Women in PM Leadership

Authors: Mei Lin, USA- North America; Aneta Wereszczak, Poland - Europe; Yohara Salinas, Panama- Latin America; Vrushali Bhagwat, India - Asia; Alice Hellen Owora - Africa; Alejandra Nazar Kafaty (Mentor), Honduras- Latin America. 

Abstract 

Image generated by AI ( Gemini) 

Original Article

This article explores diversity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, spanning continents and demographics. From gender empowerment initiatives to the inclusivity challenges faced by generations, differently-abled individuals worldwide, it underscores the need for comprehensive DE&I strategies. By advocating for gender equity, generational inclusivity, and accessibility enhancements, we can unlock AI's potential for positive societal change, fostering a future where everyone thrives. 

Introduction 

Imagine a world where machines not only think but also understand emotions, where computer programs not only solve problems but also empathize with people. Welcome to the cutting-edge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where science fiction becomes reality, and big changes are on the horizon. 

In today's fast-changing tech world, AI is seen as a game-changer, ready to shake up industries, reshape societies, and change the way we live. But as we get excited about AI's potential, we can't ignore an important issue: making sure AI is fair and inclusive for everyone. 

As technology keeps moving forward, different parts of the world face their own unique challenges and chances to promote fairness and inclusion in AI. Our journey isn't just about tech skills; it's also about making sure everyone is treated fairly and has a voice.

Come along as we explore the world of diversity in AI, looking at real-life examples from different continents. Together, we'll find a way to make sure AI isn't just smart but also fair, inclusive, and celebrates the rich diversity of our global family. 

AI and Gender Diversity 

In Africa, the gender gap in the AI workforce remains stark, with women significantly underrepresented in STEM fields and AI-related industries. Reports from Research ICT Africa (RIA) and the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) shed light on this disparity, urging for greater representation and research on how AI impacts women. Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, emphasizes the urgent need for more women in AI leadership roles to harness its potential for inclusive development. 

Across Asia and Europe, initiatives like AI4Women and the #SheHealth Initiative is empowering women to enter and thrive in the AI sector. However, challenges persist, including wage inequality and the lack of diversity among AI developers. European policies focus on promoting gender equality in STEM fields, while India's establishment of Centers of Excellence for AI aims to address gender disparities in critical application sectors. 

In North America, the underrepresentation of women in AI research and software development underscores the need for dynamic regulatory frameworks that prioritize diversity and inclusion. Ethical concerns surrounding bias mitigation and privacy protection are crucial for promoting gender-sensitive AI outcomes and fostering an inclusive AI ecosystem. 

AI and Generational Diversity 

The coexistence of digital natives and all generations poses both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption. 

Africa's young and growing population presents a unique opportunity for AI empowerment, yet challenges such as the digital divide between generations must be addressed to ensure equal access and participation in the digital economy. 

In Asia, the coexistence of digital natives and all generations highlights both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption. Initiatives aim to leverage diverse age groups' expertise and perspectives for inclusive AI initiatives and societal development. 

All continents recognize the importance of tailoring AI systems to be accessible and inclusive across all age groups, emphasizing the need to address the varying ways generational groups interact with and are impacted by AI. 

AI and Accessibility for Differently Abled Individuals 

Across continents, AI-based assistive technologies hold promise for enhancing accessibility and inclusion for differently-abled individuals.

In Africa, AI-based assistive technologies hold promise for enhancing accessibility and inclusion for differently-abled individuals. However, challenges such as inadequate data, funding, and policy support hinder their development and adoption. 

Across Asia and Latin America, successful AI initiatives like Project Mudra and AI for Everyone are improving accessibility and empowerment for differently-abled individuals across various sectors. Democratizing access to AI is crucial for ensuring that these benefits reach all individuals, regardless of their abilities or geographic location. 

In North America, ethical considerations in AI development are paramount for promoting inclusivity and accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Ensuring that AI systems enhance human well-being and respect individual privacy and rights is essential for building a more inclusive AI ecosystem. 

