Jacinth Boggess
Orangesoft
October 31, 2021
Combining Interests and Passions with Technology
Over the past few years, the government and society have been pushing for women to enter a technology specialty. However, why should we enter the technology specialty? The explanation I hear most often is to create gender equality. Often gender equality is defined as an industry containing 50% men and 50% women. However, is this a good explanation as to why women should join industries? Has gender equality been incorrectly defined? While the intention to create diversity and gender equality is good is the wrong approach being used? What is the correct approach?
The main reason being provided as to why women should join a technology specialty is to create gender equality. However, suppose a woman was to join a technology specialty to create gender equality but had no interests or passions related to the specialty. She would quickly become stressed, unmotivated, and dissatisfied. However, suppose a woman was to join the technology industry because it fulfills her interests and passions. She would be able to handle stress well, be motivated, and satisfied.
The wrong approach is being taken to inspire women to join the technology industry. Women are not inspired to join a technology specialty because they are contributing to gender equality. The correct approach to inspire women to join a technology specialty is to show them how it fulfills their interests and passions. Gender equality should not be defined as the ratio of men and women in an industry. Instead, gender equality should be defined as the availability of resources for people to pursue their desired specialty.
To inspire women, one should show them the various ways technology can be used. Doing this will help them decide if their interests and passions align with a technology specialty. Examples of how others have used their interests and passions with technology can also inspire women with similar interests and passions. Using hands on experience helps women understand how technology works and gives them the tools needed to innovate using technology. Workshops should be given with information about technology specialty and tutorials for the women to participate in. Online informational resources should be easily available for women to learn about the different types of technology specialties. This information will help women determine which technology specialty best fulfills their interests and passions.
To give women inspiration and role models stories should be provided. One who has experience in a technology specialty can help inspire women to choose this specialty by showing others how they have combined their interests with technology. Doing this will show women their only limit in a technology specialty is their imagination.
Women will be inspired to join a technology specialty if it fulfills their interests and passions. By providing scholarships specifically for those pursuing a technology specialty one is creating gender equality. One can inspire women by showing them how their interests and passions can be used with technology in a unique way.