Breaking stereotypes essential to inspire girls into tech

This morning on TVNZ’s Breakfast show, NZTech’s Andrea Hancox discussed busting tech stereotypes.   Watch the interview here.

Recently, the Ministry of Women released a guide Decoding Diversity targeted at attracting and retaining girls and women in tech education.   It includes useful tips on how to inspire females into tech and retain those already interested.  The guide is for secondary school teachers, university lecturers, code club volunteers, potential employers, career advisors, recruiters, students and parents.

“Feedback from a lot of young women I have spoken to, say there are often only a few other females in their tech class. They are often assigned the less technical tasks by their male students making them feel less valued. This must change. If tech is what young women want to study then go it. It will be a fantastic and highly-paid career.

“We need to look at parents, teachers, principals, career guidance counsellors and caregivers what advice are they giving young women today on their career choices when they leave school. What do they know about the technology sector and why it’s so important to encourage students to consider a career in tech,” says Andrea.

Andrea is passionate about attracting more Kiwi women into tech careers and appeals to all families, schools and organisations to encourage females into tech.

“Studies show more diverse organisations deliver better revenue and profitability, a clear sign tech is a great career for women.  Tech companies often don’t reflect the customers they are trying to sell to and therefore under-represent their reach and capabilities.

“The business case for greater gender balance is strong. Tech firms that have equal number of women and men are up to 40 percent more profitable. Women make up 51 percent of the population,” she says.

NZTech along with NZRise, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and Ministry for Women are about to release a campaign focused on encouraging women into tech careers.

Photo: NZTech government relations director, Andrea Hancox

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