Women@OOP-Meet-up: Voices, Visibility, and the Realities of Women in Tech

Host: Martina Meng

As part of our ongoing efforts to empower and support women in technology, we are excited to invite you to join us for an open and honest discussion about the realities of being a woman in tech.

This meet-up tackles a topic that remains as relevant as ever: why are women still underrepresented in our industry, and what can we do about it? Our two speakers will explore structural barriers and networking gaps, make the case for greater visibility of female role models, and share personal experiences—including the frustrating things women in tech are tired of hearing. Expect insights, candid perspectives, and possibly some swearing. The meetup is also a great opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network.

Note: This meet-up is free and can also be attended without an OOP-ticket. Everyone is welcome—regardless of gender.

Target Audience: everyone
Prerequisites: openness
Level: Introductory

All voices welcome - A case for gender quotas at tech conferences

Katrin Rabow (Business-Analystin & Qualitätsmanagerin)

Men dominate the IT world – we see this in our teams, at events, and on conference stages. Currently, we find around 20% women in the industry. At IT events and conferences, their share is often significantly lower, both among participants and as speakers. We often argue that women simply need to be more involved or better in what they do. But this perspective ignores the fact that men have been benefiting from networks that ensure visibility, career opportunities, and influence for years. Women, on the other hand, often lack access to these crucial resources.

In this talk, we'll not only explore why we all benefit from diverse teams. We'll also understand why women have so far been less well-connected and what structural and social barriers lay behind this. We'll recognize that equal opportunities don't happen automatically but must be actively created. 

A deliberately increased quota of women at conferences is just one of the steps to make female role models visible, strengthen networks and achieve true diversity and inclusion in the IT industry in the long term.

One of the Lads - Things I'm tired of Hearing about Women in Tech

Sophie Küster (Test Automation Engineer @ cronn GmbH)

I’m the odd-man-out. Or rather odd-woman-out, that’s the point. I’m a woman in tech. By the reactions I sometimes get to that simple statement, you’d think I had just said that I’m a talking dog or a flying monkey. Why is that? Why, after all these years of discussing, campaigning and fighting, are women still underrepresented in tech? What can we do to change that?

A lot has been said to answer these questions. Sometimes even clever, helpful, well thought out things! I do not want to add yet another version of “pay us as much as the men and treat us like human beings, please.” I am also very aware that, as a white cis woman, I’m speaking from a position of privilege. I wouldn’t want to assume I know what every woman, let alone every non-male in tech needs or wants.

But still, in the debate about diversity and inclusivity, people have also said a lot of things to us and about us women in tech that set my teeth on edge. I’d like to tell you, from my totally personal, flawed, and biased point of view about the things that I – as a woman in tech – do not want to hear any more about the problem with women in tech, from the well-meaning, the mansplaining and the pet peeves to the straight-up infuriating. There might be swearing.