As a recent addition to the TechWomen Committee, I have the honour of authoring the first newsletter for 2022. With International Women’s Day coming up next week I find myself contemplating the purpose of this day: celebration of steps taken towards equality, yes; supporting each other on progress yet to come, yes; but also sharing stories with audiences that can advocate for more.
For Christmas this year my 13 year old daughter received a puzzle made up of 54 faces, “Inspirational Women” from around the world. Completing it was not only a summertime boredom buster but expanded our dinner table conversation as both Mr 10 and Ms 13 queried more about the histories and fates of those whose faces they were putting together. My son was just as engaged as my daughter and the conversation focused on deeds not gender. I couldn’t help but think that whilst a present for her, it could equally have been a present for him. We often hear “you can’t be what you can’t see” and yes, that is so very important, but you also can’t achieve equality if only half the people in the room have seen or heard the stories and struggles the others face on their way to success. So, this International Women’s Day, rather than divide ourselves and tell our stories solely to other women, I’d like to challenge us all to invite an ally into the conversation. Diversity and equality are just steps on the path to inclusion and we need everyone at the table for that.
Please join us and invite an ally to Celebrating International Women’s Day 2022, 8 March, 12-1pm, online.
Ngā mihi
Pip Gilbert and the TechWomen Executive Council
Executive Council News
TechWomen NZ to launch “Return to Tech” – a digital first content series
Re-entry into the workforce at any age or stage of life is a challenge, and there’s no perfect path. Working women need support to understand the pathways and resources available when they are preparing to re-enter the workforce.
TechWomen NZ is made up of 370 + women that are all on this journey together. During our technology careers, many of us have made a sideways move or a career pause for one reason or another. Be it an overseas experience (when we can travel again), to start a family or to take the brave plunge to invest in a start up!
For this reason, the 10-month digital content series Return to Tech is launching to offer connection, aspiration, opportunity and access. We share the knowledge and expertise of our community thought leaders, providing support and resources to help you overcome the challenges, anxieties and hurdles that #life presents, allowing you to focus on your Return to Tech journey.
Return to Tech is about building a true peer to peer network and will include:
- Community – facilitating real, engaging connections and conversations with coaches and mentors across our social media (LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook) and digital platforms (www.techwomen.nz)
- News and views – monthly newsletters, interviews, podcasts and market insights, including legislative changes, ensuring you are always up to date and connected
- Training – digital resources to help upskill and prepare you for re-joining the workforce such as CV creation, reading and responding to a job description – how to decipher the technical talk!
- Wellness – virtual workshops that focus on mindset, nutrition, leadership and communication
- Corporate life – coaches and leaders providing support for the path back into #corporatelife
- Exclusive engagements – be invited to connect and network at our virtual events
Events
Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day 8 March, 12pm – 1pm. Join online for a panel discussion and Q&A session on Imposter Syndrome.
Register for Electrify Aotearoa – Women Founders Conference 26 May, Wellington. Showcasing Aotearoa’s Electrifying Women Founders.
Tech Alliance News and Events
Event formats confirmed online until June
Due to the ongoing uncertainty of the impacts of CV-19, NZTech has moved all events to an online format only. This will be reviewed in May. Please keep an eye on our events page for the latest updates.
Discover New Zealand’s Tech and Innovation Story!
We See Tomorrow First is designed to enhance our reputation, reflecting our people, values and ambition. Its aim is to help our businesses grow by attracting tech investment, talent and increasing exports. With a unified storytelling platform, tech businesses can benefit from greater awareness in global markets. Discover how we are inspired to put tomorrow first. Learn more: www.seetomorrowfirst.nz
Entries for the 2022 NZ Hi-Tech Awards close on 7 March, so get your application in now. The winners will be announced on the new date, 5 August in Wellington.
Join us 16 – 22 May for Techweek22 and connect for a better tomorrow! Register for updates here.
The 2022 NZ Cyber Security Summit has been postponed to 25 – 26 July. It will take place at Te Papa in Wellington, with both in-person and virtual options. Registrations are open now. Cyber Security Summit – TechAlliance.
How do we build trust into the digital systems that connect us? Join the Digital Trust Aotearoa Hui Taumata on 27 July in Wellington.
If you enjoy our newsletters, feel free to forward on to your friends and colleagues. They are welcome to sign up to receive our quarterly curated newsletters here.
Be part of our initiative. Join us as a full member of TechWomen, and get involved in one of our working groups to help advance women in technology.
You can also reach us anytime at team@techwomen.nz
