By Harmoney Kevwe
I've had a unique mix of experiences and difficulties in the tech industry as a woman of colour. Despite the industry's progressive and inclusive image, my experience has been far from that. To establish my value and be taken seriously, I sometimes felt I had to work twice as hard as my male and white counterparts.
One of the most significant difficulties I've experienced is representation. As a woman of colour, I am frequently the only person in the room who resembles me. This lack of representation has harmed my sense of belonging and capacity to interact with people in the field. I've felt alone and out of place, striving to find my place and build meaningful connections. Another difficulty I've encountered is the idea that I'm not as educated or skilled as my colleagues. This bias is frequently unconscious and based on long-held prejudices and stereotypes. Despite my credentials and knowledge, I have been passed over for chances and rejected as lacking the essential abilities and experience to thrive in the tech industry.
Despite these obstacles, I have persevered and achieved success in the technology industry. I've taken the initiative to seek out and create opportunities for myself, and I've developed a strong network of mentors and friends that support and believe in me. I've also been a diversity and inclusion champion, speaking out against prejudice and bigotry and pushing for the needs of underrepresented groups in tech.
One way I've done this is by becoming an active member of the IT community, donating my time and experience to mentoring programmes and efforts aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the sector. As a result, I've been able to give back and assist others who are experiencing similar challenges. In addition, I have taken charge of my own career, focusing on skill development and expanding my professional network. I've sought out opportunities to work on intriguing and complex projects, and I've taken advantage of every opportunity to exhibit my skills and prove my worth in the tech industry.
My experience as a woman of colour in technology has been both tough and gratifying. While I experienced great challenges, I have discovered a group of supportive individuals who assisted me in succeeding. I wish to continue to be a force for good in the tech industry, advocating diversity and inclusion and motivating others to do the same. My advice is to always be you and put yourself out there. BE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH !!
