In November 2024, we hosted the Women in Tech Meetup in Dublin, bringing together industry professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities shaping the future of female talent in technology. The focus was on mentorship, overcoming barriers from the starting point to leadership roles, and promoting inclusivity in the sector. As Dublin continues to be a thriving innovation hub, empowering women within this space is more crucial than ever.
Key takeaways from the Meetup
The event featured inspiring talks from Senior Solution Consultant, Kanchan Kumar, and Jean O’Donnell, Chair of WITS Ireland (Women in Technology and Science).
Jean O'Donnell shared insights on the challenges and opportunities women face in technology careers. She stressed the importance of diverse representation in decision-making to ensure products cater to all communities. Additionally, Jean highlighted the lasting impact of early biases on girls and the crucial role of mentorship in retaining female talent, as 50% of them leave the field by age 35.
Kanchan Kumar emphasised the importance of personal branding in technology, urging women to identify their core — a combination of skills, passion, and relevance to their area of expertise. She pointed out that taking control of your career and finding your niche is crucial. Once you’ve established it, dive deeper to fully understand it. Becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME) involves staying informed about industry trends, attending events, hosting 'lunch & learns,' sharing stories, and engaging in user groups to position yourself as a trusted expert in your field.
The gathering also reinforced the significance of networking for career success, fostering collaboration and building a strong community. The panel discussed further strategies for increasing female representation in the tech sector, such as blind interviews, mentorship schemes, and flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, men in tech were encouraged to be allies — advocating for inclusive practices and challenging biases to create better, more supportive work environments.
Nicoll Curtin’s commitment to DEI
At Nicoll Curtin, we are passionate about advancing women in technology and are committed to promoting a more diverse and inclusive space. Our DEI strategy includes organising events like this and supporting our clients in reaching their diversity goals.
This commitment is also reflected in our global team’s demographics; with a 54% female-to-male staff ratio overall, and our senior team having a 64% representation of women.
Whether you're seeking to make an impact in your field, increase diversity in your team or looking for advice on how to advance your career, get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you reach your goals.