On March 8th, Ingenico celebrated International Women's Day. This important day acknowledges the significant achievements of women in various aspects of life and highlights the ongoing need to address the gender gap that persists in many fields, including the digital and STEM sectors.
To mark the occasion, Ingenico organized an internal webinar for all employees and local workshops to encourage discussion on how to further reduce this gap. The event featured various speakers who shared data and insights, engaged in debates, and suggested actionable steps to take in order to progress towards gender equality.
What is specific around women inclusion in STEM?
Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) refers to women who work in or study fields related to these areas. Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM fields, with various barriers to entry and advancement such as lack of role models, implicit bias, and gender stereotyping.
However, in recent years, there have been efforts to increase the representation of women in STEM, both in education and in the workplace. This includes initiatives such as mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and outreach efforts aimed at encouraging young girls and women to pursue STEM careers.
Research has shown that diversity in the STEM workforce can lead to better innovation, problem-solving, and overall performance of teams. Therefore, it is important to create a more inclusive environment where women are given the same opportunities to succeed in STEM as their male counterparts.
Research and data - the gender gap
According to data from the United Nations[1], the digital gender gap has barely improved since 2011, with around 250 million fewer women online than men globally. This exclusion from the digital world has had a significant impact on the GDP of low and middle-income countries, shaving off $1 trillion in the last decade alone. Additionally, there are currently 327 million fewer women than men worldwide with access to smartphones and mobile internet.
Furthermore, women hold only 2 in every 10 science, engineering, and information and communication technology jobs globally. However, research has shown that teams with diverse backgrounds, including gender diversity, are more innovative and have a higher economic impact.
Innovation is a driver of change and by embracing new technologies and championing the unique skills and knowledge of women in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM), we can accelerate our progress towards a gender equal future.
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Ingenico
In celebration of International Women's Day, Ingenico invited Andrea Toucinho, a journalist, author, speaker, consultant, and Ambassador for the European Women Payments Network, to speak on the topic of Women Inclusion in the Payment industry. The company hosted a worldwide internal live event, "Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future," where Andrea Toucinho shared her vision and gave advice on how to improve women's inclusion with daily actions as well as corporate initiatives.
International Women's Day is a day of celebration, reflection, and action, we were honored to join in this year's celebration by taking part in a series of inspiring webinars led by our colleagues around the world. These sessions not only highlighted the challenges that women still face but also emphasized the power of partnerships and allyship in creating a more inclusive world.
In Latin America
We celebrated our partners by shining a light on about 30 startups run by women leaders. These startups included:
- Lady Driver (https://ladydriver.com.br/), with Gabryella Correa
- Blend Edu (https://www.blend-edu.com/), with Thalita Gelenske
- Boletao (https://www.boletao.com.br/), with Ariane Pelicioli
- Divibank (https://divibank.co/home), with Rebecca Fischer
- Bitz (https://www.bitz.com.br/), with Stéphanie Fleury
- Fortbrasil (https://fortbrasil.gupy.io/), with Juliana Freitas
- Diverssa, with Itala Herta
- Gestar (https://www.gestar.com.br/), with Lettycia Vidal
- D’ Black Bank (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dblackbank/about/), with Nina Silva
- Lady Bank (https://www.ladybank.com.br/), with Vanise Zimmer
- Poupay+ (https://poupaybank.com/), with Aline Rezende
- Linker (https://linker.com.br/), with Ingrid Barth
- Ensina Brasil (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ensina-brasil/), with Erica Butow
- Amyi (https://www.linkedin.com/company/amyi/), with Luciana Guidi and Larissa Mota
- We Payments (https://wepayments.com.br/en/), with Fernanda Zago
- Pitaia Bank (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitaiabank/), with Simone Abravanel
- PartYou (https://partyou.com.br/), with Thais Mellone
- Inti (https://www.linkedin.com/company/byinti/), with Nicolle Stad
- Uffa (https://www.uffa.com.vc/https://www.uffa.com.vc/), with Ana Paula Pisaneschi
- Geru (https://www.linkedin.com/company/geru/), with Karin Thies
- Oya Care (https://www.oya.care/), with Stephanie Toledo
- Culte (https://www.linkedin.com/company/agroculte/), with Bianca Carvalho
- Cobrefacil, with Emiliane Baldivia
- Pontte (https://pontte.com.br/), with Caroline Schulz
- Zippi (https://zippi.com.br/), with Ludmila Pontremolez
- Conta Black (https://contablack.com/), with Fernanda Ribeiro
- Safespace (https://safe.space/), with Giovanna Sasso, Natalie Zarzur and Rafaela Frankenthal
- Ulend (https://www.ulend.com.br/), with Beatriz Manzato
- Conube (https://www.conube.com.br/), with Tais Pinheiro
- Benfeitoria (https://www.linkedin.com/company/benfeitoria/), with Tati Leite
In Asia-Pacific
In our Singapore office, we had the privilege of welcoming Kim Underhill, a keynote speaker, certified executive coach, certified practitioner for NLP & Belbin Team roles, author, and co-founder of SHE BRILLIANCE. Through a hybrid intervention (both in-person and virtual), our colleagues in APAC were able to listen to and discuss the significance of establishing an equitable workplace for women.
