Meet the Women at 5Y on International Women's Day
- by Abi Kaye
- 10 minute read
To put it simply, we have some incredible women working with us at 5Y, from data engineers to a female leader heading up our Jordan Academy.
To spark conversation about women in tech, we spoke to the women at 5Y about what inspired them to work in tech, how the industry can do better to support women and their words of inspiration for any woman thinking of starting a job in tech.
Read the full interviews here:
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
I love working with people and helping them find solutions and technology felt like the best tool to do that. Technology is such an exciting industry to be in as well because it's always changing, which I really enjoy. I've had so many different roles across the years and every project I work on feels like a new opportunity to learn and grow.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
I think its people underestimating how challenging it can be. Almost every meeting I am in, I'm the only female in the room and I immediately recognise that I'm the outlier. I don’t know if the others in the meeting realize that there is automatically a common bond between them all and the advantage that it brings.
Even communication styles can differ between male and females, I've often been told I'm too polite or soft spoken when delivering a message but I'm not, I just have a different approach to my male counterparts. I love working with women and just wish I had the opportunity to do it more in the tech industry.
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
When I wanted to start the Women in Tech committee, I received inundated support from the leadership team, and they encouraged us to create a place where the women in 5Y could come together. We meet weekly and discuss different initiatives that we would like to introduce in 5Y and when we present these to the leadership team, they always support and encourage us.
I also have a fantastic manager (Jamille Sammour) who has consistently supported me since I joined 5Y. He has pushed me to pursue new roles, learn new skills and attain certifications (which helps with imposter syndrome!) and is always there to offer advice. Having a mentor like this has really helped and made me feel supported as a woman in tech.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
Please, please, please do it! Although there are challenges, I really love what I do and the people I work with are amazing.
Recognize how incredible this industry is and why you should be a part of it. There are so many different roles in this industry, not all of them are coders like you see in the movies. I thought you needed to be extremely technical to work in this industry, but you don’t, you just need to have an understanding and a willingness to learn.
Ignore the voice in your head telling you you can't do it and just go for it.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Recognise the challenges that women face in their careers and support them to overcome them.
Adapt your recruitment process so that you encourage everyone to apply for the role, use inclusive language. Create a flexible working environment so that mothers have the ability to drop their kids to school and come back home to open up their laptop and start their workday.
Encourage your female employees to upskill so they feel confident to go for that promotion. Strive for a culture that includes women in key roles so that female talent can see a career path.
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
In addition to the fact that technology has become an essential part of our lives, it is a wide, renewable field that keeps you learning new things every single day.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
I do believe that any woman has the power and skills to achieve and leave a mark in any industry/field.
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
In keeping encouraged our female members to expand their knowledge, enhance their skills and be an essential part that's never less than the other gender.
"5Y believes that diversity creates solid, consistent entity.''
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
Believe in yourself. You could be the feminine version of Bill Gates.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
By providing training programs like the 5Y Academy Jordan, publishing useful, supportive posts on the platforms to attract more women to the industry and making sure to raise the retention rate by supporting them technically, psychologically and financially.
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
Observing the success and resilience of other women in the field initially sparked my interest. I was intrigued by the potential to contribute my skills and perspective to an industry where women are often underrepresented. The opportunity for continuous learning and growth has also been a major motivating factor for me.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
Navigating a predominantly male-dominated environment with little or no female representation at the top table. From subtle biases to outright discrimination, women in tech often face obstacles and stereotypes that can impact career advancement and sense of belonging.
Despite these challenges, many women in tech persevere, driven by their passion for and desire to make a difference
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
Our internal Women in Tech group serves as a valuable platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy and we regularly get together to share experiences, offer support, and brainstorm ways to address challenges.
There's also genuine commitment from the top table to foster inclusivity and empower female employees within the company.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
Embrace your passion and know that your unique perspective is invaluable. Despite the challenges, believe in your capabilities and don't let obstacles deter you. Seek out communities and allies who can support and uplift you on your journey.
Remember that your voice matters, and your contributions can make a significant impact in shaping the future of tech.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Tech companies should redouble their efforts to create inclusive environments where women feel valued and empowered to contribute.
By providing mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and tailored career development initiatives that address the unique needs and experiences of women, companies can harness the diverse perspectives and insights brought by women, ultimately driving innovation and success in the tech industry.
