Gender Representation in Tech

Dominique Chainee Bell, Paid Social Specialist at Fluid Commerce, shares her insights on the challenges that women face working in the tech industry, the ways in which we can work on increasing representation, and how women in tech can develop their careers!

Dominique Chainee Bell, Paid Social Specialist at Fluid Commerce

The phrase "seeing is believing" has never been more relevant than to women embarking on a tech career. Whilst Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates have taken centre stage in terms of tech success, according to a recent survey, a shocking 78 per cent of students can’t even name a famous female in the industry.*

Advocate for Yourself

The psychological "glass ceiling" (self-doubt) affects everyone, but being in an industry in which you are outnumbered by the opposite gender is particularly tough. I was taught to believe that if you put your head down and work hard enough, you will reap the rewards in the end. However, I’ve learnt that in this industry, especially as a woman, you need to advocate for yourself.

Showcase Role Models

Female role models expand what is possible and can encourage even more women to be ambitious. It’s therefore vital that the successes of women in tech are celebrated and shouted about to inspire future generations. Seeing women breaking barriers, writing blogs and organising presentations will all encourage female colleagues to do the same.

Overturn Stereotypes

Overturning gender stereotypes is important. Misguided stereotypes may result in the technical abilities of women in the workplace being misjudged, and therefore women often unfairly feel pressure to prove themselves. Investing in your skills, focusing on your strengths and confidently contributing your ideas in meetings are just some of the little things that can ultimately make a big difference in transforming stereotypical attitudes. Although women shouldn’t have to do more to be valued, the more you do today to dispel misconceptions, the less the future women in tech will have to.

Develop a Growth Mindset

Overall, one thing that has hugely benefited my career progression has been to develop a ‘growth mindset”. As women working in the tech industry, it is in our own hands to consciously develop a ‘growth mindset’ where we keep our minds open to exploring possibilities we thought were beyond our reach. This means cultivating interest and learning fields that are not our core area of expertise. I was very surprised to see how many opportunities opened up when I took a cross-disciplinary road of blending core expertise with additional interests/skills.

Career Advice for Women in Tech

If you are keen to start a career in tech my top have three pieces of advice for women wanting to get stuck in:

Fluid Commerce 'Women of Ecommerce' Event

"Doing our bit to bring women together to network is also particularly important. Fluid Commerce is organising its first Women of Ecommerce event in Manchester this Spring, giving women the opportunity to meet, network and share experiences with one another."

If you are interested in coming along to the Fluid Commerce Women of Ecommerce networking event, register here.

Thank you Dominique!

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