Action Alert | 353 Speakers, Barely Any Women
This week Siemens Realize Live Americas brings together designers, creators, technologists, and engineers to redesign and co-create the future. The hybrid conference experience is the place for technology innovation. But can we truly have an innovative future without women?
Of the 353 speakers featured at Realize Live this week, only 44 are women. Nearly 13% of all speakers present are women, and only 4% of all speakers are women of color. There are women in the technology industry. Where are the women at Realize Live?
A 2021 study by Deloitte found that although women are gaining ground in the tech industry, women are experiencing new challenges in advancing their careers, and many are leaving. Of the women surveyed, 51% feel less optimistic about their career prospects post-pandemic. The study also found stark differences between what large and small companies can accomplish when supporting the growth of women employees. More prominent tech companies will continue to strengthen pipelines, increase access, and increase work accommodations. In contrast, smaller tech companies with fewer resources and acclaim will face challenges attracting and retaining female talent.
How can large companies like Siemens and conferences like Realize Live Americas tackle some of the biggest challenges facing women in the industry?
Time to Take Action - Let’s Fix This, Together
Though our organization focuses on women in public dialogue, we want to make sure that women are part of every important discussion, especially discussions that impact their lives, their health, and their rights.
This week look out for conversations, panels, and thought pieces on Roe v. Wade, the SCOTUS leak, and the future of abortion rights in the United States. When it comes to the discussion on reproductive rights, are women leading these discussions and lending their voice to what the future should be? Better yet… When it comes to the discussion on reproductive rights, are a DIVERSE group of people with uteruses leading these discussions and lending their voice to what the future should be?
This Tweet by @JoyAnnReid sparked a vital and compelling conversation on who gets to speak on this topic. Join the discussion:
Light the Flame with Inspiring Reads
How can we challenge ideas about gender and expertise so that women can claim their place at the table, take their time at the mic, or rise to power and influence? We hope this week’s reads empower and inspire your advocacy and thinking.
Who talks? Jezebel writer Laura Bassett calls out Fox News for mostly male coverage of Roe v. Wade. In her piece, she compares the demographic breakdown of Fox’s pundits to those on CNN and MSNBC.
Misogynistic jokes and sexist remarks prompt a walkout after The Scottish Football Writers’ Association dinner. Sportscaster Eilidh Barbour shared the experience in real-time in a now viral Tweet.
Psst… Sharing is caring! If you enjoy our weekly love letter to gender equality, pass it on to a friend, colleague, organization, or event planner you know!
📣🚨 353 speakers at #RealizeLIVE and only 44 are women. If #TodayMeetsTomorrow, where are the women?