There is a shortage of #womenintech and as my career has evolved I’m starting to get a real sense of why that’s the case.
In an industry that is predominantly male dominated, women are grossly under represented or supported in the workplace. I think this is just the beginning of the real issues.
I feel through maturity into my adulthood I have come to understand myself more and what it is I need from an employer. These needs are not ground breaking or earth shattering.
It really is just to be heard at the end of the day.
As a UX/UI Designer, I am trained to view the world differently. Question things, small or big, not ALL the time… but when necessary. I do this & I always have. That’s what designers do!
Unfortunately most workplaces are structured in a way that workers don’t have a fair chance to voice concerns. And to women this is particularly alarming. We are already on the back foot. Why make it harder for us to express legitimate concerns in what women feel would be a safe work culture to do so.
I have expressed myself in workplaces and in almost all cases they were not seen as part of morale.
I am not a robot.
I am not a rude person.
I am assertive.
I am confident.
I know arguing leads to no resolution.
I am a human with ideas, thoughts and feelings too.
Sticking up for colleagues where necessary is something I do. I will never throw someone “under a bus”. That’s not who I am.
So if I feel that is happening from a manager, boss or anyone else, I will call it out and I’m not afraid to do so. I feel a #fairdinkum work culture is one of transparency, honesty and integrity. Without these fundamentals, getting women in tech will struggle to grow.
And for those that don’t know the meaning of fair dinkum, it’s an Australian slang term which means unquestionably good or genuine. It’s a term used as a general expression of approval.