Promoting Ethical Diversity from Latin America 

Latin America contributes to the AI discourse by emphasizing the importance of ethical diversity in AI development. Initiatives such as AI for Good Latin America focus on harnessing AI for social good, promoting diversity, and ensuring ethical AI practices. By incorporating diverse perspectives from Latin America, AI initiatives can address region-specific challenges and foster inclusivity on a global scale. 

As we navigate the complexities of AI development and deployment, it's imperative to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion at every stage. By harnessing the full spectrum of talent, perspectives, and experiences, we can unlock the true potential of AI to drive positive social change and create a more equitable and inclusive future for all. 

Case studies and examples from diverse continents provide invaluable resources for understanding and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the creation and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

AI Watch: European Landscape on the Use of AI by the Public Sector 

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has conducted a study on the use of AI in public services, providing an overview of the status of AI implementation in Europe. The findings highlight that the use of AI by public administrations is growing, and the diffusion of AI remains unequal. The report suggests that policymakers should consider ensuring the right balance between public and private sector expertise and capacity, enhancing data governance, and risk mitigation to advance. 

Regulating AI in Europe: Four Problems and Four Solutions 

This paper, published by the Adalovelace Institute, critiques the European Union's AI Act and suggests solutions to its flaws. The paper highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to risk assessment, considering impacts on groups and society as a whole, and not just risks to individuals and their rights.

Conducting a DEI Assessment in Asia Pacific 

Zuellig Pharma is a healthcare solutions company covering 16 markets across Asia, with the mission of making healthcare more accessible to the communities it serves. The successful conclusion of the DEI assessment highlighted that Zuellig Pharma had a strong foundation for further developing its DEI program, and it helped the company understand the gaps and challenges. Through the DEI assessment, offices across 13 geographies were able to identify contextually and culturally specific priorities, and the internal regional assessment allowed teams from different countries to engage on similar goals related to DEI. 

The DE&I Landscape In India Inc: Bridging The Gap Between Rhetoric And Reality The report comprises details on how DE&I practices are maturing from nice-to-have social initiatives to strategic business imperatives that need to be embedded in the organizational culture & values and become an integral part of the day-to-day functioning of businesses. 

Shaping the Future: Indigenous Voices Reshaping Artificial Intelligence in Latin America | LinkedIn 

This article is based on the study “Inteligencia artificial centrada en los pueblos indígenas: perspectivas desde América Latina y el Caribe” - available in Spanish at the UNESCO digital library. This study addresses the potential of indigenous identities, the importance of bias and knowledge invalidation, and strategies to execute inclusive projects. 

What should we do to promote DE&I? 

As project manager leaders in the global community, navigating the AI era with a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DE&IBA) needs proactive and strategic actions. To foster an environment where future generations can thrive and ensure that the AI landscape is equitable and inclusive, the following call to action is proposed: 

1. Addressing Gender Bias in AI and Tech Fields: 

● Advocate for gender diversity in AI and tech fields through educational initiatives and equitable hiring practices. 

● Implement transparent salary policies and leadership programs targeted at women in tech to address wage gaps and career advancement barriers. 

● Encourage the creation of AI development teams with diverse members to mitigate AI bias and promote gender equity in AI design. 

● Leverage AI tools to analyze and rectify disparities within organizations, collaborating to develop comprehensive AI ethics guidelines that prioritize gender equity. 

2. Ensuring Generational Inclusivity in AI Design: 

● Involve all generations in the testing phase of AI products to ensure their needs are met and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all age groups. 

● Advocate for the inclusion of all age groups in AI development teams to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the design process.

● Design AI-driven applications and services that cater to the usability preferences and requirements of all users, fostering a multigenerational tech community. 

● Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration between different generations to advance inclusive AI solutions that address the needs of all individuals. 

