Building a growth culture for International Women

The technology industry has long been known for lacking diversity and inclusion, with women in tech facing some of the biggest challenges. Despite progress made in recent years, women remain underrepresented in technology-related jobs, particularly in the telecommunications industry. The issue of gender bias and lack of diversity is not unique to the telecommunications sector, but the numbers paint a stark picture. We've come a long way, with 46.9% of the global workforce being women, but one of the industries still lagging behind is the tech industry.

Did you know that globally less than 40% of those who work in telecommunications are women? Only one telco board had more than 40% female directors in 2021. And this was Vodafone's board.

 One of the biggest challenges facing women in tech is the unconscious bias that exists in the tech industry and many others. This bias can manifest itself in many ways, from assumptions about women's technical abilities to being overlooked for promotions or opportunities for collaboration. In addition to unconscious bias, women in tech often face discrimination and harassment in the workplace, leading to lower pay, slower career progression, and a lack of opportunities for advancement. 

A lack of role models and mentors who understand women's experiences in tech can also be a significant barrier. Women in the industry often struggle to find peers who can relate to their experiences and provide support and guidance. This lack of representation can make it challenging for women to see a clear path to career success, further exacerbating the gender gap in technology.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to promote diversity and inclusion in the technology industry. Organizations like Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (_VOIS) already take proactive steps to address the gender imbalance in the industry.

_VOIS is a global technology organization with 27,000 employees across Albania, Egypt, Hungary, India, Romania, and the UK, which pushes the boundary of innovation and women in leadership. As I review resources about the _VOIS working family, I note that the team recognizes the unique challenges faced by women in tech and implements policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and create supportive and inclusive workplaces. This can include promoting women in leadership positions, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating training programs that address unconscious bias and promote diversity.

And I hear this often! It is ultimately up to all of us to work together to create a more diverse and inclusive technology industry. By recognizing the challenges women face in tech, promoting inclusivity, providing education and training, and creating supportive and inclusive workplaces, we can all create a more equal and fair industry where everyone can succeed.

And we all know that the telecommunications industry, including market shakers like _VOIS, can play a crucial role in this effort by leading the way in promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.

Where is Tech Going, and why is it relevant for women seeking engaging professional opportunities?

 So, let's just be honest!

The world is experiencing a game-changing transformation driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing (cloud), and cybersecurity. As the tech industry continues to expand, it presents many opportunities for professionals seeking to access engaging and rewarding careers. This is particularly relevant for women, as the industry has historically been male-dominated. The growing need for skilled professionals in these fields offers an opportunity to close the gender gap and empower women to contribute to and lead in the development of innovative solutions.

I was talking to an executive from a well-known recruitment firm recently. He told me that the problem does not always relate to talent access, but it relates to accessing talent with suitable languages or industry expertise.

AI is revolutionizing how we live and work, from automating mundane tasks to enabling the development of advanced applications across a multitude of sectors. AI's potential to drive economic growth and enhance decision-making processes makes it a critical area for women to explore. Indeed, by pursuing careers in AI, women can help shape the ethical use of these technologies and ensure that they are designed to be more inclusive and beneficial to diverse populations. Scientific research shows that women in leadership positions are more likely to follow the rules, apply sustainable principles, and deliver on ethical demands. Furthermore, women's perspectives and unique problem-solving approaches can contribute to developing innovative AI solutions that address pressing global challenges for underserved niches that are not focused on one gender. 

Cloud has become a fundamental component of modern IT infrastructure, enabling organizations to store, manage, and process data on remote servers rather than local hardware. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based solutions, there is a growing demand for professionals with cloud architecture, implementation, and security expertise. Women seeking engaging professional opportunities can find rewarding careers in cloud-related roles by helping organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and maintain secure and efficient digital infrastructures. Project managing their family and problem-solving some of the most complex issues in rocket time. By joining _VOIS’ cloud and infrastructure teams, women can work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the ongoing digital transformation of industries worldwide.

 In today's interconnected world, with the rise of digital technology, securing sensitive data and protecting against cyber-attacks have become top priorities for businesses, governments, and individuals. Women who choose to enter the cybersecurity field can make a significant impact by helping to develop robust security solutions, policies, and practices that safeguard vital information and maintain trust in our currently evolving digital ecosystem.

 Another point I discovered from my recent discussions with Vodafone Intelligent Solutions’ team is that _VOIS can provide women with excellent opportunities for professional development, including training programs, mentorship programs, and workshops in areas that matter. These programs can help women develop new skills, gain knowledge in areas they are interested in, and receive valuable guidance from more experienced professionals. Further, _VOIS operates in diverse cultural and geographical environments as part of the Vodafone Group. Working with people from different backgrounds and cultures helps women gain new perspectives, broaden their horizons, and develop a more global outlook.

 _VOIS' Women in Tech Growth Framework

So, YES, _VOIS is investing in #WomeninTech.

 AND as part of this program, _VOIS developed a very cool set of steps which I called “I-MIT” a framework that ensures women are welcomed within the group.

_VOIS’ I-MIT framework recognizes the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace and provides a comprehensive approach to promoting diversity and inclusion at _VOIS. By utilizing this framework, _VOIS creates a more inclusive and supportive workplace that values and encourages the contributions of all employees, regardless of gender.

Here are the critical steps within the framework.

1. INSPIRE: _VOIS understands the importance of role models in the workplace. By showcasing successful women in leadership positions, such as Dr. Sujata Dutta and Heba El-Farnawani, _VOIS aims to inspire and motivate women to pursue career goals and choices to achieve personal growth. Further, as a technology-driven company that is always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems, _VOIS appreciates that women who join the company want the opportunity to work on exciting projects, develop new solutions, and contribute to the company's innovation culture. What can you do, what can you contribute, shares Sara Heuer, to build your future career and make a difference?
2. MENTOR: _VOIS has a program in place that focuses on mentorship and sponsorship. Mentors can provide women guidance, support, and advice, while sponsors can advocate for their advancement within the company. _VOIS actively promotes women in leadership positions, as highlighted by Ildikó Sebestyén-Krizbai. Women who join the company may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, which can be an excellent source of personal growth and development.
3. INCLUDE: It is also refreshing to see the importance _VOIS puts on internal inclusion policies to build Skills for Life. As the team operates from international locations _VOIS promotes remote and hybrid working, which allows employees to work remotely, and for women to be part of initiatives that aim to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace to get things done. Indeed, _VOIS recognizes the importance of work-life balance and provides flexible work arrangements. This can be particularly beneficial for women with additional responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly parents.
4. TRAIN: _VOIS emphasizes the need for education and training programs. These include workshops on unconscious bias and gender bias to drive awareness in the office. These workshops also include discussions on diversity, inclusion, and technical training programs that help women develop new skills and advance their careers while helping them succeed in the industry.

Remember that _VOIS powers the Vodafone Group. _VOIS’ approach is to continuously cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusion where every team member belongs and thrives. The biggest sources of personal growth for women considering joining companies like _VOIS include professional development opportunities, exposure to different cultures and perspectives, leadership opportunities, opportunities for innovation, and a healthy work-life balance.

 These benefits can help women build fulfilling and rewarding careers while also achieving personal growth and development.

 So, ladies, why not consider _VOIS as you look for your next career opportunity? It has been recognized as a great place to work.

“Remember, one of the choices we have as women is to support other women with their career choices!”