The nomination deadline for the FDM everywoman in Technology Awards 2021 has been extended by two weeks, giving businesses and individuals until 26 October to submit the names of inspiring female tech professionals they feel should be celebrated.
In a ceremony dedicated to acknowledging the achievements of some of the industry’s most talented women, the event shines a light on female role models and encourages young girls with a passion for STEM to consider a career in technology.
With the COVID-19 lockdown and the continuing pandemic accelerating the UK’s digital transformation process by more than five years, there’s no denying the growing impact of tech-focused roles. As the remote revolution wages on and we adapt to this new world, the demands on the technology sector will rise as companies forge longer term strategies and prioritise digital.
Accessibility, diversity and skills development are therefore key to the success of tech industries, but with PwC reporting that just 23% of people working in STEM in the UK are women, and that females hold just 5% of leadership roles in professional tech fields; while everywoman notes that just 3% of females cite a tech-based career as their first choice, the UK has a long way to go when it comes to closing the gender gap and achieving gender parity.
“The 2021 everywoman in Technology Awards launch against the backdrop of a truly exceptional year, in which technology came to the rescue of many a business, allowing organisations to continue to operate even as the country was locked down,” said Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman.
“As we adjust to a new normal, it is our belief that this rapidly growing sector will offer even more extraordinary and exciting opportunities for woman, particularly as new products, platforms and services emerge. With FDM, our aim is that these awards are used as a platform to leverage the role models that are needed to attract the finest female talent of the future.”
In recognition of the importance and impact of tech throughout this pandemic-fuelled year, three new categories have been announced for 2021: The Digital Transformation Leader Award, which will celebrate a female leader who headed up her organisation’s digital transformation journey; The Tech for Good Award, which will acknowledge a woman who is progressing an initiative that uses tech for good; and the CTO/CIO of the Year Award, which will be given to a female CTO/CIO or an equivalent board-level executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and/or innovation skills.
Sheila Flavell CBE, chief operating officer of FDM Group, commented: “We’re once again very proud to support these important awards which shine a spotlight on the hard work, talent and dedication of women from across the technology sector. With 2020 being such an incredibly challenging year for us all, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the ambitious entrepreneurs who drive our industry forward and inspire others to do the same. Technology has a critical role to play as we begin to rebuild the global economy and ensuring a diverse talent pipeline of digital specialists for our sector is essential to enable this to happen.”
Entrepreneurs, new industry entrants and senior leaders are all eligible for entry. The event is free, and forms can be completed and submitted here. The ceremony will take place in London on 25 March 2021.
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