Taiwan Internet Governance Forum 2018: TechGIRLS

“If we can speak up for women today, we can further support other minority groups in future.”

Last year at the Taiwan Internet Governance Forum 2017, we launched TechGIRLs, where we exchanged our life, career, and schooling experience. We all agreed that women in Taiwan enjoy more rights and are more blessed than women in many other countries. But after I attended the Women in ICT session in APNIC 44 and APRICOT 2018, I found there are some differences in Taiwan and other countries, and these problems exist in the whole world. After reviewing ISACA Survey Identifies Five Biggest Barriers Faced by Women in Tech, I agree these are barriers for women, not just in Taiwan, but all over the world:

1. Lack of mentors
2. Lack of female role models in the field
3. Gender bias in the workplace
4. Unequal growth opportunities compared to men
5. Unequal pay for the same skills

During the preparation for the Taiwan Internet Governance Forum 2018, I proposed that we discuss these issues in an independent session. We discussed 4 questions:

1. How to encourage women in Taiwan to work in ICT-related industries or start their own businesses.
2. How to encourage women to speak Continue reading