Introduction:
At the Common Europe conference in Madrid, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Heidi Schmidt, President of Common Germany and Switzerland and CEO of PKS Software. In this insightful conversation, Heidi shares her thoughts on the current state of women in tech, the importance of diversity, and the role of education in encouraging young women to pursue careers in IT.
The Importance of Women in Tech:
Heidi begins by discussing the panel discussion she organized on women in tech. The initiative, supported by Common Europe, aims to bring more women into the IT industry, especially in leadership roles. Heidi emphasizes that having women in top management positions serves as an inspiration for younger women, helping them to see the potential for their own careers in tech.
Diversity Drives Innovation:
One of the key takeaways from Heidi's talk is the positive impact of diversity in the workplace. She explains that teams with a mix of genders are often more robust and innovative. This diversity brings together different perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and better overall performance. Heidi’s own experience at PKS Software has shown that mixed-gender teams create a more dynamic and successful work environment.
The Role of Education:
Heidi touches on a critical issue: the gender gap in computer science and technology. She believes that this gap starts early, with young girls often being discouraged from pursuing careers in tech due to stereotypes about math and science. To combat this, Heidi advocates for early education initiatives that demystify computer science and encourage girls to explore technology.
Historical Perspective: Women Were the Original Programmers:
Heidi provides a fascinating historical perspective, reminding us that women were the pioneers of programming. Figures like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper played crucial roles in the early days of computing. Despite this, the industry has since become male-dominated. Heidi stresses that it's time to reclaim this legacy and ensure that women are equally represented in tech today.
Encouraging the Next Generation:
Heidi is actively involved in initiatives like Hacker School, a program in Germany that aims to teach every child how to code before they finish school. By introducing young people, especially girls, to programming early, initiatives like this can help close the gender gap in tech. Heidi is also passionate about making IBM i, a platform that PKS Software specializes in, more accessible to the younger generation, highlighting its sustainability and proven functionality.
Conclusion:
Heidi Schmidt’s insights at the Common Europe conference underline the importance of diversity, education, and historical awareness in the tech industry. By empowering women and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in technology, we can create a more innovative, inclusive, and successful future for the industry.
Are you inspired by Heidi’s vision for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can support women in tech. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in technology.