Nominet Women of Silicon Roundabout 2024: The importance of diverse perspectives in tech

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The digital world is changing at lightning speed, as new technologies and tools continue to emerge. This presents a unique opportunity for technologists to play a leading role in shaping the digital revolution. But diversity of thought and perspectives is essential when creating technology and products that need to serve a wide range of users.

This is one thread that carried throughout the sessions we attended at the recent Women of Silicon Roundabout event at Excel, London. As an industry, there’s a responsibility to ensure the technology we create is inclusive and considers the needs of all potential users, not just a narrow segment of the population. The only way we can do that is to ensure all voices are heard and included in the process.

While the overall percentage of women in technology has improved, speakers during the day-long event recognised progress has significantly slowed. The cost of living (and its impact on accessing education), lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and geo-political issues have worsened social mobility and made it harder for women to get a seat at the table. Addressing this gap is crucial for creating a more inclusive and representative industry, which – in turn – creates equally inclusive services and technology.

Here’s the advice that really stood out at the event:

• Proactively communicate your achievements and abilities. Don’t wait for others to recognise them – take the initiative to share your accomplishments, skills, and future potential.

• Create a strong network of allies and sponsors within your organisation. These are people who can advocate for you and your skills when you’re not in the room.

• Set boundaries and advocate for your own needs. Be upfront and open about issues you are facing so that your allies can better support you.

• Expand your network beyond your immediate work circle. Attend industry events, conferences, or join professional associations to connect with a broader community.

• Be selective in who you consider part of your support network. Look for people who demonstrate empathy, integrity, and a genuine interest in your success, not just those who may be able to benefit from it.

• Regularly review your performance and career goals with your manager. Ensure they understand your aspirations and work with you to develop a plan to achieve them.

What also jumped out is how much more employers can do to make sure their hiring processes, and culture, are equitable. And, most importantly, foster a space where people feel confident and supported to do the best in their role:

• Avoid gendered language and unnecessary requirements. At Nominet, we review the job description to remove any words or phrases that may unintentionally signal a preference for a certain gender.

• Focus on required skills and experience, not just educational credentials. Many qualified candidates may not have a traditional degree. It’s important to emphasise the competencies needed for the role.

• Expand recruitment channels beyond the usual sources. Post openings on job boards, social media, and with organisations that serve underrepresented groups.

• Provide training on inclusive meeting practices: such as making reasonable adjustments for candidates and employees, making space for diverse perspectives, and recognising unconscious biases.

• Foster a culture where employees feel safe to share different opinions without fear.

We work hard to make Nominet a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. And we’re proud to fund programmes that tackle social mobility and give people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn digital skills.

We’re committed to promoting equity, dismantling barriers, and creating opportunities that enables individuals from all backgrounds to thrive and contribute their unique talents.

Check out our careers page if you want to find out more about life at Nominet, and join the team.

By Cheryl Gill, Head of Talent, Nominet

The post Women of Silicon Roundabout 2024: The importance of diverse perspectives in tech appeared first on Nominet.

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