Thabiso Thandeka Funde’s Post

🌟 Honored and Excited: Nominated for the Liva Echwald Award at the Nordic Women In Tech Awards! 🏆 Diversity and inclusion must transcend all and every sector - including the tech industry. In an ever-evolving tech landscape, women's voices are essential. The Nordic Women In Tech Awards spotlights the champions of inclusivity, role models, and advocates that contribute to a more fair, accessible, and gender-balanced Nordic tech scene. Unconscious bias, lack of role models, lack of access to capital, and gender-divided job market contribute to the gender imbalance in Nordic tech. This trickles down to the funding gap for startup founders (A recent study by Incklusiiv 2022). The journey to gender equity in tech is a collective effort, and this nomination represents a step forward in breaking down these barriers. I'm deeply touched to have been nominated for the Liva Echwald Award, recognizing my commitment to diversity and inclusion and amplifying the voices of underrepresented trailblazers. To carry Liva Echwald's legacy for her unwavering focus and commitment to mentorship and raising the bar for what women can achieve in the Nordics, follow her work on #FoundDiverse and #TrædFrem. This work is slow even if incremental and I also want to celebrate all those women nominated and got a pick-me-up feel when someone gives you a virtual pat on the shoulder! This nomination is a good reminder that when discussing the role of technology in society, we also need to critically examine the role of gender and the role of diversity, and inclusion in shaping the future of workplaces, including workplaces in the tech industry. Join me in celebrating the advocates and role models at the heart of this movement. The future of tech is brighter when we stand together. Save the date: Thursday, Reykjavik, Iceland. Tagging Nwita Plamena Cherneva and my fellow Liva Echwald Nominees Wenche Fredriksen Jenifer Clausell Tormos, PhD Lauri Robbins Ericson #womenintech #diversityandinclusion #techleadership #nordicwomenintechawards #nordicwomenintechiceland #Reykjavik #LivaEchwald #mentorship

Dive into some interesting statistics involving the positive influence of mentorship on women. Explore this article on “Women in Tech Mentorship 2023.” Backed by statistics from many sources, mentorship not only propels careers forwards but also fosters diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, enhances job satisfaction and builds stronger organizations. Learn more about the profound impact mentorship has on personal and professional growth: https://lnkd.in/eF6P_grk #WomenInTech #MentorshipMatters

"To define the role of a manager of volunteers, I don’t need to look far; WAGGGS' definition of leadership says it best: 'Leadership is a shared journey that empowers us to work together and bring positive change to our lives, the lives of others, and our wider society.' Indeed, it's a journey. A unique path that allows us to collaborate with people from all corners of the globe all driven by a passion for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. Together, we strive to realize a common vision, and in this journey, we challenge ourselves to give our best, enabling others to do the same as we learn from one another." This inspiring journey is the story of Narindra Andriamahefalison, our dedicated 100 Girls Projects coordinator and staff member from Madagascar, based at our world centre Sangam. On my journey, I stumbled into managing volunteers unexpectedly. I ventured forward and learned as I went along. My most significant and rewarding challenge was working with Guides and Scouts from around the globe, many of whom had more experience and knowledge than I did. Yet, these differences didn't matter as we embarked on our journeys together, creating a safe space for everyone to explore. My joy and fulfillment come from providing a space for my collaborators to be heard, grow, and thrive, or even to find their own path. In a way, it's my contribution to allowing someone's light to shine so they, in turn, can illuminate the lives of many more girls, young women, and their communities. Of course, this journey demands unwavering commitment, determination, a delicate balance, and a touch of savoir-faire. But the rewards are immeasurable. Being a WAGGGS manager of volunteers isn't about titles or being in the spotlight; it's an art. It's about being a leader who inspires others to step into the limelight and shine. In the words of Baden Powell, "The real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people." 🌟✨🤝 💪💙 #IDV23 #HelpingOthersHelp #IVMDAY23 #VolunteerManagers

