Nominations are now open for the ninth annual FDM everywoman in Technology Awards.
The 2019 awards programme launches everywoman and FDM’s mission to “Achieve, elevate and inspire”, as the search begins to find the tech industry’s most exceptional talent, from the UK and beyond. The deadline for submissions is 1st October 2018.
The Awards, in association with the Tech She Can Charter, seek to showcase how the achievements of women and men are helping to close the gender gap in tech, as well as offer role models to inspire the next generation of young female talent.
In the UK’s evolving tech industry, only 17 per cent of the workforce is female. Research from PwC found that only 27 per cent of young female students would consider a career in the field, compared to 61 per cent of male students.
The ceremony will recognise new talent in the industry with the Rising Star and Apprenticeship Award categories, celebrating the achievements of young people at the beginning their careers. Within formal education, only 35 per cent of young girls study STEM subjects beyond GCSE level, compared to 80 per cent of young boys. This, say organisers, is why the One to Watch category is so important.
For the second year, the Male Agent of Change Award will celebrate senior male executives actively supporting the development of women in tech.
The 2019 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are free to enter and the categories are:
One to Watch Award
Sponsored by Computacenter, awarded to a girl aged 11-16 actively encouraging girls to study STEM subjects at school-level
Apprentice Award
Awarded to a young woman apprentice excelling in her early career
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by T-Systems, awarded to a woman aged under-26 making a valuable contribution to her organisation
Digital Star Award
Sponsored by CGI, awarded to a woman excelling in a digital role
Software Engineer Award
Sponsored by RBS, awarded to a woman who has made a significant difference to the art of software engineering
Academic Award
Sponsored by Lloyds Banking, awarded to a woman in academia whose work has made – or has the potential to make – a significant long-term impact in STEM
Team Leader Award
Sponsored by American Express, awarded to a woman whose team leadership in an organisation – of up to 100 employees – has greatly contributed to its success
Start-up Founder Award
Awarded to the most inspirational female founder of a start-up business under 18 months old
Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to an owner/operator of a technology business whose vision and talent will inspire others to start their own
Innovator Award
Awarded to a woman designing, developing, researching, implementing or being exceptionally creative with tech
Leader Award
Sponsored by BP, awarded to the woman operating in a senior technology role leading over 100 employees
International Inspiration Award
Awarded to an individual based outside of the UK, male or female, for their active commitment to championing the progress of women working in technology
Male Agent of Change Award
Sponsored by VMWare, awarded to a male agent of change for their active commitment to encouraging the progress of women in tech
“The Awards seek to showcase how the achievements of women and men are helping to close the gender gap in tech.”
Sheila Flavell, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group, said: “These awards are an important celebration of the achievements of women in the technology sector, bringing together the very best the industry has to offer. At a time when the IT industry is crying out for more diversity, we’re proud to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs and innovators, to showcase their hard work and set an example to the next generation.”
Sheridan Ash, Founder of The Tech She Can Charter, said: “You can’t be what you can’t see. From our research, we know 78% of students we surveyed couldn’t name a famous female working in technology. The FDM everywoman in Technology Awards is a great example of showing the range of careers available to inspire our younger generation and I am proud, along with all of the signatories of The Tech She Can Charter, to support the awards”.
The ceremony will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane, on 6 March 2019. For further information about attending, please contact .