By Miral Laurie, Information Security Consultant
Miral here, proudly embracing my journey as a woman in the tech and cybersecurity realms. I’ve never been one to conform to labels, yet they’ve followed me throughout my life. From being labelled as ‘Hyper’ or ‘the why kid’ in my youth to earning the affectionate label of ‘Mad Miral’ in the workplace, I’ve encountered a variety of descriptors. Surprisingly, I found solace in the latter label. It stemmed from my unique approach to operations and workload, which often diverged from the norm. Being the sole woman in a team of 30 men, my perspective was sometimes seen as unconventional, even ‘mad.’ But to me, it was simply a different lens through which to view challenges and opportunities.
Technology was always a part of my upbringing, thanks to early exposure to gadgets like the BBC Basic and the Commodore 64. My Uncles, champions of STEM fields, nurtured my interest in science and engineering. However, I soon discovered that my talents lay more in technology than in the realms of Maths and Chemistry, despite a brief foray into biomedical science.
Prioritising professional fulfilment and personal well-being
I was fortunate to have a family that defied conventions and encouraged my career aspirations. My late father, in particular, foresaw the challenges I might face as a woman in a male-dominated industry. His advice – choose a job with a good work-life balance – proved invaluable, setting me on a path that prioritised both professional fulfilment and personal well-being.
Carve your own path
But it wasn’t until I entered the professional arena that I began to notice disparities in treatment. Raised in a culture where traditional gender roles were the norm, my father was a beacon of change. He instilled in me and my sisters the belief that we were just as capable as any son. Despite societal expectations, he encouraged us to pursue our passions and carve our own paths, regardless of gender norms.
Continue to challenge gender bias
In today’s digital age, technology has become the heartbeat of our society. While the industry has made significant strides, the statistics show that women are still striving to break through the glass ceiling. Personally, I find the term ‘glass ceiling’ annoying, as it implies an artificial barrier that shouldn’t exist. In an ideal world, roles would be assigned based solely on merit and our brains, without the need for gender-based marketing or preconceived notions. If your skills align with the job requirements, you should be given the opportunity to excel and contribute your unique perspective to the table. However, the reality of our world is far from ideal, and we must continue to challenge gender biases and advocate for equal opportunities in the tech industry.
Distinct bias
Much to my delight, my niece, now 18, has developed a strong interest in robotics, sparking her passion for STEM subjects. It has been both fascinating and rewarding to witness her growth. At just 12 years old, she was selected to address thousands of attendees at a conference, where she eloquently discussed how the CAD package she utilised aided in the development of her robots. This moment was a testament to the pioneering spirit of young girls in STEM.
Recently, she was invited to serve as a referee at the VEX Robotics competition. When I asked her about her experience as a young woman in this role, her response was disheartening. Despite her extensive experience, numerous robotics competition victories, and undeniable competence in a predominantly male-dominated field, she noticed a distinct bias. People tended to gravitate towards the male head referee, undermining her expertise solely based on her gender. This revelation disappointed me. It highlighted the persistent perception that women are somehow inferior—less experienced, less capable, simply ‘less’ than their male counterparts.
Urgent need to amplify voices
The reality is that women remain a minority in tech jobs, especially in fields like coding, engineering, and cybersecurity. While the industry grapples with this imbalance, there is a growing recognition of the urgent need to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.
‘Breaking the Glass Ceiling‘ for Women in Tech isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a call to action for better business practices. True innovation thrives on diversity, and at its core, the tech industry is all about innovation and global problem-solving. Women aren’t just welcome in tech; they are indispensable to its advancement.
So, it’s imperative to address some crucial questions: Why does this disparity persist? What are the underlying reasons for the gender gap in STEM fields? What challenges do women face, and how can we overcome them to achieve true equality within STEM and, specifically, the technology industry? These are the discussions that need to take place if we are to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Let's unite in our commitment to gender equality
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s unite in our commitment to gender equality in tech. By amplifying women’s voices and embracing diversity, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Together, let’s break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and reshape the future of tech for the better.
