What does Women’s Day mean to you?
August is National Women’s Month in South Africa — a time to commemorate the brave women who fought for equal rights back in 1956, and to celebrate modern women who continually overcome various challenges to accomplish great things in our current social sphere. ‘Diversity and inclusion’ is a hot topic right now, highlighting issues such as the gender gap in various industries including STEM (Science, Technology, Economics & Maths). While much progress is being made on a global scale, there is still much to be done to achieve equal opportunities as well as to encourage women to explore their passions and pursue careers in male-dominated industries.
That being said, here are a few words of wisdom from some of the awesome women at Byte Orbit:
Women’s day for me is not only a reminder of all the women that fought for me to become educated, vote and have a career in a male-dominated industry. It’s also motivation to continue breaking the glass ceiling for the next generation.
–Liezl
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants” — Coco Chanel
That is exactly what women’s day highlights for me that we as women should always remember that we can be whatever we set our hearts and minds out to be.
– Zalta
[The Tech industry] is a very powerful place to be, we are competing with like-minded people of all genders and races to shape the future. Women are powerful, brave and smart every day, [Women’s Day] just showcases it for the world to remember. If you put in the effort you will reap the rewards. We can do anything we set our minds to, onwards and upwards.
– Nicole
“Women’s Day is a time for us to celebrate the strong, powerful, supportive, caring, giving and thoughtful ladies in our lives. It is a time for us as women to reflect on the positive impact we can have on those around us, and the subtle ways we can bring joy to the people we care about. It is also about remembering those who have come before us, and the sacrifices they have made for the freedoms we enjoy today, and for saying ‘thank you’ to the women who have impacted us and guided us to become who we are today.”
– Leo
“When you are tired rest, but don’t quit.”
Tech is ever-changing and ever-growing, and it is imperative that you grow and change with it. So often we are told that you are a woman, and will never be able to do it. Tech is absolutely your opportunity to prove that it is possible to achieve everything that you set your mind to.
– Lucille
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” — Helen Keller
I used to literally have a fear of programming because I was extremely intimidated by it and felt that I would never be able to understand it until I gave it a try and fell in love. It’s usually the things you think you will never be able to do that you end up having a passion for. Don’t be scared to try something just because it’s intimidating…you might never know the incredible change you can make and what you are capable of.
– Karin
Feeling inspired? I know I am. Have an awesome National Women’s Day! Remember to always be true to yourself, pursue your dreams and fight for what you believe in.
