The tech world
Women are game-changers
Yesterday, the world celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’. Perhaps never before has a theme been more true or relevant. Women are an integral part of society, and without them, many of the innovations we see would not have happened. Thus, we must invest in the education of women globally to accelerate humanity’s progress.
DID you know Ada Lovelace, a woman, was the first computer programmer to develop the first-ever computer algorithm?
Other inventions, such as the life raft, critical for saving lives during accidents at sea, medical syringes, WiFi, windshield wipers, fire escapes, bulletproof material, the circular saw, and other countless inventions, wouldn’t have existed if women had not invented them.
The accomplishments of these women inventors are even more impressive when considering the significant obstacles women faced during eras when they faced constant discrimination and gender bias.
Despite societal norms and institutional barriers, these pioneering women defied expectations and made groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and innovation.
The world owes women a massive debt of gratitude for their contributions to technological advancement, bringing us to where we are today, and, of course, undoubtedly taking us far into the future.
This is why Fiji must invest in women not just education, but access to technology.
The next groundbreaking inventor may be currently attending Class One in a rural community or on a maritime island. We owe it to them to provide every chance to transform the world someday.
I always think of technology as a stage of human evolution; instead of physiological changes over millions of years, we use the tools around us to accomplish things that are beyond our imagination. Aeroplanes are like wings that allow us to fly, while submarines allow us to explore underwater.
Early technology liberated women, granting them freedom and additional time.
Consider this: before the advent of the washing machine, a significant portion of the day revolved around household chores like laundry.
With the introduction of technological advancements that eased these burdens, women found themselves with more time to pursue their aspirations.
This shift ultimately contributed to the dismantling of traditional gender norms, propelling us toward the progressive world we inhabit today (though there are still many challenges when it comes to gender equality).
Technology and feminism
Feminism is on the rise, and this is a direct result of technological shifts — the massive social movement was ignited and enabled by innovation.
Women and girls are no longer sitting back and just accepting discrimination and gender bias.
Social media and mass communications technology have allowed feminist movements to disseminate their message around the world, and this has greatly progressed their cause.
Technology serves as a vital tool for feminist activism, providing platforms for women to amplify their voices and share their experiences regardless of their geographical location.
Through social media, online communities, and digital campaigns, women can connect with others, advocate for change, and challenge traditional gender norms.
Let’s not forget that access to information and resources is now available in troves of online databases that empower women to make informed decisions about their lives, while digital storytelling and multimedia content help challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality in media and society.
Women entrepreneurs are changing the game
Women entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging technology to launch innovative startups and tackle pressing social challenges.
From addressing gaps in healthcare to revolutionizing education and sustainability, women-led tech companies are making significant strides in various industries.
One inspiring example is Maven, a digital healthcare platform founded by Kate Ryder. Maven offers virtual care services for women’s health, including fertility, prenatal care, and mental health support. By leveraging technology, Maven has made quality healthcare more accessible and convenient for women, particularly those in underserved communities, breaking accessibility barriers.
Another inspiring story, more localised to Fiji, is that of Shenal Harakh, who mentors women and teaches them to utilise technology such as websites for their businesses. Many women under Ms Harakh’s mentorship are now fully leveraging technology to run businesses of their own and grow.
Let’s not forget our good friend, artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is currently revolutionizing most industries.
AI-driven entrepreneurship is opening doors for women to innovate and compete on a global scale.
As AI advances, its potential to create a more inclusive and equitable world for women is greater than ever before in history.
Challenges still faced by women in the tech industry
However, we must acknowledge the many challenges that women continue to face, despite it being 2024 and us claiming to be an advanced and progressive society.
Barriers such as gender bias, discrimination, and a lack of representation continue to plague the tech industry (and all industries, really).
It is mind-boggling as to why we would hold ourselves back in this way. Women continue to be underrepresented in critical areas of leadership despite being proven capable leaders over and over again. There continue to be challenges in accessing opportunities for career advancement and even receiving equal pay for equal work.
A patriarchal society will always hold us back, and we need to change our mindset very quickly if we are, as a country, going to keep up with a very fast-changing and competitive global landscape.
The partnership between technology and women’s empowerment cannot be underestimated in this battle.
Technology is the great equalizer, allowing countries like Fiji to punch far above our weight.
Our leadership now has the responsibility to ensure accessibility and equal opportunities for every child, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic status.
And I don’t mean national leadership, because we can’t just put everything on the government.
Our community leaders, elders, and religious leaders must support initiatives promoting gender equality in the tech industry and beyond and foster inclusive environments and opportunities for all.
Let’s harness the power of technology to create a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
Happy belated International Women’s Day to all!
ARNOLD CHANEL
is an investor and business executive with years of tech expertise. He can be contacted on ceo@ vanguardtech.pro. The views expressed in this article are his and not of this newspaper.