1,000 young women are set to be inspired by technology role models in an event organised by WOW Talks.
With the support of Accenture and in partnership with Next Tech Girls the WOW Talks//Women in Tech will take place on 20 September at the Royal Geographical Society.
Women working within the tech sector will offer tips, advice and their own experiences of the industry, in addition to afternoon sessions tailored for secondary school students 14-16) and an evening event for university-aged students and young women already in the workforce (18-25).
Interactive workshops and the opportunity to demo new technologies will also be available.
Kim Arazi, CEO of WOW Talks, said: “We are excited to be hosting our very first Women in Tech event, which aims to change girls’ perceptions about science and technology being a male-dominated field, and demonstrate how tech can be used as a game-changing tool across all industries.
“We want them to see that there is a place for all kinds of interests, talents and skills in the world of technology.”
“We specifically chose this topic for our first flagship event as we feel very strongly about closing the gender gap in tech and think that one of the most effective ways to do this is by having inspiring women (in tech) share their personal stories…their WHY. We are also delighted to have Accenture on board as a Gold Sponsor, showing their commitment to diversity and women in tech.”
Arabel Bailey, Managing Director for Accenture Digital in the UK & Ireland, said: “It’s critical that girls and young women are encouraged and inspired about the vast array of exciting opportunities available to them through a career in technology. By addressing the gender imbalance in the tech industry, we can help to ensure that the UK has the right skills in place to drive economic success.”
Steve Brown, Director of Empiric and Founder of Next Tech Girls, said: “1.46 million people are employed within the technology sector in the UK, but only 17% of them are women. If we, as a profession, are to tackle current and future skills gaps created by the meteoritic rise of automation and digital communications, it is crucial that organisations work together to tap into female talent pools before they are tainted by negative and narrow connotations surrounding what a career in technology looks like.”
“Whether a student’s passion is law, art or fashion, digital will be integral to a career in their chosen discipline. Next Tech Girls is incredibly proud to be lead partner on this ground-breaking event. I have no doubt that the 1,000 young women who will attend on the day will leave inspired by the stories of the incredible role models who will be joining us.”
