How can we expect inclusion with segregation

This is a question I ask when women form groups to discuss issues in the industry without the people who need to effect changes being in the room.

If we want to really get inclusion, then we have to practice it.

Women in tech has been a buzz since it started and most of the time, the meet ups are designed to discuss issues in tech which not special to women. This means that if we included all the parties we would have better results. But No! We want to be in a bubble.

As a person, I hate when things are handed to me (unless they are gifts 😃). I cherish something that I have earned on my own metrics. I want to compete with the best and get picked simply because I have whatever it takes to do the job.

Sadly, that can’t be said for most of us. We want a handout just because we are women yet we expect to be treated differently! We are too entitled for our own good!

Be competitive and have your backing (skills, merits, portfolio, team). If you are the woman for the job, by all means, go for it. Otherwise don’t just sit there and wait for it to find you.

Also, understand the balance in a workplace and the kind of relationship you have with your team.

Some of team members are there for you hence are loyal (which is rare to find). Others are there for what you are for. There are others there for the sole purpose of the mission. Kind of an enemy of my entry is my friend.

Being aware of this helps you not to have misplaced trust and expectations. This doesn’t apply only at work, it so happens in life with people you have relationships with.

Better meet ups

Organizers need to focus on the root of the problems and be solution driven. In a mixed crowd, it’s much easier to learn and educate than in segregated one.

I believe that the world is not a cocoon that will shield you therefore, don’t seek any shelter now. Seek to grow the mental strength that will get you through the toughest of time. If you haven’t any yet, trust me, there will be plenty of those!