How to Attract Women to Tech? Jaana and Reelika Share Their Insights

While Estonia prides itself on its thriving tech industry, women make up only 25% of the ICT sector. The data center industry fares even worse, with a global average of just 8% female representation. How did Jaana Hanikat and Reelika Kont, who don't have traditional tech backgrounds, find themselves working in a data center? What strategies can attract more women to this "male-dominated" field, and why does it matter?

Jaana is the Head of Legal and Compliance at Greenergy Data Centers. This is her first foray into the tech world. "I oversee all legal aspects, audits, compliance etc.," she explains.

Reelika manages accounting and finance. "After 20 years as an accountant, I've worked across various sectors, but this is my first tech job," she says.

Both emphasize the lack of routine at GDC. "When even an accountant says there's no routine, you know it's something different," Reelika laughs. "Every day brings something new; you have to adapt, grow, and stay UpToDate," Jaana adds.

Not Quite Sure What to Expect

Although Jaana has always been tech-curious, she didn't dream of a tech career while growing up. She was lately drawn to the rapidly evolving legal landscape within technology. "It's fascinating to see how countries and companies create legal frameworks for tech. It was a chance to challenge myself: could I keep pace and contribute to this fast-changing world?" Jaana explains.

Reelika admits she didn't have a specific interest in tech also. She joined Greenergy Data Centers five years ago, during its very early stage. The opportunity to witness a company's growth from the ground up appealed to her.

However, Reelika confesses she didn't fully grasp what she was getting into. "I didn't really understand what a data center was, what server racks were, or how systems were set up. I've learned about those on the job," she says.

Jaana was in a similar position a year ago. "I applied for a standard legal role. It took a few months to understand where I was. Then I knew I'd made the right choice," she recalls.

Sometimes, she still has to ask "silly questions" to grasp the technical details. This brings a fresh perspective. "Coming from the outside of tech world, you see things differently. It prompts those with tech expertise to reconsider their approach and justify their methods," Jaana explains.

Looking back, both agree there's no need to be intimidated by tech. Initiative and critical thinking are key; the rest can be learned.

A Traditionally Male Field

Globally, women represent only 8% of the data center workforce. While Greenergy Data Centers has a better ratio, it's about more than just numbers. It's about understanding why women are underrepresented and how to change that.

"Our better ratio is the result of deliberate effort," Jaana says. Certain roles tend to attract women. Regardless of the environment, accountants are often women, and legal and compliance roles are typically female dominated.

"Women have always been more prevalent in some areas, but that doesn't mean tech is closed off elsewhere. We aim to build a diverse team and encourage women to apply for technical roles. Admittedly, you don't often see women installing servers into racks, but they excel in accounting and law," Jaana says.

Jaana is a bit petrol head in her free time, which explains her comfort in a male-dominated environment. "It's never felt like a 'man's world' to me. I've always worked with men. That's why I felt confident coming here," she says. Fun fact, Jaana did beat all the GDC men in an ice karting race few months ago.

A Balanced Team Fosters a Better Workplace

Why is it important to increase female representation in tech? Jaana and Reelika believe balance creates a better work environment. "A balanced gender ratio fosters a positive atmosphere, leading to better morale and job satisfaction. Women bring a sense of balance to male-dominated settings," Jaana believes.

"The atmosphere changes when women are present. Perhaps some colorful language is toned down, but more importantly, conversations become more balanced, and team cohesion strengthens," Reelika confirms.

The low number of women in tech is largely a shortcoming from education system. For the second year, GDC is hosting TalTech IT students for a data center tour. "We host visits from universities and high schools to showcase the role of data centers in the digital world," Jaana says.

While girls excel in STEM subjects in high school, far fewer pursue tech-related degrees in university.

"The most important thing is taking that first step. If you have the drive, just go for it. Treat it like any other job, don't overthink it," Jaana encourages.

There are also significant economic benefits. Tech offers competitive salaries. "We certainly don't see a pay gap here," Reelika, the accountant, adds.

In conclusion, there are excellent opportunities for women in tech. Being a woman can be a significant advantage in the application process. Companies are looking for proactive, open-minded individuals.