Now that I can reflect and analyse the path to be here after organising the first Women in MACH event in Alma Sensai Madrid, I have mixed feelings. When Markus Tillmann began to talk to us about the idea he had in mind a year ago, we started to think about it and define the concept, content and, above all, what we wanted the purpose of this event to be (his reflection makes me proud to have colleagues like him).
The idea was to do something, to create a change or a movement and not just have another event to talk about diversity, equality and inclusion. It is enriching to listen to inspiring women who share the good and bad experiences they faced throughout their careers.
Still, we also wanted action. It had to be a forum to share, do something, take concrete action, and make a real commitment. Leoni Janssen‘s initiative to work on a global manifesto and commit ourselves to following it made a difference at this event.
During the two days of ‘Women in MACH’, I was lucky to meet many women who are passionate about what they do. I think the energy and the conversations were incredible. But for me, the event was bittersweet because it made me realise I was wrong. I thought we were closer to the end of the road. This has only shown how far we still have to go.
I realised that only a minimum number of men understood that this is not only women’s responsibility but also involves them. It is something we must do together.
One of the conclusions I take away from this meeting is that change has to start with us, but at the same time, it has to be a shared responsibility between men and women.
What do I mean by change starting with us? We must take advantage of our position and level to make the problem visible and make more people aware of following our steps. As Krithika Ganesamoorthi said – “Just because you are fine doesn’t mean there is no problem”.
Women at certain levels or sectors are responsible for giving visibility, making noise, and showing that we are here and that you can do it, that you don’t have to accept “you can’t”. We have to inspire others to follow their path because, as my friend Patricia Galán de Castro says – “We can’t be what we can’t see”. Girls must see that they can play soccer, that they can like technology and that they can become CEOs. And for that, their environment must also be aware that it is responsible for pushing and supporting them.
For all the above reasons, both women AND men must realise that this is not just a “women’s thing” or something that’s only an issue in tech. No, sorry. If you are reading this and have not realised it until now, I will tell you now that it is also your responsibility.
It is not that one person changes the world. We need to make that small change that is in our hands. It might be as simple as supporting initiatives affecting your sister, wife, friend, and daughter. And it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. What is essential is that we do it together. That is vital.
This event has made me grow as a person. It has made me realise that no matter the culture, the country, or the sector, the way hasn’t always been easy. We share many fears and experiences, which make us realise that we are not alone. It has given me the strength to write this post and to believe that I have and want to say something that has value.
I believe initiatives like “Women in MACH” add to all those small changes that are making the world move forward.
Author
Carmen Cantero
Country Manager, Spain