3. Enhancing Accessibility for Differently Abled Individuals: 

● Invest in the development of AI tools and accessible solutions for persons with disabilities, bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity. 

● Volunteer to equip all generations with digital literacy skills and ensure technology is accessible to all, promoting ethical diversity and inclusion in AI development. 

Conclusion 

By taking proactive steps to address gender, generational, and accessibility challenges in AI, we can pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. It's up to leaders, innovators, and advocates across industries and borders to champion these changes, ensuring that the AI era is marked by progress that benefits everyone, irrespective of gender, age, or ability. Together, let's harness the power of diversity in AI to drive positive social change and create a better world for all. 

Be Bold in embracing AI, not as a distant marvel but as a canvas for innovation within your grasp. This journey has shown us that the realm of AI is not reserved for the tech elite but is an open field where every curious mind can sow seeds of change. Whether you're a project manager, an educator, or a creative soul, the time is ripe to stake your claim in the AI revolution, to shape it with the contours of your vision and values. 

Be Respectful of the diversity that surrounds us, recognizing that the true strength of AI lies in its ability to mirror the rich tapestry of human experience. As we navigate the complex waters of DE&I biases, let us steer our AI endeavors with a compass calibrated to equity and inclusion. By infusing AI with a deep respect for all voices and perspectives, we transform it from mere technology into a beacon of progress that honors our collective humanity. 

Be Agile in your AI learning journey, embodying the spirit of exploration that has guided adventurers and innovators through the ages. In a landscape that evolves with the speed of thought, agility is your most trusted ally. Embrace the cycle of learning, experimenting, and sharing, for in the realm of AI, every mistake is a stepping stone and every achievement a beacon for others. 

Finally, embrace community connections to shape a more equitable AI future. Our values, "We PowerUP," "Being good enough is amazing," and "Together we rise," underscore the strength of

unity, the celebration of diversity, and the power of collaboration. Together, we can drive meaningful change in the AI landscape, ensuring opportunities for all, regardless of gender, generation, abilities or background. Let's embody these values as we promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, propelling us towards a future where everyone thrives.

About the Authors: ( L- R) 

Mei Lin, USA- North America 

Aneta Wereszczak, Poland - Europe 

Yohara Salinas, Panama- Latin America 

Vrushali Bhagwat, India - Asia 

Alice Hellen Owora - Africa 

Alejandra Nazar Kafaty ( Mentor) , Honduras- Latin America 

Reference 

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● Artificial Intelligence Has a Racial and Gender Bias Problem | TIME 

● Why we must act now to close the digital gender gap in AI | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) 

● The three challenges of AI regulation | Brookings 

● The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year | McKinsey 

● Challenges to U.S. National Security and Competitiveness Posed by AI | RAND ● 2021-10-04 US China AI Competition Factors.pdf (af.edu) 

● Researchers Identify 6 Challenges Humans Face with Artificial Intelligence | University of Central Florida News (ucf.edu) 

● The AI Generation Gap: Millennials Embrace AI, Boomers Are Skeptical | PCMag ● Gender biases in AI and emerging technologies | UNESCO 

● There’s More to AI Bias Than Biased Data, NIST Report Highlights | NIST 

● Research shows AI is often biased. Here's how to make algorithms work for all of us | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) 

● Bias Mitigation in Generative AI - Analytics Vidhya

● Addressing Gender Bias to Achieve Ethical AI | IPI Global Observatory 

(theglobalobservatory.org) 

● Influence 100 Insights 2023, AI, Future Challenges, Diversity & ESG (provokemedia.com) ● Researching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Field of AI - Partnership on AI ● How to Achieve Better DE&I in Staffing Using AI | The Staffing Stream 

● 8 DEI Challenges Leaders Face (and How to Solve Them) | Quantive 

● How HR Can Harness AI to Advance DE&I - Hunt Scanlon Media 

● Human cognitive biases present in Artificial Intelligence | Riev, International Journal on Basque Studies (eusko-ikaskuntza.eus) 