Celebrating Mozambican Women's Month I've been reflecting on something lately that I think is important to share, especially during Mozambican Women's Month. Sometimes, when you're exploring opportunities in the tech industry, you might come across a phrase like "women are encouraged to apply." And it made me pause and wonder: why do they say that? I believe a big part of it is the recognition that, for a long time, the tech world has been largely dominated by men. It's been a bit like walking into a room full of players in a game and feeling like maybe you don't belong. But now, companies are actively working to change that. They're striving to create a more diverse and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and has an equal opportunity to contribute their talents. It's kind of like being invited to join in on a game. Not because they doubt your abilities or think you can't keep up, but because they genuinely want you to know that you're wanted and welcomed. And you know how sometimes people ask women how they feel in the tech world? At first, I wondered if it was because they felt sorry for us. But as I've thought more about it, I've come to see it differently. It's about understanding our experiences, our challenges, and our triumphs. By listening to our voices, they're not only learning from us but also working to create a better, more supportive environment for everyone. During Mozambican Women's Month, let's continue to celebrate the contributions of Mozambican women in tech and beyond. 💪✨ #MozambicanWomensMonth #DiversityInTech #InclusionRevolution

What do you do when you want to achieve the impossible? That’s how it was for me when I started thinking about working abroad after I graduated. I didn’t know any Brazilian woman who had done it, so it seemed impossible. For many women in the tech industry, this is a constant reality; we lack role models. For me, it was just another challenge to overcome. Over these past years, I have worked hard, improved myself, and pursued my dream. Today, I see that I have achieved what I wanted. I am very proud to be a Brazilian, Latina woman working at a multinational company in Europe, but I know I am a minority. This week, we celebrated International Women in Engineering Day, and I want to leave a message for those who need to hear it: we, as women, must chase our dreams. Even if they seem unattainable, even if everyone says you won’t make it, even if your ideas seem crazy – they are not. In a world where we are still the minority, we have to be bold and face the challenge without lowering our heads. I want to share that the impossible is actually very possible. Here is a photo from an event this week with my team colleagues. I am very happy because I know it was not easy, but despite that, I made it; I am here. And I won’t stop here; I want more and I know I can achieve more. The next “impossible” is already in my mind. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Let’s continue to push boundaries and achieve the impossible together. #WomenInTech #WomenInEngineering #Diversity #Inclusion #InternationalWomenInEngineeringDay #WomenEmpowerment #ChaseYourDreams #BreakingBarriers #TechDiversity #Brazilianabroad

Happy International Women's Day! 💚 To celebrate this year, Adelle Naidoo, Global Support & Training Manager at Property Inspect, has shared some top tips for young women breaking into the tech industry! 💻 What message do you think is the most important to young women thinking about their careers in tech/business? 💻 "To young women considering their careers in tech/business, I would emphasise the importance of believing in themselves and their abilities. It's crucial to have confidence in your skills and talents, and to not be afraid to pursue your passions, even if it means stepping into male-dominated industries. Every person brings a unique perspective to the field, and all ideas are valuable and can make a significant impact. It's also incredibly important to surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your potential, and don't be afraid to seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along the way." ⭐️ How can we make it easier for girls and women to enter the property and/or tech industry? ⭐️ "I strongly advocate for more open conversations with our youth about the practical aspects of various industries, including the tech space. Often, certain sectors can seem unapproachable due to perceived standards set by the working world. It's crucial to break this notion, as it can discourage young people from believing in their potential. By showcasing the human side of business, we reveal the dedication and perseverance that are essential for success in any field. We need to have candid discussions with young women about the realities of the tech industry, including both the positive and challenging aspects. By doing so, we empower them to make informed decisions about their career paths and equip them with the knowledge and resilience needed to thrive in these industries." #IWD24 #Equality #PropTech

