By Stephanie Groot
Listen up, techies, investors, and anyone who cares about making the world safer. I’m not here to preach diversity and inclusion for the sake of a feel-good hashtag. I’m here to tell you – straight from my tech-fueled heart – that increasing the number of women in tech could save lives. And I’m not just talking about the inspirational stories of female innovators like Dr. Jess Wade building life-saving drones, or Dr. Joy Buolamwini making AI safer. I’m talking about preventable injuries, accidents, and even deaths that could be avoided if we had more diverse perspectives in designing the tools we use to stay safe.
Think about this. The majority of personal protective equipment (PPE) was designed for the average male body, including firefighter gear construction helmets and those flimsy masks we all wore during the pandemic. These problems occur due to stale data that needs to include women in the workplace. Studies in the construction industry show that up to 77% of women face unnecessary safety hazards because ill-fitting PPE exposes them to chemicals, eye damage, and even falls. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a recipe for disaster.
Take female soldiers, for example. Studies show that ill-fitting body armor can restrict movement, cause pain, and even leave them vulnerable to injury. Imagine a soldier on the battlefield, her focus split between the enemy and the straps digging into her ribs, her vision obscured by a helmet that slips over her eyes. That’s not just an uncomfortable situation; it’s a potential death sentence.
And it doesn’t stop there. Healthcare workers during the pandemic struggled with masks that didn’t seal around their faces, risking exposure to deadly viruses. Construction workers face increased injury rates from poorly designed boots and gloves. The list goes on. Whenever we ignore the needs and realities of half the population, we put lives at risk.
We need women in tech to not only fix broken systems, but also to harness the power of diverse perspectives. Women have different experiences, challenges, and ways of approaching problems. When we bring those voices to the table, we unlock a new level of innovation.
So, what are we waiting for? We need more women in tech labs, design teams, and leadership positions. We need their voices, ideas, and experiences to guide the development of the tools that keep us safe. As we close the gender gap, we will build a future where safety isn’t a matter of luck but a matter of design.
Imagine a world where female firefighters design gear that protects their bodies without compromising mobility. Imagine female doctors creating medical devices that seamlessly adapt to different body shapes. Imagine a future where safety isn’t just a privilege for the average male but a fundamental right for everyone.
Let’s make the tech world a mirror of the real world, a diverse tapestry of talent where everyone has a seat at the table. Let’s unleash the power of women in tech, not just for the sake of progress, but for the sake of lives improved, lives saved. Because, in the end, that’s what innovation is all about: making the world a better, safer place one line of code at a time.
And who knows, you may be the next Dr. Joy Buolamwini, the next Dr. Jess Wade. You may have an idea that will revolutionize safety. So don’t be afraid to break down the barriers, raise your voice, and code your way to a future where everyone feels protected. Because the future of safety isn’t just in our hands; it’s in the hands of the women who are yet to join us.
Imagine a world where female firefighters design gear that protects their bodies without compromising mobility. Imagine female doctors creating medical devices that seamlessly adapt to different body shapes. Imagine a future where safety isn’t just a privilege for the average male but a fundamental right for everyone.
Let’s ensure they have a seat at the table, a keyboard at their fingertips, and the chance to change the world.
About Stephanie
Stephanie Groot is a curious, creative problem solver drawn to complex and ambiguous challenges. From software betas to boardrooms, I’m your enthusiastic ideatior, always giving honest feedback to pave the way for progress.
She ignites potential, helping individuals and teams unleash their best selves. Where I lead, trust and transparency thrive.