● (1) DE&I and Generative AI Bias | LinkedIn 

● responsible-ai-idc.pdf (awsstatic.com) 

● Empowering responsible AI practices | Microsoft AI 

● Google AI Principles – Google AI 

● Mckinsey Podcast on achieving gender parity in Asia 

● Paper on semi-systematic literature review of the guidelines regarding DEI in AI ● IndiaAI 2023: Expert Group Report – First Edition 

● AI Implications for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - Article by Rohini Anand PhD Strategic DEI Advisor 

● how AI is already transforming DEI - BY AMIRA BARGER 

● Article on AI Brings Opportunities And Risks To Workplace DEI Efforts by Rebekah Bastian ● UNESCO: How generative AI is reshaping education in Asia-Pacific 

● 5 ways Asia-Pacific economies can operationalize AI to unlock economic opportunity ● Racing toward the future: artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia 

● Artificial intelligence and gender equality: key findings of UNESCO's Global Dialogue ● Governing AI in Africa: Policy frameworks for a new frontier - Microsoft On the Issues ● https://cipit.strathmore.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Artificial-Intelligence-Labour-Gender-Gap -copy-1-1.pdf

PMI CEO & President, Mr. Sunil Prashara, send us recently an email mentioning the launch of Diversity and Inclusion steering committee and his concern about low female participation among PMI Board of Directors candidates.

I appreciate and share his concern so, that I’ve been studying gender diversity in project management, both within the framework of my Doctoral Thesis, investigating Female Leadership in Project Management in Argentina, since 2016, and also from the PMI Buenos Aires Chapter’s Community of Interest in Female Leadership, of which I am founder and leader since 2018.

At our Community of Interest, we carry out an investigation to find out the representation of women of the PMI Chapters of Latin America, regarding percentage of women among Chapter’s members, Chapter’s PMP® holders, Chapter’s Board of Directors members and Chapter’s President.

This study showed that, in 2019, only 28% of Chapters members and 26% of the Chapters PMP® credential holders were women; 37% of the Chapters Board of Directors members were women but only 22% of the Chapters have Female President.

In contrast to this very low representation, we are proud to say that the 100% of the 3 Region Mentors in Latin America are women!

I had the opportunity to present this research at various congresses and conferences, including PMI North America LIM in Philadelphia, last October 2019.  This year we are repeating the study to see the evolution of female participation.

Additionally, this year we are also researching the percentage of women in leadership roles and, especially, as project managers, in organizations and state agencies as well as the diversity programs they are carrying out in Latin America. As soon as we have that information, we will share it with the community.

On the other hand, investigating the history of the PMI, we can mention that:

• Among its 5 founders, James Snyder, Eric Jenett, Gordon Davis, Ned Engman and Susan Gallagher, there was only one 1 woman.

• Among the 51 Chairs of the PMI Board of Directors from 1969 to now, only 8 have been women.

• All three PMI CEOs since 1996 are men.

The good news is that the current BoD, even though it’s chaired by a male, is represented in a 50% by women.

Perhaps, all the above data explains the reason to have only one female candidate for Board of Directors this year, and that’s why I appreciate so much Sunil's posting and concern.

From the PMI Buenos Aires Chapter, we are conducting awareness, promotion and professional development sessions for women, as well as a mentoring program with the aim of reversing this unbalanced reality and achieving greater diversity, with the benefits it entails.

The purpose of our community is to achieve a more diverse profession, with fewer biases, stereotypes and barriers, with more opportunities for women in project management.

Thank you very much, Sunil, for opening this dialogue!

#WomenLeaders #WomenInProjectManagement #FemaleLeadership #Leadership #Diversity #Inclusion

==== En Español

El CEO y Presidente del PMI, Sr. Sunil Prashara, nos envió recientemente un correo electrónico mencionando el lanzamiento del comité de Diversity and Inclusion y su preocupación sobre la baja participación femenina entre los candidatos a Board of Directors del PMI.

