CGI, one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, hosted internationally renowned Professor Maura McAdam at their new Belfast office premises earlier this week to mark International Woman’s Day which takes place on Saturday, 8 March.
Following an insightful talk based on this year’s theme of ‘Accelerate Action,’ Professor McAdam participated in a fireside chat with both male and female CGI staff members in attendance.
Internationally renowned, Professor McAdam is a trailblazer in the field of Women’s entrepreneurship, having dedicated over two decades to exploring the intricate interplay of gender and diversity in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour.
The event marks the first official CGI Women’s Network event at CGI’s new Belfast city centre premises, located within the Kelvin building. The team of 40 staff members based within Northern Ireland operate under a hybrid working pattern and have a range of part-time working patterns available.
Such measures, alongside CGI’s commitment to pay equality amongst male and female staff members, are part of the company’s key objectives in ensuring diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace, important factors which will help narrow the gender gap within the technology sector in Northern Ireland which currently stands at just 23 per cent female.
This is something the team in Belfast are passionate about, with Michelle Sherrard, Director of Consulting Services at CGI stating: “Pay equality is extremely important when it comes to discussing gender equality. We have to bridge the gender pay gap and CGI is making huge advancements in getting pay equality right and will continue to strive towards this.
“For CGI as an employer we have a responsibility to ensure we have an office environment which is inclusive, open and encouraging. This is important for recruitment with the terms and conditionsoffering part-time and term-time options for people with young children as well as caring responsibilities.I myself started at CGI on a part-time basis. At CGI wetruly recognise how important it is to offer these different ways of working in order to accelerate and encourage more women to join the business.”
Professor McAdam gave her insights followed by a fireside chat at CGI, Belfast, to mark International Women's Day
At CGI, which also empowers women at work through the Women’s Network, women make up approximately 35 per cent of the global workforce - well above the Northern Ireland average of just 23 per cent. Additionally, 44 per cent of CGI’s global presidents and 40 per cent of its Board are women, reflecting the company’s strong commitment to gender diversity in leadership.
“CGI recognises the importance of getting out into the community and connecting with girls in schools at a grassroots level, so they gain their passion for STEM in school which follows into their career path. There is a myriad of opportunities in STEMwhich is why we are taking partin the CyberFirstEmPower Girls event in partnership with Aflac NI this year. This is an extremely important opportunity to encourage young girls into STEM and one which CGI is particularly proud to support.”
Addressing ‘bro culture’ and ‘masculine energy’in the workplace, following comments made by Mark Zuckerberg during a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast recently, Professor McAdam explains this is both a cultural phenomenon and a stereotype. “We have to be very careful because stereotypes can be reinforced and when they are, individuals who do not fit that stereotype can become alienated and excluded”comments Professor McAdam.
“More importantly, my recent research has shown that men do not like this stereotype either.This is really important as stereotypes give an idea that one size fits all, but one size does not fit all – this is the important message.”
In terms of dismantling stereotypes, Professor McAdam states: “We need to look at the language we use; we need to look at the representations of entrepreneurs, employees and leaders that we put forward; and also think about how we can put forward alternative representations, showing there are other ways to be a successful leader, an employee and entrepreneur.”
The event marked International Women's Day on March 8
Beyond the workplace, research has shown that a common feature of successful women in IT, leadership positions and entrepreneurs is the presence of a strong father figure.
“There is research to show this is all about self-efficacyand the belief that ‘I can do this’ which stems from a father figure who shows strong support and encouragement. This is why having male allies is vital, not just in the workplace, but growing up with supportive fathers or a supportive husband.”
This is something Michelle has first-hand experience of, revealing: “My father believed I could do anything and was a strong supporter of me with everything, from my subject choices at school to buying me my first computer when I showed an interest in IT. This truly encouraged my passion for coding and captured my lifelong interest in the subject.”
Michelle’s interest was further reinforced with an inspiring IT teacher at school: “I agree with Professor McAdam’s comments, if you have got support at home as well as at school and later in the workplace, this is vital. Self-efficacy needs to start from a young agein order to instil in young girls that they can achieve anything.”
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a societal issue, says Professor McAdam. “When we talk about male allies, it is not just that they are ‘helping’ women, they are helping to build a more fair and inclusive society for everyone. It also makes good business sense in terms of great ideas, diversity of thought and equitable representation.”
To find out more about CGI, including Tech Trailblazers, interviews and career opportunities, visit: syncni.com/company/CGI
Michelle Sherrard, Director of Consulting Services at CGI
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