rupal Patel, on addressing the visibility gap

Women in Tech Festival: Keynote speaker, Rupal Patel, on addressing the visibility gap

For ex-intelligence analyst, Rupal Patel, the visibility gap for women in tech is as much a systemic issue as it is an individual one

CRN
clock 19 September 2023 • 3 min read

Highlights

Staff & Salaries 2022

Staff & Salaries 2022

A snapshot of pay and headcount trends in the UK channel

Doug Woodburn
clock 09 March 2022 • 1 min read
Midwich CEO on Nimans acquisition, 2021 results and return to pre-pandemic levels

Midwich CEO on Nimans acquisition, 2021 results and return to pre-pandemic levels

Stephen Fenby talks to CRN after Midwich’s 2021 results in which profitability exceeded pre-pandemic levels

Josh Budd
clock 08 March 2022 • 3 min read
4 more vendors suspend sales in Russia following Ukraine invasion

4 more vendors suspend sales in Russia following Ukraine invasion

IBM and Microsoft are among a number of vendors which have also announced that they will halt sales in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

clock 08 March 2022 • 3 min read