ITS Türkiye President Esma Dilek also attended the session on "Women in Technology" of the National Informatics Congress, which was organized for the 38th time by the Turkish Informatics Association and held at the Information Technologies Authority with the theme of "Digital Economy in the New Normal" this year. Esma Dilek said, "Many competencies such as intelligence, curiosity, diligence, attention, dedication and responsibility that are necessary to be successful in technology and all other fields, regardless of gender, are more than available to women. When equal educational conditions and equal opportunities are provided, women will be in a more effective position." at the panel moderated by Zehra Öney, Founding President of the Women in Technology Association.
Referring to the fact that the number of women in business life is low in general and the rate of female employees in the technology sector is quite low not only in our country but also in the world, Dilek said, "The number of women is very insufficient, especially in senior decision-making managers, and this situation prevents the spread of positive discrimination. Although it has improved over the years, there is a shortage of women employees in the technology sector. Since the main reason for this is due to education, it is necessary to direct our young girls from earlier education levels to the field of technology. In addition, it is necessary to facilitate and encourage women's access to job opportunities in engineering, computer and mathematical fields and to increase their awareness in this field. For the future of the technology sector, it is important to focus on eliminating digital inequalities and developing digital competencies. In addition, the most important criterion for women is to have visible role models. For this reason, it would be positive to help women reach their full potential in the sector and to exemplify that they can come to the top titles in the career ladder in this field. If more women start working in technology and become leaders, other women can be given equal chances and solidarity. In this regard, we women have a lot of work to do."
Pointing out that the acceleration of industrialization and the provision of women's employment in the field of technology are of high importance for the development and economic future of our country, Dilek said, "In order for our country to hold on to the competition with other countries in the field of industrialization and industry and not to fall behind the age, it is essential to ensure equality between women and men in employment and education. For this, the public sector, private sector and non-governmental organizations in Türkiye have very important duties."
Dilek expressed her advice to women in her speech. Stating that women should first trust themselves and believe that they can succeed, Dilek concluded her words as follows "My most important advice to women is to trust and believe in themselves. Everything can be difficult for everyone. The important thing is to be determined for the difficult one, to work hard, to believe and to be able to take risks. A good career in this field, as in every field, is possible primarily by loving what we do and therefore being able to dedicate ourselves. First of all, I recommend that they be aware of themselves, know how much they can do what and how much, take their steps firmly, be open to developments and change, always compete with themselves and aim for the better."