Additionally, during a private sale of sewn products from the Sewing Mums, Ingenico's colleagues were able to show their support for mothers with chronic illnesses who earn a living through home-based sewing projects.
Our colleagues in China also joined the global celebration by hosting a series of events focused on gender equity and the role of Women in Technology. The day began with an 'Embracing Equity' workshop, to discuss strategies in promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace. Later on, Sylvie Vigier, our Head of Products and Solutions Security, led a discussion exploring both the challenges women face in the industry as well as highlighting the strengths and achievements women contribute.
In North America
Our North American colleagues also learnt ways we can continue to promote gender equality through a series of engaging and informative webinars. One about "From Sorority to Equity: Alliances That Make a Difference," urged us to cultivate partnerships that actively work towards gender equality. They highlighted the importance of understanding the current barriers and status quo, and shared essential tools for generating meaningful collaborations that can help us achieve our goal.
The second webinar that was just as inspiring, entitled "Women's History Month & Allyship." gave the opportunity to explore the rich history of women across North America and globally, and witness the remarkable progress they have made. The discussion around privilege and allyship was particularly impactful, as we learned about the power of being an ally and how we can all contribute to building a more inclusive world. The interactive nature of the session, powered by Slido, made it all the more engaging and uplifting.
In Eastern Europe and Middle East Africa
Colleagues from across the EMEA region came together to celebrate the 2023 International Women's Day. They marked the occasion by spreading the sign and anthem for this year's theme, "Embrace Equity". As part of the festivities, they had the opportunity to interview Paola Quarenghi, Chief Financial Officer at Ingenico in Italy.
During the interview, Paola Quarenghi reflected on her own professional journey and shared valuable advice for other women striving to succeed in their careers. She discussed the challenges she had faced along the way and how she overcame them, as well as the importance of setting clear goals and persisting in pursuing them.
Paola also emphasized the importance of having a strong support network, both personally and professionally. She encouraged women to seek out mentors and allies who can offer guidance and support, and to be willing to lend a hand to others as well.
International Women's Day
It starts with every one of us, as individual colleagues and key team members. Embracing equality, diversity and inclusion will lead us to a more equitable workplace for all. Watch our short video to learn more.
These events were a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and celebrating women's contributions to our organization and beyond.
Breaking Barriers and Celebrating Achievements: Progress and Hope in Achieving Gender Equality in STEM
Gender equality in STEM fields is an ongoing challenge, however we all have the opportunity to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. This includes providing support, allyship and mentorship opportunities for women in STEM, as well as celebrating their achievements and highlighting their contributions to the field, challenging gender stereotypes, drawing attention to bias, and seeking out inclusion.
By working together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workforce that benefits everyone and helps to drive innovation and progress.
[1] Source : Progress on the sustainable development goals, The gender snapchot 2022 – by the United Nations | Department of Economic and Social Affairs : https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/Progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-gender-snapshot-2022-en_0.pdf
