A critical first step is for companies to understand that an “off-the-shelf” approach will not suffice. While women may share some common experiences related to being underrepresented, marginalized and underpaid in tech, women are not all the sameFor example, women who are new parents or have recently miscarried or who’ve lost a child or have chosen to never have children will all require different support.
Gender identity is just one aspect of a woman’s identity; women are also affected by their socioeconomic status, socialized race and skin colour, sexual orientation, age, body shape, body size and proficiency in English to name a few. Companies must be thoughtful about how organizational practices affect a diversity of women – those of all experiences and identities – not just women who are most visible in their companies. When companies seek to understand the needs of those on the margins and design solutions accordingly, they begin to build cultures that are more equitable and more inclusive.
globebusiness