Empowering Women in the Tech Industry: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Nexus Vehicle Rental
At Nexus Vehicle Rental, we believe in celebrating the achievements of women in the technology industry. As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize the challenges women face in this male-dominated field. From systemic biases to unequal opportunities, women often encounter hurdles on their journey to success in technology.
However, at Nexus, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and fostering an environment where women thrive and lead. We put forward burning questions to key people in the business on how they are inspiring the next generation of women in technology and women working in the automotive industry – 2 sectors traditionally male orientated.
“I’ve faced my share of challenges but have also been very fortunate to have supportive mentors and employers who have allowed me to thrive and excel throughout my career. However, Nexus Vehicle Rental provides a supportive environment where gender is never a barrier to advancement.
One of our most celebrated achievements is fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We’re proud that 47% of work force are female many of which are in leadership positions, which is a reflection of our environment across all departments.
I think it’s important to state our commitment to diversity extends beyond simple statistics though – we’re working tirelessly to ensure diversity and inclusion are ingrained into Nexus culture, and that’s helped employees from all backgrounds thrive in an environment that values and respects individual differences.”
Hayley Berry
HR Director
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What do you think companies can do to support and progress the careers of women working in technology?
“I think that companies must recognise that women’s career paths vary and therefore they may have specific requirements. For example, a woman returning to work after having children may lack confidence or need a flexible working arrangement. A business that can support the individual needs of all its staff will find they get the best out of everyone and are attractive to potential candidates. I think companies need to focus more on offering apprenticeships, internships and also promoting the variety of available tech roles.”
Yvonne Palmer
Operations Director
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Do you believe there are still barriers to success for women? If so, how can these barriers be overcome?
“I think before I answer this it is worthwhile just to mention that my opinions are based on personal experience and only lightly scratch the surface of a very important subject. Also, I whole heartedly recognise that everyone will have had a different journey.
My simple answer? Yes. We can’t hide from the data – we are still on the journey. Although further along, barriers still exist; whether that be underrepresentation (especially in Leadership roles), gender pay gaps, stereotypical gender bias (unconscious or otherwise), lack of supportive policies etc.
As a Technology community, we are leading the charge, but we must not lose sight and continue to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, role model and mentor, ensure fair hiring and promotion practices, ensure workplace support for working parents and encourage all genders into this wonderful and exciting world – especially the younger generations at the start of their STEM journey. The more we do this, the more the gap will naturally reduce, and the more we will build a tech community of supportive professionals – successful and effective, regardless of gender, race, age, disability or religion.
However, from a personal note, I must share that I found my biggest barrier was not external (although retrospectively it may have been influenced by lack of exposure or questionable comments – yes, there have been many over the years). My biggest barrier as a Women in Tech was me. In days gone by, I doubted my place as a woman in a Tech world. However, as soon as I understood my USP, my own value and surrounded myself with a supportive community of professionals, nothing could hold me back. It is vital as a Tech community, that we celebrate successes, continue to grab every learning opportunity, bolster our people, nurture young STEM talent, support our workforce and quite simply recognise a job well done, as job well done – regardless of gender.
Thank you to all my colleagues that have openly shared their thoughts on this subject and helped keep the conversation flowing. Ending with an ode to one of my brilliant colleagues who said something to me recently that put this entire question into perspective for me: When will we get to a place where having Women in Tech is not a ‘big deal’ anymore, it’s just the norm – because that is the ideal.”
Charity Kingston
Scrum Master
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What top tips would you give to an individual trying to excel in their career in technology?
Don’t lose your creativity and vision; always make time to think outside the box, pursue your interests, work hard, and believe in yourself.
Niamh Smith
Head of National Sales
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If you could wave a magic wand, what is the one thing you would do to accelerate the pace of change for women in the industry?
“If I could wave a magic wand and change something, it would be to increase the number of women being represented in the workplace. Throughout my career it hasn’t been uncommon for me to be the only woman in the room. Having more women role models in the industry makes a difference in how women feel in the workplace, makes the industry feel more accessible and also encourages people to join this industry who may never have thought of it as a career otherwise.”
Hannah Hussain-Martinez
Commercial Finance Manager
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As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in the technology industry and recognize the women who have helped us get to where we are today. At Nexus, we are absolutely committed and understand the importance of continuing to lead on our DE&I agenda as we are passionate that everyone no matter what their background, has a fair and equal opportunity to succeed in the workplace.
Through inclusive leadership, mentorship, and a culture of respect, we are breaking down barriers and shaping a future where women thrive in technology.
Happy International Women’s Day from Nexus Vehicle Rental.
#IWD2024
