B
y Carla Eid, @CarlaEid Global Head of Engagement at Microsoft Mobile
Love it or hate it, there’s no escaping technology in today’s world. But despite tech playing a vital and constantly evolving role in so many parts of our everyday lives, there’s still a lingering perception in many parts of the world that technology is mainly for men.
At Microsoft Mobile, formerly Nokia, we work hard to shift this perception. In part, this is done by creating innovative devices and solutions designed to make life easier and more fun for a range of people, regardless of gender.
Connects can be followed on Twitter at @Connects and the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s website is http://www.trust.org/.
It’s also done through partnering with other organisations that share the same philosophy towards enabling women, which is why we work closely with the Thomson Reuters Foundation @TR_Foundation– the philanthropic arm of the global news and information provider.
As part of this partnership, Microsoft Mobile supported the Trust Women Conference, held in December 2013 in London. The aim of the conference, run in conjunction with the International New York Times, was to trigger change across the globe by helping women to know and defend their rights. I spoke at the event about the role that tech and tech brands can play within this, stating the following:
“Our partnership with the Thomson Reuters Foundation is not about selling phones. It’s about continuing our work to develop technology that empowers women, all over the world. Working together with the Thomson Reuters Foundation we can celebrate women everywhere, and learn how, as a technology company, we can do more to empower women with our products.”
After speaking at the event I went on to develop the partnership with Thomson Reuters Foundation, launching the Thomson Reuters Foundation Photography Award earlier this year. The award invited aspiring photographers and photojournalists around the world to submit images capturing the many aspects of women’s empowerment around the world – including leadership, courage, passion, opportunity, innovation, and motherhood. It aimed to give enthusiastic and ambitious photographers an opportunity to use pictures to spark positive debate on women’s rights, and to help foster social change.
The award was won by Egyptian photojournalist Roger Anis for his body of work documenting the struggle of Egyptian women to assert their rights through a critical time in the nation’s history.
Microsoft Mobile’s commitment to women extends into all areas of its outreach – including the Connects programme. This community programme challenges industry stereotypes by its inclusive nature, treating participants as individuals and encouraging all to get involved as people – whether male or female. We have always been aware that technology is just as important to women as men and that for women, technology is a powerful enabler that helps them to fulfil their potential. Look no further to see this in action than with the many examples of women within the Connects community who are doing amazing things – innovatively and creatively – with technology
Community is about people – not about whether they’re male or female
Community is about people – not about whether they’re male or female – and that’s especially true of our Connects programme. It’s about celebrating people, their passions and their achievements. Our approach to empowering women is intrinsically tied in to this.” Technology can – and does – improve lives globally, for men and for women. Microsoft Mobile will carry on developing products that ensure this is the case.
But we are also committed to continuing the drive to enable and celebrate women everywhere through partnerships such as the one with Thomson Reuters Foundation and through working with communities like Connects to embed women’s voices into every part of our business.