March Preston Tech Connection : IWD - Accelerate Action

International Women’s Day – Accelerate Action.

Accelerate Action: Can the Changing Work Landscape Help Create a More Level Playing Field for All Genders?

Introduction:
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize that the world of work is undergoing a seismic shift. Remote work, technological innovation, and evolving organizational cultures are redefining how we work and collaborate. But with these changes come both opportunities and challenges: can this evolving landscape pave the way for true gender equity in the workplace?

Discussion Topics

1. Remote Work and Flexibility:

• Does remote work empower more women to participate in the workforce by offering flexibility?
• How can organisations ensure fairness in promotions and opportunities for remote workers?

Technology as an Equalizer:

• How can digital tools and platforms reduce barriers to entry and advancement for all genders?
• Discuss trends like AI reducing biases in hiring and performance evaluations.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Address potential downsides of the changing landscape, such as unequal access to technology or the risk of women being excluded from decision-making roles in hybrid workplaces.

The Role of Allies:

• How can men and other allies contribute to a more equitable workplace?

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking event that delves into these pressing questions we will explore how we can collectively accelerate action to build a more inclusive and equitable workforce for all.

Meet the panel:

Kerry Harrison - Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership Lead

Kerry is passionate about all things digital skills, digital inclusion, diversity, inclusion and belonging and inspiring the next generation. In her role as the lead for the Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership trailblazer for the Lancashire LEP, Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub she work across four strategic themes: Future Workforce, Skilled and Productive Workforce, Inclusive Workforce and Informed Approach. The focus of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub is to create the conditions for a balanced, skilled and inclusive labour market to underpin economic well-being, productivity and growth across the Lancashire area.

Tamima Mulla-Shah - Regional Manager at IN4 Group

As a Regional Manager at IN4 Group, her focus is on fostering vital stakeholder relationships and advancing educational outcomes in the North West. Her tenure at IN4 Group has been marked by a commitment to nurturing a robust pipeline of digital talent through collaboration with Public and Private Sector partnerships

Recent projects like The Power of Mind (Mums in Data) Programme are a brilliant example of how Tamimas work is leading change to bring equality into the industry. Mums in Data aims to unlock the talent and potential of mothers and female carers who want to return to the workforce and help them into much in demand data roles across the UK.  

About Preston Tech Connection

Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies – our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another.

Preston Tech Connection was created by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1. We host monthly events with thought-provoking topics to explore new technologies, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital world.

Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking.

We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend. You don’t need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome.