Women in Business
Women in O
ver the past couple of decades, the previously male dominated business and technology sectors have started to see a change
in their make-up. For more and more women, there is an awakening interest in economic matters, management, and the latest technologies.
This huge shift is apparent throughout society, starting at university level with the number of females now choosing to pursue science and business courses. More women are also now getting actively involved in entrepreneurship student clubs and technology associations, previously deemed the realm of geeky, strictly male individuals. And, most importantly,
this trend is
becoming visible at the highest levels of decision making in the country – in the technological and entrepreneurial aspects of politics, economics and commerce.
Technology has historically been
a great ally to women. With the introduction of machines and home appliances beginning with the vacuum cleaner, running a household was no longer a full time job, leading to a significant shift in social norms relating to the role of women in the household, the family and society as a whole.
Over the last few decades, the presence of women in the workplace has become less and less remarkable. As we make our way into the second decade of this century, what we are witnessing is a broadening in the range of careers women choose to pursue, with many more women entering the male-dominated realm of technology. Cambridge is an ideal viewpoint to observe the progression of women within business, and in particular in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors.
It is renowned hub of
an internationally entrepreneurial
activity, with its well-earned “Silicon Fen” title.
Entrepreneurship
The Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club (CUTEC) is a leading student-run organisation that seeks to nurture and enhance the entrepreneurial spirit amongst academics and students. Since its inception in 2003, the Executive Committee has been male-dominated, and led by male Presidents, until 2010 when Vivian Chan became its first female President. Since her election to the role, the number of women joining CUTEC has increased dramatically – could it be that women hunt in packs, or perhaps show greater empathy towards their fellow female co-workers, thus encouraging others to join when they are in a position of leadership?
That same year, Liz Williams joined the club, taking on the role of Technology Showcase lead – an exhibition and competition for promising and European start-ups as a focal point of the club’s annual flagship event, Technology Ventures Conference (TVC). In June 2011, despite a short time within the club, she was elected
43 entrepreneurcountry
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