Aprecio y comparto esa preocupación, tanto que desde hace varios años estoy estudiando la diversidad de género en la Dirección de Proyectos, tanto en el marco de mi tesis doctoral, investigando el liderazgo femenino en dirección de proyectos en Argentina desde el año 2016, como también, desde la Comunidad de Interés de Liderazgo Femenino del PMI Capítulo Buenos Aires de la que soy fundadora y líder desde el 2018.

En nuestra Comunidad de Interés de Liderazgo Femenino, llevamos adelante una investigación para conocer la representación de mujeres de los capítulos de PMI de Latinoamérica, los que nos informan el porcentaje de mujeres entre sus miembros, certificados PMP®, integrantes de la comisión directiva y presidente de la comisión directiva.

Con este estudio hemos encontrado que, en el año 2019, sólo un 28% de los miembros y un 26% de los certificados PMP® eran mujeres; el 37% de los integrantes de las comisiones directivas eran mujeres pero sólo el 22% de los Presidentes.

Como contraste a esta muy baja representación, tenemos que el 100% de los 3 PMI Region Mentors de Latinoamérica, son mujeres!

Tuve la oportunidad de presentar esta investigación en diversos congresos y conferencias, incluyendo el taller que realicé junto a Adriana Cibelli en la LIM de Filadelfia en Octubre de 2019 y este año la estamos repitiendo el estudio para ver la evolución de la participación femenina.

Adicionalmente, este año estamos investigando también en organizaciones y organismos del estado la participación de mujeres en roles de liderazgo y especialmente de project managers y los programas de diversidad que están realizando las organizaciones en Latinoamérica. Aún no contamos con esa información para poder publicarla.

Por otro lado, investigando la historia del PMI podemos mencionar que:

• Entre sus 5 fundadores, James Snyder, Eric Jenett, Gordon Davis, Ned Engman and Susan Gallagher, solamente se encontraba una 1 mujer.
• Entre los presidentes de los BoD desde 1969 a la fecha, sólo 8 de 51 presidentes han sido mujeres.
• Los tres CEOs de PMI desde 1996, fueron hombres.

La buena noticia es que el BoD actual, si bien está presidido por un varón, está representado en un 50% de mujeres.

Tal vez todo lo anterior explique la razón por la que sólo tengamos una candidata mujer para en Board of Directors y es por esto que aprecio la publicación y preocupación de Sunil.

Desde el PMI Capítulo Buenos Aires estamos realizando sesiones de concientización, promoción y desarrollo profesional de mujeres, así como un programa de mentoring con el objetivo de revertir esta realidad dispar y lograr una mayor diversidad, con los beneficios que esto conlleva.

El propósito de nuestra comunidad es lograr una profesión más diversa, con menos sesgos, estereotipos y barreras, con más oportunidades para las mujeres en la dirección de proyectos.

Muchas Gracias, Sunil, por abrir este diálogo!

#MujeresLíderes #MujeresEnProjectManagement #LiderazgoFemenino #Liderazgo #Diversidad #Inclusión

I love reading old stories, where I can think deeply about the characters and the situations.  You can feel how living was by those times, and even without that purpose in mind, you find yourself analyzing the role of women in those years. Fortunately, remarkable women have slowly been recovered from the forgotten side of history. Women that contributed or fought for a voice, the right to vote, education and health.

“Buenos Aires in sight: 160 pictures and stories”[1] is not an exception to my preferences. This book, by Daniel Balmaceda, is a compilation of selected captured moments which were published by several antiques media from the old Buenos Aires city, Argentina.  

There is one picture that caught my attention: two high-society ladies going for a drive on a new sporty car Citroën. The journalist who presented the situation, surprised by such female audacity, invited us to think:

“How astonished our yestearyear grandmothers would be to see a female figure, all delicacy and sweetness, wielding the steering wheel to launch her machine to unusual speed overcoming obstacles in the middle of the race.” Caras y Caretas Magazine,1928. [2]

That rhetorical question made me think about my grandmothers and about their own grannies, which inspired me to write this blog.

My two grandmothers, contemporaries to the photo’s ladies, lived in different areas of the region of the Humid Pampas[3] from Argentina, where both families were dedicated to the farming and livestock activity.

One became a widow when she was only 20 years old and was mother to a 6 months-old baby-girl. Quiet and sweet, hardworking and dedicated, it was not the first time neither the last that she made a path for herself.

The other one, the youngest girl out of 10 siblings, a natural leader, gentle but not docile, lost her father when she was only 3-year-old. Unexpectedly, her mother had to move to the town, using all her network to rebuild a new life without the country labor income.

Both families, Spanish-criollos[4] descendants, lived in these latitudes for generations. Their stories are interlocked to the turbulent avatars that this land proposed. It must be kept in mind that this land was a Spanish colony and Buenos Aires was just a small village with a port, going through independence and civil wars, including the land colonization by battles and peace treatments with native people, until it finally became a booming country offering opportunities to the European immigrants.

Through all that, they worked the land, populated the country and followed the frontier [5] progression.

Back to the “Caras y Caretas” magazine’s note with the ladies in the car… the question resonated in my head: “How astonished our yestearyear grandmothers would be to see a female figure, all delicacy and sweetness, wielding the steering wheel to launch her machine to unusual speed overcoming obstacles in the middle of the race.” I couldn’t help but wonder what my grandmothers would have thought about it had they read it by 1928.

I imagine my hardworking grandmother would talk about how it would not surprise her grandmother: there are records of her in 1895, widowed with two little children, after crossing 700 km of the deserted Patagonia [6].

Additionally, my other grandmother, the fierce and gentle one, would think that it would not call her granny’s attention. She grew up listening stories about how her grandmother had lived with all her daughters in the frontier in the year 1875, and the risks that came with that. They were used to the savage malón[7] attacking their country-side properties and livestock. When this happened, they wore all their dresses one over the other and got on their horses, took the reins and escaped at unusual speeds in order to save their belongings, freedom and lives.

Yes, that was their life by that time.

My grandpas would have had a voice too, to tell us that their mothers dared to cross an ocean from Europe to America when the XIX century was ending, to begin a new life in an unknown world.

All those adventures of different families, where the women are also the protagonists, were happening until my parents met in a long trip train a Christmas eve 60 years ago. And here I am, reviewing the women role through their families.

When I was a child, the feminist movement had already had some wins. However, cartoons, movies, magazines and school books insisted on showing us a woman model all delicacy, weak, dependent, passive, dedicated to the home. Those stereotypes were odd to me and did not match with what I saw growing up: my mother, breastfeeding my youngest sister while graduating from a technical career.

What a contrast between my female ancestors and images that represented women at those times!

Despite becoming conscious about those biases due to the stereotypes that society tried to impose, we find ourselves sometimes doubting about women’s abilities.

In those occasions, our female ancestors can be an excellent source of inspiration: even though they lacked both physical strength and legal rights, they knew how to cope with all the adversities and carry on.

They represent all the anonymous women who with their audacity o resistance contributed peacefully and quietly to turn a vast end-of-the-world land into a nation.

[1] “Buenos Aires en la Mira, 160 historias y fotos”, by Daniel Balmaceda. Editorial Sudamericana, 2014

[2] “Caras y Caretas”,Argentine weekly magazine (1898-1939 Collection)//Semanario Argentino (1898-1939)

[3] Humid pampas: extensive fertile region that due to weather propitiates the cereal harvest and livestock. That area made Argentina to become one of the main food providers to the world by early XX century. // Pampa Húmeda: Extensa región de praderas propicia por su clima y terreno para la agricultura intensiva y cría de ganado. Convirtiéndola en una proveedora importante de alimentos al mundo.

[4] Criollos: European descendants born in America’s colonies used in the colonization era.// Criollos: denominación que recibían los descendientes de europeos en américa en la época de la colonia.

[5] Frontier: A fort line which stablished the territory dominated by European-Criollos people// Frontera: Línea movible que representaba el límite del territorio dominado por los criollos, protegida por fortines que luego fueron las bases de las actuales pueblos y ciudades.

[6] Patagonia: Enormous rough, cold and windy terrain, with a unique flora, fauna and landscapes, in the south of South-America that was the last region to be colonized.// Patagonia: Extensa área en el sur de Sudamérica, desierta fría y ventosa, con única flora, fauna y paisajes. Fue la última zona en ser colonizada.

[7] Malón, name given to the surprise raids of some savage native’s bands from 17^th to 19^th centuries., In the raids they burn houses, stole horses and cows, kill men, and take captive women and children, using spears, arrows and boleadoras, rustic arms made with rounded stones.// Malón: Táctica militar ofensiva empleada ocasionalmente por algunos pueblos indígenas del siglo 17 a 19 que consistía en el ataque rápido y sorpresivo de un grupo de guerrero a caballos con lanzas y boleadoras con el objetivo de saquear el ganado, quemar las casas, matar al criollo y capturar mujeres y niños.

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Me gustan las historias antiguas donde puedo apreciar a sus protagonistas, detenerme e interpretarlos. Es posible sentir como era vivir en aquellas épocas, y sin pretenderlo encontrarse analizando la situación de la mujer en ese entonces. Afortunadamente, lentamente se ha ido rescatando del olvido a remarcables mujeres. Mujeres que abogaron por una voz, un voto, educación y salud.

No escapa a mis gustos “Buenos Aires en la mira: 160 fotos e historias”[1] de Daniel Balmaceda, quien seleccionó momentos captados y publicados por diversos medios de época de Buenos Aires Argentina. Me detengo en una foto: dos señoritas de la alta sociedad de Buenos Aires están por manejar un automóvil Citroën último modelo de 1928. El periodista sorprendido ante tal osadía femenina se pregunta:

“Con qué cara de asombro verían las abuelas de antaño una figura femenina, toda delicadeza y dulzura, empuñando valientemente el volante para lanzar su máquina a velocidades inauditas, y para salvar los obstáculos en plena carrera.” Caras y Caretas, 1928.[2]

Y esta pregunta retórica, al hacerme pensar en mis abuelas y en sus propias abuelas, es la que me inspira este blog.

Mis dos abuelas, contemporáneas a las señoritas de la foto, vivían en distintas zonas de la pampa húmeda [3] de Argentina, donde la principal actividad es agro ganadera.

Una quedó viuda a los 20 años con una beba de 6 meses. Callada, dulce, emprendedora, empeñosa sin descanso, no sería la primera vez ni la última que que emprendió el modo de ganarse la vida en la ciudad sin depender de un hombre.

La otra, hija menor de 10 hermanos, huérfana de padre a los 3 años, gentil, nada dócil, líder innata. Inesperadamente, su madre tuvo que recurrir a todas sus redes para reconstruir la vida en la ciudad, lejos del campo que era sostén de la familia.

Las familias de ambas llevaban generaciones de descendientes hispanos-criollos[4] en estas latitudes.  La historia de estas familias se entrelaza con los turbulentos avatares que esta tierra les proponía. Desde cuando Buenos Aires era solo una aldea con puerto del virreinato español, pasando por las guerras de independencia, civiles, incluyendo la colonización mediante batallas y tratados de paz con los nativos, hasta llegar a ser un país pujante lleno de oportunidades para los inmigrantes. Y así fueron, mediante sus trabajos rurales, poblando la nación a medida que la frontera [5] avanzaba civilizando nuevos territorios.

