When I applied for a job in the technology sector I was made aware of the huge gender gap and potential difficulties I could face by a number of friends. People told me I’d be having conversation after conversation with men be surrounded by male colleagues and most likely be looked over for the duration of my professional life for being a woman. They told me that tech was simply not for me.
In some cases, they are right, and there is still a lot of this practice in the world. But in my case, I am so pleased to have found my place in a company that is actively changing the trajectory of women working in technology.
Hannah Fuller, our Director of Commercial Relationships, has been instrumental in setting up Women in Parking, a group that is run as part of the BPA to champion women in parking. This group has worked as a hub to support women working in the sector both by attracting them and retaining them.
Hannah told me “We have made so many strides within the sector to improve the gender balance, however, we still see lower numbers of women in management positions and we need to keep working to support women in breaking this barrier, it’s why I like the theme this year of inspiring inclusion for International Women’s day.
It can be interpreted and applied in so many ways to inspire us to think about our female colleagues and how we can include them in situations in which they will thrive, be successful and be a valuable asset. I love that Unity5 promotes this every day and not just on International Women’s Day and continues to support, promote and retain fantastic talent to ensure that we work in an inclusive environment.”
Another woman who has forged a career in the industry is Sonia Welch, a Senior Account Manager for Zatpark. She said: “Having worked in the parking industry for over 6 years I have met some inspirational women who have progressed their way in a male dominant environment and have witnessed first-hand the changes that this has brought. I feel very lucky to work for a company that not only promotes this change but actively encourages women to take on leadership roles and equality.”
All the steps taken to make the industry and in particular the parking sector more inclusive seem to be working, especially here at Unity5. In fact, according to research by PwC, 5% of leadership positions in the technology sector are held by women. At Unity5 over 30% of our director and senior management positions are filled by women, a great indication of our commitment to championing women in leadership roles.
So what about the future? Currently, only 3% of females say that it is their intention to work within tech. Why is this number so low? And how can we change it? As a young woman in technology, I implore you to take an active interest in changing the way we view women in the technology sector and #inspireinclusion however you can in your businesses.
Marketing Executive
