The field of technology has long been dominated by men, with women facing numerous barriers and challenges in entering and advancing in this industry. However, there is a growing movement that is working towards empowering women in tech and promoting gender equality in the field. One such movement is the Virtual Vixens, a community that aims to support and empower women in the tech industry. In this blog post, we will explore the Virtual Vixens movement, its impact, and how it is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.
The Virtual Vixens movement was founded in 2006 by Lynn Langit, a tech industry veteran, and Selena Deckelmann, a software engineer. The founders were inspired to create this community after attending a tech conference where they noticed a significant lack of female representation. They wanted to create a safe and supportive space for women in tech to connect, learn, and grow.
The Virtual Vixens community started as a mailing list and quickly grew into a global movement with members from all over the world. It is an inclusive community that welcomes women from all backgrounds, including students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The community offers various resources and programs to empower and support women in tech, such as workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.
One of the main goals of the Virtual Vixens movement is to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry. According to a study by NCWIT, women make up only 25% of the computing workforce, and this number is even lower for women of color. The Virtual Vixens are working towards changing this by providing women with the necessary skills, resources, and support to succeed in the tech industry.
The impact of the Virtual Vixens movement has been significant. Many women have credited the community for helping them break into the tech industry, advance in their careers, and build connections and support networks. The community has also helped women build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome, which is prevalent among women in tech due to the lack of representation and gender stereotypes.
Empowering Women in Tech: The Virtual Vixens Movement
The Virtual Vixens movement has also played a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By providing a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the male-dominated industry, the community is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for women. This, in turn, benefits the entire industry by bringing in diverse perspectives and ideas.
In addition to its programs and resources, the Virtual Vixens movement also uses social media and online platforms to spread awareness and promote its message. The community hosts regular Twitter chats and webinars, where members can discuss relevant topics and share their experiences. They also have a blog where members can contribute articles and share their insights and expertise.
Recent events have highlighted the importance of empowering women in the tech industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to shift to remote work, and the tech industry has played a critical role in enabling this transition. However, studies have shown that women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with many being forced to leave the workforce due to increased caregiving responsibilities. This has further widened the gender gap in the tech industry, making the work of movements like Virtual Vixens even more crucial.
In conclusion, the Virtual Vixens movement is a powerful force in empowering women in the tech industry and promoting gender equality. It has created a supportive community that is helping women break into the industry, advance in their careers, and overcome challenges. The movement is also working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which benefits not only women but the industry as a whole. As we continue to navigate through a changing world, it is essential to support and empower women in tech to create a more equal and innovative industry.
Current event: In March 2021, the Virtual Vixens community hosted a webinar titled “Women in Tech: Navigating the Pandemic.” The webinar discussed the challenges faced by women in the tech industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to overcome them. (Source: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-tech-navigating-the-pandemic-tickets-142115399325)
Summary:
The Virtual Vixens movement, founded in 2006, aims to support and empower women in the tech industry. It provides resources and programs to help bridge the gender gap and promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. The impact of the community has been significant, with many women crediting it for helping them break into the industry, advance in their careers, and build connections and support networks. With recent events highlighting the importance of empowering women in tech, the Virtual Vixens movement’s work is more crucial than ever.