As technology fuels evolution and expansion of businesses, having a diverse workforce has never been more important to stay competitive in today’s digital world and, more importantly, in the future.
However, women are significantly under-represented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In fact, according to recent reports, women only account for 27 percent of STEM professionals.
In a global effort to encourage and empower young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, Cisco is supporting Girls in ICT Day through its Girls Power Tech initiative.
The event is a global initiative by Cisco focused on encouraging and mentoring young girls to pursue their passion for science and technology.
Yasmine Afifi, corporate counsel, Cisco Middle East, and Turkey, said, “Every year we dedicate one full day to host female students aged 13-18 from various schools and let them learn first-hand about career opportunities in information and communication technology (ICT) from Cisco representatives.
“This is not just a visit to our offices, but a chance to gain first-hand knowledge on the latest technologies and advice on how they can succeed in the future,” she added.
At this year’s event students from GEMS Modern Academy, Sunmarke School, Dubai International Academy and Collegiate American School took part in an interactive session with women leaders from Cisco.
Cisco executive shared inspirational talks and discussed their personal and professional experiences on how they succeeded in the still male dominated tech industry.
During the session, Rachel Postmore, sales manager, Cisco, said, “Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something. Go with what you’re passionate about and success will follow.”
Overcoming any self-doubts that hinder your journey to success can be done by changing your mindset, said Hana Ibrahim, marketing manager for MEA. “Sometimes we tend to have these voices telling us we can’t do something. Try to re-wire the way you think in a positive way and think that you can achieve your goals.”
Whether you are in the technology industry or any other sector, competition in the workplace is unavoidable. It has never been more important that men and women, across generations, to have a healthy and engaging work culture. But often, women struggle with feelings of intimidation in the work environment.
To this the panel highlighted that it is vital for young women to have the courage to grab the opportunities that they come across with. “As I said, it is important to find something you’re passionate about and put your best efforts to succeed in it,” said Postmore. “If you fail, don’t let it stop you. Try new things and in doing so you will grow.
“When you succeed, always be empathetic to those around you. Remember ‘it’s nice to be important but it is important to be nice’,” she added.
The event also saw the students take part in an innovation challenge where they presented their forward-thinking ideas on how technologies like AI and robotics can address global challenges.
GEMS Modern Academy emerged victorious in the challenge with its concept for a smartwatch that harnesses kinetic energy to help with women’s safety.
Projects from the other schools include AI solutions that can help solve global issues – Sumarke School; robot for providing education in less accessible areas – DIA; and a robot assistant that can help reduce stress – Collegiate American School.
