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Joanna Shields’ appointment to head up Tech City is great news. Tech City, the ‘Silicon Roundabout’ is Britain’s attempt to rival the US and its Silicon Valley: a crucial and high profile initiative. Taking the lead in this shows just how highly regarded Joanna is. As the former European head of Facebook, Joanna is a fabulous female role model in technology - Media Guardian has even named her as the sixth most influential person in global media.
It’s so important for women to see their peers in senior positions – throughout all industries - not just tech. Recent research of over 1000 women undertaken by Marie Claire, in partnership with everywoman, shows that 70% said that there “were few” or “no women” actually occupying these senior positions where they worked.
Within technology this certainly holds true; women leading the way such as Joanna are vital and unfortunately in short supply. A report by the Institution for Engineering and Technology, warns just 6% of jobs in science and engineering are taken up by women. A depressing statistic, but I think what’s important is that there really does seem to be a focus right now on righting this imbalance. What’s interesting is that, while women like Joanna are undoubtedly role models at the top of their game, role models come at every stage. Take Steph Nicolaou, Business Analyst for TNS Global, winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award in the 2011 everywoman in Technology Awards. Steph shows that age doesn’t need to be a barrier and that success at a young age can also be achieved with hard work and determination.
Who are the stars of tomorrow that you know working in technology? Do you know, or are you, a fantastic innovator? Or perhaps you are flying the flag for women in IT by leading a team to success? You might be the next Rising Star of the Year…
Whatever the role we have categories to showcase a whole range of talents and experience. So go on – take the first step into becoming a role model for other women and nominate today. As Maxine Benson MBE and co-founder of everywoman says "I'm passionate about role models: they don't realise the long shadow they cast". I couldn’t agree more – and we need more of them!
You can nominate yourself; a colleague or friend at www.everywoman.com/techawards. Nominations close Monday 19 November 2012.
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