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Introduction
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the field of technology has emerged as a critical sector with immense growth potential. However, the significant gender gap in these industries remains a formidable challenge. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Report for 2023, women in STEM, and especially in the Technology, Information and Media industry, continue to occupy a small percentage – 23.4% for women versus 43.6% for men. These figures highlight the need for increased diversity and representation in the domain.
We explore the experiences and insights of Ainul Mardhiyyah, 26, a Woman in Tech, content creator and diversity champion as she shares her personal journey, challenges, achievements, and advice for aspiring women in tech and cybersecurity.
Ainul’s Background
Ainul introduces herself as a backend developer in the cybersecurity field at IBM, acknowledging that her path is relatively new. Ainul enthusiastically shares, "I'm constantly learning and having a lot of fun!" In her day-to-day experiences at work, she explains, she finds joy in continuously learning about different systems, software development, and the complexities inherent in the cybersecurity domain.
Alongside her professional endeavours, Ainul is actively involved in the tech community as a content creator, constantly advocating for better diversity and representation through her social media platform, AinLovesCode. You can check out some of the impressive work that she does on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and also Youtube.
The Gender Gap in Cybersecurity
Through her experiences and insights, Ainul helps to shed light on the gender gap issue in cybersecurity. Reflecting on the glaring WEF gender gap statistics mentioned above, Ainul acknowledges the stark reality, stating, "There is a lack in diversity and representation of girls and women in cybersecurity. It's a long-standing challenge that we need to address collectively."
Delving deeper into the challenges faced by aspiring women in the field, Ainul attributes the lack of diversity and representation to multiple factors, including the scarcity of role models and the perception of technical careers as primarily masculine. She emphasises the importance of fostering more female role models and a supportive ecosystem to propel more women to pursue careers in this domain.
Overcoming Challenges
Ainul has faced significant challenges during her journey, one of which was the lack of female representation among tech influencers, especially in Southeast Asia. This observation inspired her to take action. Determined to address these issues, she leveraged social media to establish her own brand, AinLovesCode, where she documents her unbridled tech journey.
As Ainul grew more proficient in the tech field, so did her platform. Her journey from a novice to a knowledgeable figure in the tech industry is mirrored in the evolution of her social media channels. Initially starting from zero, her platform now serves as a testament to her growth and expertise.
Through her platform, Ainul provides valuable insights and guidance, showcasing not only her personal growth but also the growth of her audience. As she continues to navigate the tech industry, her platform remains a dynamic reflection of her journey, inspiring others to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles in the field of technology.
The Path Forward
Ainul is optimistic about the increasing interest and participation of girls and women in tech, including cybersecurity. She notes a significant rise in initiatives and organisations dedicated to supporting women in tech fields.
Among these organisations are The Codette Project, Women Who Code Singapore, and Girls in Tech SG, all of which are actively working to promote gender diversity in tech. Ainul also highlights the importance of government support in this regard. She praises Singapore's initiatives, such as the recent Budget 2024 announcement of more SkillsFuture funding for mid-career switchers, which she believes is a positive step towards closing the gender gap in tech.
While these advancements are encouraging, Ainul acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in achieving a more balanced gender distribution in tech. She emphasises the need for continued support, mentorship, and advocacy to create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Professional Achievements and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Ainul reflects on her journey with pride, highlighting one significant achievement out of many. She is particularly proud of her use of social media to collaborate with Singapore's government agencies and tech training providers. Through these partnerships, she has been able to showcase her passion for tech and her desire to make opportunities in the field more accessible to others. These collaborations with well-known entities have not only bolstered her confidence but also served as a reminder of her capabilities, especially during moments of doubt or imposter syndrome.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Tech and Cybersecurity
Ainul's journey has taught her valuable lessons that she eagerly shares with others, especially women and minorities aspiring to break into the tech industry. According to Ainul, waiting for external changes to occur can be a lengthy process, and it's more empowering to take action oneself. She advises, "If you are a woman or minority woman who wants to break into tech, don't let the lack of knowledge stop you and don't let the lack of diversity and representation stop you."
She believes that waiting for someone else to change the status quo could take forever. Instead, she encourages taking the initiative despite having fears and anxieties. Ainul firmly believes that with hard work and proper strategy, success is attainable.
Ainul also emphasises the importance of confidence and initiative, especially for minority women in the tech industry. She underscores the need to advocate for oneself and seize opportunities, as many non-minorities do. Despite challenges like imposter syndrome and a lack of representation, she urges against letting these factors hinder progress.
"Being a minority woman, you have to be confident. You have to take initiative. And you have to really advocate for yourself and your own group and your own opportunities," Ainul asserts. She acknowledges that it can be daunting, especially when faced with low confidence and limited representation. However, she believes that dwelling on factors beyond one's control only hinders progress.
Conclusion
Ainul's journey serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to pursue tech and cybersecurity careers. Her experiences shed light on the challenges faced, the importance of support systems, and the power of personal initiatives in shaping one's career path. By sharing her insights, Ainul hopes to empower women and nurture a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
As more women break barriers and find success in tech and cybersecurity, the industry will benefit from a wealth of diverse perspectives and ideas. It is essential for organisations, educational institutions, and society as a whole to foster an environment that encourages and supports women's participation in these fields. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