Celebrating International Women’s Day! 🎉 As a woman involved in both technology and sports, I’ve had the privilege of being inspired by incredible women every single day. Their resilience, creativity, and determination has certainly shaped where I am today and fuelled my passions. 👩💻 🏊♀️ 🚴♀️ 🏃♀️ 💡 In Technology: I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside strong women in Motability Operations Ltd who are paving the way for women in our Technology function and beyond. These women truly inspire me to be more creative, innovative and to be proud of working in tech and love what I do. 🏃♀️ In Sports: I've seen women athletes break barriers, redefine limits, and inspire generations. Katherine Switzer's story is among the many who have inspired me, because guess what, women can run marathons! As I prepare for the European Championships for the GB Age Group team this year, I'll be keeping all the incredible women athletes I know in mind when I hit hard training barriers. 🌍 Shifting the Landscape: Being in the minority has been both challenging and empowering. But I see change happening. More women are leading tech teams and excelling in sports. Let’s keep pushing boundaries! 🌈 🔗 #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInTech #WomenInSports #Inspiration #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion Remember, we’re not just celebrating today; we’re shaping tomorrow. Let’s uplift each other, amplify our voices, and continue this incredible journey together 💪

Happy International Women's Month ! Today, let's celebrate the incredible women who continue to make waves in the tech industry and inspire change. 🌐💪 🌟 Diverse Perspectives, Innovative Solutions: Diversity fuels innovation. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences that contribute to groundbreaking solutions. Embracing diversity is not just a goal; it's a necessity for driving technological advancements. 🚺 Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: In tech, we're not just breaking the glass ceiling; we're reshaping the entire landscape. To all the women in tech, your skills, ideas, and leadership are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic industry. 👩💻 Mentorship Matters: Mentorship is a powerful tool for empowerment. Let's actively engage in mentorship programs to support and guide the next generation of women in tech. Together, we can create a strong pipeline of talent. 🤝 Building Inclusive Cultures: Creating inclusive workplaces is a shared responsibility. Companies, let's ensure equal opportunities, provide mentorship, and foster environments where every woman in tech feels valued, heard, and empowered. 📉 Attrition Rates: Attrition rates for women in tech can be higher. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to attrition is vital for retaining diverse talent. Let's strive for environments where everyone can thrive. Truly Grateful for all the Co-workers...who are continuing to Empower and Mentor us in every step. 🌐 #WomenInTech #genderequalitynow #InclusiveTech #internationalwomensmonth To the resilient women in tech, your contributions are invaluable. By acknowledging these challenges, we take a step towards a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable industry. Together, let's turn challenges into opportunities! 💻🌈

🚀 Today kicks off the #16DaysOfActivism, and I'm thrilled to share a bit of inspiration from my recent talk at Holberton School Azerbaijan. 👩💻 We dove into the everyday challenges women face, especially in the tech world. But here's the thing — we are at Holberton, a school named after the incredible Betty Holberton. 👩💻 💬 Betty once said, "I don't think of myself as a woman in the field, I just think of myself as a computer scientist." It's a small but powerful distinction. 🌟 💡 Imagine a world where your passion for tech isn't limited by gender stereotypes. That's the world Betty envisioned. Her legacy challenges us to be seen as tech enthusiasts, period. No labels. 💔 Yet, beyond the world of tech, we know that many women face discrimination and make decision based on those social norms daily. It's a stark reality that needs our attention. Let's use our voices to stand against these injustices and build a world where everyone can thrive. 🌈 Let's break free from societal norms that box in our dreams. 🚀 #TechWithoutLimits #BettyHolbertonLegacy #16Days #WomenInTech #StandAgainstViolence #OrangeTheWorld

Remember when we gave you a sneak peak to Meri Piirainen's journey in #TechElevateHER on International Girls in ICT day? Now you can dive deeper! Meri wrote about her amazing experience and the valuable insights she gained during the program! If you only take one think from this post, let it be this👇 "The world needs more women in tech" Read the whole story from our website: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dZ3Pwm9f #GoForward #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech