June 2021 Female Tech Leaders Magazine

MARJAANA AURANEN - EIRA-TERESÁ JORET MARIÁNNÁ
Technology is a male-dominated field. How could the tech industry be more inclusive for
women?
Firstly we need more female owners and secondly a co-operation between female owners.
Thirdly: we need more campaigns aimed for young girls to promote the tech sector so that
they'll understand that they have all what it takes to succeed in the industry. That the skills
needed aren't based on a gender.
I see children's coding camps and game jams for teens etc. all as the foundation we are
building today for the future tech companies. Gender neutral upbringing and education will
eventually lead to more tech companies owned by women.
Are there any particular women in tech who have inspired you?
For me by far the most inspiring people in tech are the indigenous women, like Shyra
Barberstock, a founder of Okwaho International, a social network for indigenous
entrepreneurs. When small in numbers, or otherwise underdogs, we need these kinds of
places to team up.
Respect for her, not only for being a woman, but for being an indigenous woman: that is a
double glass ceiling to break.
What are some of the biggest challenges that women in the world of technology face
today?
If we don't take into account the obvious things like misogyny, male investors favouring maleowned
companies, lack of representation in leading roles etc. I would say the biggest
challenge is inside our heads: impostor syndrome is more common among women and
especially women of colour. We need to see our value and start trusting our skills!
Generalizing the problem: most of our job applications comes from the men who have just
graduated from the school and are clearly lacking all the skills needed for the job, but who, for
some weird reason, are sure they can handle a senior level challenge we are offering to them.
Whereas only a few applications comes from us women, and even with several years of
experience in the industry, we seem to struggle to praise ourselves and promote our skills.
We need to stop doing that.
What's your favourite quote?
"Äläpä hättäile, istu mättäälle" Basically it means that when in panic, sit down and relax.