March 8 is International Women’s Day! It’s an opportunity to report on the situation of women around the world, to reflect on the progress made, to highlight gender inequalities and injustices, and also to celebrate the courageous actions taken to defend women’s rights.
Today, many topics are emerging around women’s rights in the workplace, as well as gender diversity in the workplace. We asked the women in our workplace what they think about gender diversity in the workplace.
Geeta Madan works in the business analysis department. She has been head of business analysis at q-leap since 2016.
WHY IS PROFILE DIVERSITY IMPORTANT FOR AN IT COMPANY?
“Gender diversity is important for a working culture in organizations. Diversification in my business analysis department encourages a more cooperative environment, which leads to greater productivity, giving your company a competitive edge. Having teams made up of both genders brings different perspectives to bear on problems, and ultimately helps to leverage different points of view. Finally, gender diversity generates empathy among people, which is a very important skill for a business analyst to possess.“
CAN YOU SHARE SOME CAREER TIPS WITH WOMEN?
“My advice to women is to stay curious and ask questions. Have your say. Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. If you’re open to criticism, you’ll stay grounded and learn more. No task is too small, so gain experience and learn as much as you can. Be authentic. Refuse to feel guilty. Finally, when you’re at the top of the ladder, lead with your heart, not with your fears.“
Grâce Kongo works in the test department. Joining q-leap in 2014, she works as Senior Test Analyst at q-leap.
WHY IS PROFILE DIVERSITY IMPORTANT FOR AN IT COMPANY?
“Different functions are involved in the development of a software project, so there’s a diversity of viewpoints and ways of working. For the development of a mobile or web application, both men and women are required to use it, enabling us to offer products adapted to different profiles/genders, whatever the age or generation. Gender diversity in IT creates harmony in teams and boosts team performance.“
CAN YOU SHARE SOME CAREER TIPS WITH WOMEN?
“My advice to young women is not to be afraid of going into IT, and not to give in to stereotypes that say IT is more for men, when in today’s world, women are capable of working in the same fields as men. I advise female students not to limit their horizons, considering that jobs are not reserved for just one gender. The most important thing is to communicate at work, whatever the context, whatever the obstacles.“
Isabelle From works in the sales and training department. She has been responsible for training services at q-leap since 2018.
WHY IS PROFILE DIVERSITY IMPORTANT FOR AN IT COMPANY?
“Gender diversity is important for the status of women. In general, the IT industry is made up of male profiles, so the fact that q-leap is integrating women into IT and corporate positions proves that women have their place in the IT industry. It also shows how open-minded q-leap is on this subject.“
CAN YOU SHARE SOME CAREER TIPS WITH WOMEN?
“First of all, we need to be aware that we are not inferior to men when it comes to our abilities. What’s more, it’s not always easy for men to accept being led by women. Before we can advance in society, we probably have to prove our abilities and skills more than men do.“
Margaux Geliot works in the marketing and communications department. A newcomer, she has been marketing and communications assistant at q-leap since 2018.
WHY IS PROFILE DIVERSITY IMPORTANT FOR AN IT COMPANY?
“Gender diversity is important in any company, especially in marketing and communications, as it helps to create harmony within the organization. Products, creations, events, etc. need to have both a feminine and masculine point of view for idea generation, because we have different ideas, visions and approaches. What’s more, gender diversity creates a better atmosphere within teams.“
CAN YOU SHARE SOME CAREER TIPS WITH WOMEN?
“I think my advice is to always maintain a team spirit, so as to share and represent the company’s values. Above all, you need to listen to your colleagues, to maintain a good working environment. A second piece of advice is to always do the job you want, don’t think that a job isn’t suitable for women. If you give the best of yourself, it is always possible to succeed in the field you want..”
International Women’s Day: Gender equality in an IT company
