Blog post: Breaking Barriers: Virtual Vixens in Non-Traditional Tech Fields
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards encouraging diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. One aspect of this is the push for more women to enter and succeed in non-traditional tech fields such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and education. However, women are often underrepresented in these fields, facing significant barriers and stereotypes that prevent them from fully participating and thriving. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges faced by women in these fields and the inspiring women breaking barriers and making their mark in the world of virtual tech.
The Gender Gap in Tech
According to a study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, women make up only 26% of the computing workforce, and this number is even lower in VR and AR fields. This gender gap is not due to a lack of interest or capability, but rather a result of societal and cultural barriers that discourage women from pursuing careers in tech. From a young age, girls are often steered towards more “feminine” interests, while boys are encouraged to explore and tinker with technology. This gendered divide is further perpetuated in higher education and the workforce, where women are often met with bias and discrimination.
Virtual Vixens: Women Leading the Way in Virtual Tech
Despite these challenges, there are many inspiring women who are making their mark in the world of VR and AR. One such woman is Nonny de la Peña, known as the “Godmother of VR.” She is a pioneer in immersive journalism, using VR to tell powerful and impactful stories. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times and has even been exhibited at the Sundance Film Festival.
Another trailblazer in the field is Dr. Helen Papagiannis, a leading expert in AR. She is the author of the book “Augmented Human: How Technology Is Shaping the New Reality” and has been listed as one of the Top 100 Influencers in AR by Onalytica. Dr. Papagiannis is also a TEDx speaker, sharing her insights on the potential of AR to enhance our world and transform the way we interact with technology.
Breaking Barriers: Virtual Vixens in Non-Traditional Tech Fields
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotypes
One of the biggest barriers for women in tech is the perception that it is a male-dominated field, and women do not have the skills or expertise to succeed. However, this stereotype is being shattered by women like Jessica Brillhart, a pioneer in immersive storytelling and the former principal filmmaker for VR at Google. Brillhart has worked on groundbreaking projects such as Google’s “Tabel” and “World Tour,” pushing the boundaries of what is possible with VR and AR.
Another inspiring woman in the field is Gabo Arora, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of LightShed, a virtual reality and technology studio. Arora’s work focuses on using VR for social impact, from raising awareness about the Syrian refugee crisis to educating people about climate change. She has also worked with the United Nations to create VR content to showcase their humanitarian efforts.
Current Event: Women in VR Panel at SXSW 2021
In a recent virtual event at the 2021 SXSW conference, a panel of women in VR discussed the challenges and opportunities for women in this rapidly growing field. The panel, titled “Virtual Vixens: Women in XR,” featured Nonny de la Peña, Helen Papagiannis, and Gabo Arora, along with other influential women in VR. They shared their experiences and insights on how to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and pave the way for more women to enter and succeed in the industry.
Summary:
In conclusion, the tech industry, particularly in the fields of VR and AR, has traditionally been male-dominated, with women facing numerous barriers and stereotypes. However, there is a growing movement of women who are breaking barriers and making their mark in the virtual tech world. These women, including Nonny de la Peña, Dr. Helen Papagiannis, Jessica Brillhart, and Gabo Arora, are pioneers in their respective fields, using VR and AR to tell impactful stories, push the boundaries of technology, and create positive change in the world. With events such as the SXSW panel on Women in VR, we can only hope to see more women entering and succeeding in non-traditional tech fields, leading the way towards a more diverse and inclusive industry.