With women in tech representing just 19% of the workforce and 78% of tech directors typically male, it’s safe to say that the tech industry is largely male-dominated. Never one to follow the status quo, the trailblazers here at Solve are helping create a more diverse future with a techy team that’s over 75% female, with strong female minds smashing it at director level too.
From SEO, content and coordination to web design, graphics and management, our team consists of a network of talented, intelligent females that are proving themselves as solid role models to the next gen of techs.
The lack of females in the tech industry as a whole mirrors the trend across the SEO segment. The current ratio of men to women in SEO is just 3 to 1 in the UK according to a recent survey. With just under 25% of female workers, women are typically underrepresented in SEO.
Why Aren’t There More Women in Tech?
Across the tech industry as a whole, there are various barriers facing women which restrict them from reaching their full career potential. Issues such as pay inequality, lack of flexible working and fewer advancement prospects can all prove stumbling blocks for talented women trying to blaze a trail in the tech world.
According to a recent survey, 60% of women believed there was a gender pay gap in tech, and 22% were put off entering the industry as they thought there was a lack of opportunities to climb the ladder.
One of the reasons for the underrepresentation of women in tech jobs is the lack of female role models and mentors. When women don’t see others like them succeeding in the tech industry, it can be difficult to envision themselves in those positions. Without guidance and support from other women who have navigated the challenges of a male-dominated field, it can be daunting for aspiring female technologists to break into the industry.
Here at Solve we work towards creating inclusive and supportive environments that empower women to excel in their chosen field but, even as we step into 2024, many biases and discrimination still exist within the tech sector at large.
Women often face unconscious biases during job interviews and performance evaluations, which can hinder their career growth. Workplace cultures that perpetuate sexism and harassment can make it difficult for women to thrive in tech jobs. These barriers create a hostile environment that discourages women from entering or staying in the field.
In a recent survey, 50% of women considered things like flexible working important to them when applying for a new role – something that not all companies offer.
Similar studies have revealed that over half of women want to feel that their job is contributing to making the world a better place too, and so tech companies are being urged to do more to show how their businesses can be used as a force for good.
The Force is Strong with Solve
Solve’s ethics is one of the reasons why we’ve proved such a popular choice for these high-tech heroines.
We strongly believe that we can use our business to change the world for the better, rather than turning a profit at its expense. As one of the few B Corps in Cornwall, we consider our team, the community and the environment in all of our decisions, and having a positive impact on the world is part of our commercial objectives.
Work-life balance can be a significant challenge for women in SEO. Balancing demanding client deadlines and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends can be overwhelming. The pressure to constantly prove oneself and excel in a highly competitive environment can sometimes lead to burnout and mental health issues.
As a progressive, forward-thinking business, we offer our staff flexible hours and work-from-home opportunities. We’re an organisation that works collaboratively across functions, offering multiple opportunities for personal and professional development. To engage with the next generation of techs, we look out for young talent and are open to giving people a foot in the door in the industry. We offer work placements to students and quite often, jobs when they complete their studies.
Why are Women Important in Tech?
Studies show that as diversity increases so do profits. A more diverse management team means a more innovative approach and better financial performance. Women also think differently from men, bringing new perspectives to the boardroom, challenging opinions and refreshing ideas. Finally, more women in tech provide better role models for the next generation, encouraging younger females to study STEM subjects and progress into the tech industry.
There’s no doubt that the strong female minds at Solve are major contributors to our success. We’re known for our innovation, creativity and attention-to-detail. And this is down to a driven, collaborative team of diverse genders, ages, skills and experiences all bouncing off one another to create a balanced strategy for each and every client.
Solve’s Female Legends
So, let’s meet Solve’s women in tech role models and see what inspiring words they have for the tech industry’s next generation.
Nadine Harmer | Top Tech Company Director
Unstoppable, dedicated and our very own Superwoman! Nadine makes sure this well-oiled machine works as it should. Bringing a diverse range of skills from HR and accounting to personal well-being and development, Nadine is a vital member of the team. She looks after the management of the business and the team too.
“We don’t choose new team members by age or gender, but by their beautiful brains and personalities. The skills you need to succeed in this industry are not limited to either, male or female. It’s about how you use your own interests and turn them into skills.”
