TLA Black Women in Tech is launching a book filled with stories about 51 black women in the technology sector, giving young people access to the role models they might need to encourage them to pursue a tech career.
Once the book, The Voices in the Shadow is published, TLA Black Women in Tech aims to distribute 300 copies to schools in the UK and Ireland for free.
Flavilla Fongang, the founder of TLA Black Women in Tech, said: “I grew up without seeing any aspirational black women despite my mother. Moving to London, I saw more successful black people than in Paris.
“My ambition was elevated. We often only believe in what we see. Without improving representation, the less fortunate are often left with limited aspirations. So, I decided to create this book to revive hope. The voices in the shadow illuminate the voices of under-represented talented black women so that we can impact the present and the next generations.’’
A lack of visible and accessible role models is often cited as why young women don’t pursue technology careers. Some girls say they don’t choose tech subjects. After all, they think they are “too hard” and have misconceptions about the types of people who decide on tech careers because they don’t see other people like them involved in the sector.
But once girls quit science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects, they often regret it later, and young women would like to have more encouragement from women already in the sector.
There is also a lack of diversity in the UK’s tech sector. The BCS recently found that women account for 17% of IT specialists, and about 2% are from a Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British background.
TLA Black Women in Tech believes its book is part of the solution to these problems by helping make young people, and young black women in particular, aware of people like them in the industry and, therefore, potentially see a future for themselves in tech. Once the book is launched on 28 October 2021, during the UK’s black history month, TLA Black Women in Tech will distribute copies to 300 schools across the UK and Ireland, which should reach more than 120,000 students. The not-for-profit has also introduced a “pass it on” scheme, which means once a student has read the book, it will be passed on to someone else.
The project also hopes to reach those already in the workplace, those starting their tech career, and those not yet decided on their career path. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport is backing the project, and digital minister Caroline Dinenage said: “Children must know they can do anything in life, and books like The Voices in the Shadow can help them discover new role models and inspire them to aim for the stars. We are committed to working with the industry to create a more diverse tech sector, which is positive for society, makes good business sense, and helps ensure tech works for everyone.
