Women in Tech by JEMS is an event organised by JEMS, held annually, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of gender balance in the technology sector through the journeys of inspiring women.
In our second Women in Tech by JEMS episode, we brought together two key figures from the world of data and technology, Aurélie Beauval Chochoy, Chief Data Officer at ELIS, and Sylvie Roche, Director-General of CRIP. This evening provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of women's representation in the tech sector and the importance of inspiring young girls to pursue careers in these fields.
Aurélie shared her unconventional career path with us, having started in commerce and moved into data-related responsibilities. She detailed her current role at ELIS, where she heads up the data strategy for 30 countries, and particularly emphasised the importance of efficiency and customer satisfaction in data management. In doing so, she highlighted the challenges she faced in building this function within the company.
Sylvie Roche, General Director of CRIP, then addressed the importance of professional networks in supporting women in the tech sector and presented the role of the organisation she leads, which works to defend the interests of technological professions and encourage diversity in these fields. Sylvie also shared her personal experience as a woman heading an organisation dedicated to promoting technological innovation, while highlighting the need to increase the visibility of women leaders in these sectors.
Firstly, a shortage of female skills in tech: «For 15 years, there has been a downward curve... we are seeing fewer women getting involved in this sector.» Aurélie and Sylvie highlighted the decrease in the number of women in tech and the need to inspire vocations from a young age. The lack of women in technical roles, particularly in data-related professions, is a challenge facing the sector, and action is needed to reverse this trend.
Next, diverse but non-technical roles. «I'm not an engineering profile»: Aurélie emphasised that it is possible to succeed in technical roles without a traditional engineering background. Her own journey clearly shows that expertise in fields like management or commerce can lead to responsibilities in tech and data.
Finally, a glaring lack of visible female role models in tech. «We need to foster vocations among young girls… and this means showcasing women who are successful in these professions,» highlighted Sylvie Roche, emphasizing the importance for women to have inspiring figures to identify with. This allows for breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that a career in tech is possible, even for those who don't come from a technical background.
Our Women in Tech by JEMS #2 event highlighted important issues, such as the under-representation of women in technical professions, the lack of visible female role models, and the unconventional paths that can lead to careers in tech and data. It is clear that, despite the progress made, there is still much to be done to achieve real parity in this sector.
The challenge, therefore, is to transform these observations into opportunities for action. It is crucial to promote and share more stories like those of Aurélie Beauval Chochoy and Sylvie Roche, women who, through their skills and leadership, are redefining standards in the world of tech.
Furthermore, it is imperative to rethink how companies recruit, train and support female talent. Mentoring initiatives, continuous training, and dedicated support networks for women in tech can be amplified to create an environment where they can thrive. This is a strategic priority for all companies wishing to remain at the forefront of innovation. Embracing diversity, particularly through better integration of women, represents not only a social imperative but also an economic competitiveness issue. Diverse teams, including varied profiles in terms of both gender and background, are more innovative and resilient. The real challenge is to establish a cultural shift within companies, where women can find their place and plan for the long term.
Therefore, the discussion around women in tech doesn't stop at gender equality: it carries the seeds of a deeper transformation of the entire tech industry. By continuing to raise awareness and take action, events (like Women in Tech by JEMS) can truly shift the needle and shape the future of a sector where innovation is enhanced by diversity.
