The CEPIS DiversIT Charter initiative is continuing to promote best practice in organisational gender equality its series of annual conferences. This year’s event took place on 29 November 2022 . This year they gathered together to answer the question “Can we work together?” How can a multi-stakeholder approach help increase gender equality in tech?.
They kicked off with a keynote speech from Helena Dalli, the European Commissioner for Equality, followed by talks and discussions by speakers from companies such as Accenture Slovakia and PeopleCert, non-profit organisations and professional associations.
There are countless excellent initiatives, organisations and projects to promote gender equality in STEM, to attract girls and women to IT studies or careers, to up- and reskill women, and many more examples of best practice in this regard. However, there is still relatively little progress in terms of actual percentage increase of women employed in the tech sector. All the while, the tech talent gap remains one of the main obstacles in the path towards smooth digital transformation. Initiatives like the DiversIT Charter and its accompanying events and conferences showcase best practice for organisations in the public and private sectors.
Gender equality in organizations is a critical and ongoing global issue. It pertains to ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunities, rights, and treatment in the workplace, free from discrimination or bias based on their gender. Achieving gender equality is not only a matter of social justice, but it also has a significant impact on a company’s success and the overall economy.
Promoting gender equality in organizations fosters diversity and inclusivity, which can lead to a more innovative and productive workforce. A diverse group of employees brings a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can help companies better understand and serve diverse customer bases. Studies have shown that gender-diverse teams are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts.
Organizations can work towards gender equality by implementing policies and practices that address pay gaps, promote work-life balance, and eliminate gender-based discrimination. Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles, offering mentorship programs, and creating a supportive work environment are also essential steps in achieving gender equality.
It’s important to recognize that gender equality is not only about women’s rights; it’s about creating a fair and equal society where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender. Companies that actively champion gender equality tend to attract and retain top talent, making it a win-win for both the workforce and the organization. Ultimately, fostering gender equality is not just a moral obligation; it’s a smart business strategy that benefits everyone involved.
The purpose of this year’s DiversIT Annual Conference was to create a cross-sectoral dialogue and to provide our attendees with inspirational examples of success stories from collaboration between different stakeholders.
The CEPIS DiversIT Charter initiative, as demonstrated through its annual conferences focusing on gender equality in the tech sector, embodies a commendable best practice in community building. By convening key figures from diverse backgrounds—government officials, industry leaders, non-profit representatives, and professionals—the initiative fosters a collaborative ecosystem. These conferences serve as vibrant platforms that bridge the gap between various stakeholders, encouraging collective dialogue and shared learning. This initiative not only disseminates success stories but also cultivates a supportive community where diverse voices converge to drive tangible change, illustrating a best practice model for nurturing collaborative efforts toward gender parity in the tech industry. The Irish Computer Society, as the main body of IT professionals in Ireland, is a Member of CEPIS and therefore directly involved with the values and (net)work of DiversIT Charter. Thus, it is excellently placed to lead the creation of a strong women in tech community in Ireland.