Women @ Data Expo is investing in diversity within the tech sector

Most organizations are well aware of the importance of diversity in development teams. After all, various studies have shown that people tend to view themselves as the norm. For example, there are many examples where technology developed by men does not work well for women. This puts more than half of the world’s population at a disadvantage. Developers at large tech companies are predominantly white, male, and straight, and their perspectives determine which problems are identified and which are not. As a result, typical usage scenarios involving women—or female bodies and voices—are less frequently explicitly incorporated into the design and testing processes.

Men bluff more than women
According to Lotte, the fact that there are still fewer women active in IT is not a matter of less interest in technology. “There are now quite a few women entering the sector, but the problem is that they also leave the field quickly. The IT sector isn’t geared toward women, and that needs to change to ensure women stay active in IT.” She points to the existence of a “locker room culture” in many male-dominated work environments. The jokes made are misogynistic, and women aren’t invited, for example, when a group of colleagues goes out for a drink after work. “I hear many stories from women in tech that, as the only woman in the room, they were constantly asked to pick up sandwiches or order a gift. These may be minor annoyances, but at some point they pile up.”

“There are now quite a few women entering the sector, but the problem is that they also leave the field just as quickly.” - Lotte Govers

She also points out the problem that men, more so than women, are accustomed to bluffing about skills they don’t actually possess. Women, perhaps due to their upbringing, tend to be more honest about what they don’t know, Lotte argues, and are therefore unfairly viewed as incompetent . “This is particularly relevant in this sector because in tech you can never know everything, and everything is subject to change. Additionally, the culture in tech often rewards bluffing, while being honest about what you do or don’t know can actually be very beneficial for functioning within a team.”

Culture and tech need to find a better balance
The main goal of Women @ Data Expo is to highlight the need for a cultural shift. In the pavilion, attendees have the opportunity to connect with the right communities or mentors who can help them achieve that goal. Representatives from ten communities (see box) are present, each with their own approach to achieving the common goal: to get more women interested in tech and to retain them in the sector. In the pavilion, Women @ Data Expo has its own stage with seating where, over the course of the two days, women from the various communities will give short presentations that visitors can listen to via headphones. In addition, the communities offer the opportunity to engage in conversation and gather information. Both days conclude with a networking reception. “I think the message is especially important that it’s not about creating a separate space for women. The goal is for women to integrate into the professional community. When women in tech feel at home within the normal processes, these communities will no longer be necessary. It starts with visibility and women in influential positions to bring more balance to the culture in tech.”

“The goal is for women to integrate into the work community.” - Lotte Govers

Ten communities together form Women @ Data Expo

The following communities are represented in the Women @ Data Expo pavilion:

• Dutch Women in Tech (DWIT): a platform that connects and inspires women in IT through events, stories, and community, with the goal of increasing the number of women in the Dutch IT sector.

• Women’s Coding Club: a monthly meetup, held in Rotterdam and Tilburg among other locations, where women learn to code together, work on projects, and build confidence in an informal setting.

• Women In Eindhoven: a local women’s community in Eindhoven focused on work in AI.

• Women in Tech Netherlands: the Dutch chapter of the international Women in Tech movement that introduces women and girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (STEAM) through education and events with themes such as entrepreneurship and inclusion.

• Women in AI (Benelux): Non-profit “do-tank” that increases female representation in AI through educational programs, events, research, and a Benelux-wide community.

• AI4ALL: An international nonprofit that increases diversity in AI through educational programs and accelerators for underrepresented youth and students.

• Data+Women Netherlands: A community and meetup series, including in Amsterdam, that gives women in data visibility and offers a networking and learning space open to all genders.

• WE Make Trouble: A community that brings together female and woman-identified founders and experts to build impact-first companies and foster their sustainable growth.

• Rotterdam Women in Tech: A networking group for women in all tech roles in Rotterdam, with events to connect, share knowledge, and stimulate career development.

• Black Women for Technology (ZVVT): A foundation dedicated to increasing the number of Black women in the tech sector, strengthening their socioeconomic position, and providing organizations with access to untapped tech talent.