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
My fascination with innovation and problem-solving led me to the tech industry. I've always been drawn to the endless possibilities and the chance to contribute to shaping the future through technology.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
Combating imposter syndrome. Due to the male-dominated nature of the industry and societal stereotypes, women may often doubt their abilities and feel like they don't belong. This can undermine confidence and hinder career progression.
Additionally, navigating a work culture that may not always be inclusive or supportive can be taxing. However, with perseverance, support networks, and initiatives promoting gender diversity, many women overcome these obstacles and thrive in the tech industry.
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
5Y believes in diversity and balance between genders which is as a result getting paid the same attraction, same motivation and giving chances for feminine leadership positions.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
Dive in! Embrace your passion, seek support, and don't let obstacles deter you. Your perspective and skills are invaluable.
Stay determined and don't let anything hold you back.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Tech companies can support more women by implementing inclusive hiring, fostering supportive cultures, providing mentorship, and offering opportunities for career advancement.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
One of the main challenges of being a woman in tech is breaking through gender stereotypes and biases. A common assumption I’ve encountered is for women to be assumed non-technical, and it’s important to remove these preconceived notions. Also, being underrepresented can sometimes make it challenging to find mentors and role models, and to speak-up in male dominated spaces.
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
At 5Y, I’m fortunate to be part of a company that values diversity and inclusion. The leadership team acknowledge the challenges the tech industry has across the board and actively supports any initiatives we believe will improve the experience for women at 5Y.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
If you’re starting out in the tech industry, it’s very important to seek out mentors and build a strong network of people who support and empower you to succeed.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Tech companies can support women by implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, providing mentorship programs, and creating equal opportunities for career growth. It's crucial to address unconscious biases, promote flexible work arrangements, and showcase diverse role models.
LinkedIn
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
The continuous drive for innovation and I was particularly drawn to the concept of integrating sustainability with technology.
What is the most challenging part of being a woman in tech?
Having a voice in an industry dominated by men. With far fewer female voices, it can be harder for us to be heard. It is noticeable in meetings and conferences that the women are in the minority in the room. The men may not automatically notice, but it is felt by all women.
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
5Y provides significant support for women in the tech industry. Our internal Women in Tech group provides support and advocacy as we regularly meet to share experiences and support one another.
The leadership team has been particularly supportive, offering guidance and assistance. Their involvement has been instrumental in establishing clear and structured goals for the year, contributing to a more empowering environment for women in tech.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
My advice is not to feel pressured to meet every requirement listed in the job specifications. Go for it with confidence; you have nothing to lose.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Initiating change at the roots is crucial. For example, 5Y has recently launched the 5Y Academy in Jordan—a initiative that actively promotes increased female involvement within the tech sector.
Women need to not only be encouraged to join the industry but nurtured and empowered to stay and grow in their roles.
LinkedIn
In what ways does 5Y support you as a woman in tech?
Equal Opportunities and Flexible Work Policies.
5Y ensure that we as women would have equal opportunities for career development and professional development within the company, and they offer a great flexible work policy.
How can tech companies support more women to join and stay in the industry?
Promote Visibility and Recognition, such as feature women in leadership roles and showcase their accomplishments to others, this will help "junior" ladies for having a role model as a woman and "I can do it too" attitude in their heads.
LinkedIn
What inspired you to work in the tech industry?
Technology is involved in every aspect of life. The integration of technology as a fundamental component across various scientific disciplines underscores its role in achieving fast and efficient advancements.
The tech industry keeps evolving rapidly, which encourages us to continuously progress to keep up with cutting-edge technologies.
Working in this challenging field drives a constant desire to learn, grow, and make a difference. It motivates you to acquire new skills, techniques, and knowledge. In addition, it sharpens your experience in problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
Keeping this in mind, I find it incredibly valuable to contribute to this technological evolution.
What would you say to women wanting to start in the tech industry?
The tech industry is rich with opportunities for innovation and creativity. identify your areas of interest within tech, and seek out resources, courses, and communities that align with those interests. Always be open to learning, continuous learning is key to staying relevant and making the most of the opportunities.
Want to join the women at 5Y? Check out our careers page for our current vacancies or get in touch to learn more about our opportunities at the Academy in Jordan.