On Wednesday March 22nd, United Nations Association of Broward County Chapter (UNA Broward) hosted their first Coffee Chat in celebration of the Women’s History Month at Panera Bread in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The intimate group of attendees were able to network and share their thoughts in regards to gender gaps in the technology industry. From the formal education, to work culture to income gap challenges, attendees bounced back issues and solutions for leaders to take action.
In general, attendees thought women have much more access to technology than they use to have. Also, they brought to the table the importance in continue bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) projects to underserved schools, under the understanding that those with access to those type of resources will have the option to chose technology as a career option.
Historically, UNA Broward has partnered with other nonprofits, such as LINKS incorporated, Necessities for Children to create awareness about cybersecurity, and resources available to the youth. In addition, in October 24th, 2022, the UNA-USA Fellowship was created as first-of-its-kind scholarship, providing financial support for American undergraduates and recent graduates who have secured unpaid internships with the United Nations: unausa.org/fellowship
Another shared point of view was the relevance of children up bring and their experiences with gender neutral toys. One of the examples brought was the video games. However, according to Play Today; “Female gamers have consistently hovered around 40% since 2008. But over the past decade, women’s share of the gaming population has grown to nearly half.”
In addition, guests shared the idea of portraying more women in job advertisements related to technology industry as a solution to raise the female representation in the industry and them assuming leadership roles.
Guests also, pointed out the importance of having role models involved in that type of industry so that they are familiarized with STEM related work fields.
As a call to action; another collaborator stressed the importance of closing “the loopholes that affect the human rights of women”. While, from a public policy aspect, it was shared the relevance to continue opening communication channels with local stakeholders and municipalities.
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The United Nations (UN) system is comprised of more than 30 affiliated organizations, programs, funds, and specialized agencies, with their own membership, leadership, and budget processes. Below, some of the entities working with and through the UN Secretariat promoting peace and prosperity,
UNICEF
World Food Program
United Nations Foundation
United Nations Women
United Nations Women coordinates the United Nations response to three issues globally, national and locally:
Elimination of discrimination against women and girls
Women empowerment: the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
Achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace, and security.
Learn more here: https://unausa.org/una-women/