Lucy Czunys | SEO Project Coordinator
Lucy’s sharp eyes and excellent teamwork skills keep the projects on track and running smoothly. Previously working on an ESF and Big Lottery-funded project, Lucy has 3 years experience of in project support, jumping straight in with an eagerness to learn and get involved!
“
Francesca Hume | Online Optimisation Specialist
Francesca’s BSc Criminology degree provides her with the detective skills needed to ensure no detail is missed when investigating solutions to your SEO needs. A self-confessed stats geek, her analytical approach ensures she can identify the formula required to drive your online presence to new heights. Ches currently manages the SEO team to ensure a smooth process for all SEO clients.
“Try different things and don’t write things off by assuming that you wouldn’t enjoy them. If possible, get experience in different fields to discover what does and doesn’t work for you.”
Anna Nersveen | SEO Account Manager
Anna’s experience in crafting, optimising, and scaling with a mix of SEO and Paid Search campaigns helps to generate leads, boost conversions, and fuel business growth for our clients. Anna’s driving force is her commitment to perpetual learning and curiosity to drive progress while possessing a unique blend of technical expertise and creativity
“Navigating the tech industry as a woman is like being a unicorn in a field of horses—rare, a bit magical, and occasionally questioned on whether I’m actually real. I’ve had moments where my skills were as underestimated as a squirrel’s ability to water ski.
However, working at Solve is like suddenly finding yourself in a tech version of Wonderland, where the coffee is always hot, the code compiles on the first try, and the meetings have a mysterious way of being both productive and, dare I say, enjoyable. The support to innovate feels like being given a lightsaber to navigate the tech jungle—exciting, slightly dangerous, but utterly empowering“
Claire Ray | Optimised Content Writer and Digital PR
Claire is a published writer, with a BA honours degree in communication and almost a decade of experience in marketing for a multi-million-pound luxury travel company. She’s got some great industry connections and works tirelessly to secure press articles in major publications, as well as content writing for sites and creating thought-provoking, top-ranking pieces for blogs.
“Technology doesn’t distinguish between gender, race or class. I like to think that technology enables everyone to have a voice and the possibilities in the tech space are endless. I’m privileged to feel that being a woman hasn’t particularly held me back in the SEO industry, thanks to caring, respectful and supportive bosses and clients. I was promoted relatively quickly within the companies I’ve worked for and always felt listened to with the support I needed to do a good job. I am extremely thankful for that as I know it’s not always the case for women in tech.”
Jadine Hocking | Content Writer and Social Media
Jadine knows a little bit about a lot! She began her writing career freelancing in the health and well-being niche and has self-published multiple poetry books; she enjoys evoking strong emotions through her creations. She believes variety is the spice of life and likes to have a few projects on the go, including studying web design in her free time
“Technology amplifies your creativity. It allows you to work smarter, not harder and bring your visions to life. Embrace the latest advancements, infuse with your natural talents and watch your projects skyrocket!”
Marie Brown | Head of Design
Marie has 16 years of experience working as a designer, with the last four years managing and growing design teams. She is passionate about great design output across the team ensuring creative processes are at their best for our clients and the development of our designers
“Have confidence in yourself, skills and experience to progress and put yourself forward for the next role. As women we are sometimes not as confident to present ourselves for a promotion or pay rise, but find a company that supports you as an individual for a career doing something you love!“
Vicki Rafferty | Web Developer/Designer
As a web geek through and through, Vicki is always on the lookout for new development technologies and design techniques. She makes beautiful, unique websites to help local businesses thrive.
“Working in technology offers women endless possibilities from creative to logical jobs- if you’re passionate about the tech industry, find an employer like Solve who helps you to develop, learn and grow“
Sofie Todal | Web Developer/Designer
As a newly graduated graphic designer, Sofie is always looking to stay on top of design trends and loves exploring unique, colourful and fun design concepts. Her ultimate goal is to create designs that inspire and leave a lasting impact.
“I am really excited about the growth of women in tech; I think it brings a fresh perspective to the rapidly evolving industry that’s shaping our future. It’s given me the ability to dive into my own creativity and bring my visions and ideas to the world.”
Stay Tuned for More Inspiration
Subscribe to our blog today to follow the rest of our Women in Tech series where we’ll share interviews and more words of wisdom from Solve’s female legends.
