Women working in Scotland’s technology sector have shared their stories in a book created to celebrate women in the industry and tackle gender inequality.
Women Transforming Tech has been written, designed, and produced by women at the fintech company iZettle. It features 45 women in 30 countries from iZettle and the UN Women UK network.
“Technology is changing the way we do business and creating new opportunities for inclusive growth,” said Claire Barnett, executive director of UN Women UK, “but still women everywhere are being left behind as entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators.”
Research from the State of European Tech 2018 report found that in 2018 just 2% of all venture capital raised went to all-female founding teams, women held less than 10% of executive-level positions, and almost half of the female respondents had experienced some form of discrimination.
Barnett added: “We are delighted to see iZettle and their team of tech trailblazers sharing these stories to inspire the next generation. Storytelling is a powerful tool to share the challenges, successes, and lightbulb moments of women entrepreneurs.
“In showcasing their journeys, we want to encourage girls considering STEM careers to dream big, and put the foundations in place to enable them to achieve their full potential.”
All proceeds from the book’s sales will go towards supporting UN Women UK’s work for women across the world; from implementing change in policy and legislation to delivering programmes on the ground.
We hope that these amazing stories will inspire the coders, techies and businesswomen of tomorrow
Sara Arildsson, chief operating officer, iZettle
Charlotte Gibson, Chiara Cemmi, Paule Akramite-Dean, and Marlou Siemerink work in iZettle’s Edinburgh office and shared their stories was a way of inspiring other women and girls to join them in effecting change.
Sara Arildsson, chief operating officer at iZettle, said: “Our products are used by women all over the world to start, run and grow their businesses. We’ve seen first-hand how access to technology and innovative tools can enhance lives so it is fantastic to launch this book in support of the work UN Women UK do for women everywhere. We hope that these amazing stories will inspire the coders, techies and businesswomen of tomorrow.”
Later this spring, UN Women UK will also be launching an initiative to allow people everywhere to challenge the gender gap in entrepreneurship. Female Founded seeks to pave the way for the next generation of female business owners, and the organisation is calling on potential partners to get involved.