Vuelvo a la nota de Caras y Caretas de las señoritas manejando el auto en 1928, y la pregunta resuena en mi cabeza. “Con qué cara de asombro verían las abuelas de antaño una figura femenina, toda delicadeza y dulzura, empuñando valientemente el volante para lanzar su máquina a velocidades inauditas, y para salvar los obstáculos en plena carrera.”

No puedo evitar pensar que hubieran pensado mis abuelas de haberlo leído.

Imagino a mi empeñosa abuela diciendo que su abuela no tendría ninguna cara de asombro: que hay registros de ella en 1895 cerca de Chile, viuda con dos pequeños niños, después de haber atravesado 700 km de la desierta Patagonia[6].

Y la otra, la gentil, diría que su abuela no sentiría tampoco ningún asombro. Creció escuchando sus historias de vida en la frontera en 1875 y los riesgos que sufrían junto a sus hijas. Cuando venía el salvaje malón [7]  a arrasar con las propiedades de los criollos, se ponían todos sus vestidos uno encima del otro, se subían a los caballos, empuñaban las riendas y a inusitadas velocidades huían del peligro sorteando obstáculos para proteger así sus pertenencias, su vida y su libertad.

Si, así era la vida de ellas por entonces.

Mis abuelos también tendrían que opinar y ellos contarían de sus madres, quienes desde Italia y desde España, se animaron a cruzar un océano hacia América cuando el siglo XIX finalizaba, hacia un mundo desconocido para iniciar otra vida.

Todas estas aventuras de familias diversas, donde las mujeres no dejan de ser protagonistas, se fueron cruzando hasta converger en que mis padres se conocieran una Noche Buena y para siempre en un largo viaje de tren hace más de 60 años. Y acá estoy revisando la historia del rol de la mujer a través de ellas.  

Cuando era niña, el movimiento feminista ya había ganado sus batallas.  Sin embargo, películas, dibujos animados y hasta libros escolares, insistían en mostrar a la mujer como delicada, dócil, débil, pasiva, sumisa, dependiente.  Este estereotipo que me rebelaba tanto, no se condecía ni con mis preferencias ni con mi madre, a quien ví recibirse de una carrera técnica amamantando a mi hermana menor.

 ¡Que contraste entre mis ancestros femeninos y la imagen que se transmitía de la mujer en aquellas épocas!

A pesar de ser conscientes de estos sesgos por los estereotipos que la sociedad construyó e impuso, a veces aún dudamos de las habilidades femeninas.

En esas ocasiones nuestros ancestros femeninos pueden ser una excelente fuente de inspiración:  ellas, sin la fuerza física y sin derechos legales que las amparen, supieron seguir adelante y superar todas las adversidades.

Ellas representan a todas esas anónimas y valerosas mujeres que con su osadía o resistencia contribuyeron pacífica y silenciosamente a que un vasto territorio en el fin del mundo se convirtiera en una nación.

I love reading old stories, where I can think deeply about the characters and the situations.  You can feel how living was by those times, and even without that purpose in mind, you find yourself analyzing the role of women in those years. Fortunately, remarkable women have slowly been recovered from the forgotten side of history. Women that contributed or fought for a voice, the right to vote, education and health.

“Buenos Aires in sight: 160 pictures and stories”[1] is not an exception to my preferences. This book, by Daniel Balmaceda, is a compilation of selected captured moments which were published by several antiques media from the old Buenos Aires city, Argentina.  

There is one picture that caught my attention: two high-society ladies going for a drive on a new sporty car Citroën. The journalist who presented the situation, surprised by such female audacity, invited us to think:

“How astonished our yestearyear grandmothers would be to see a female figure, all delicacy and sweetness, wielding the steering wheel to launch her machine to unusual speed overcoming obstacles in the middle of the race.” Caras y Caretas Magazine,1928. [2]

That rhetorical question made me think about my grandmothers and about their own grannies, which inspired me to write this blog.

My two grandmothers, contemporaries to the photo’s ladies, lived in different areas of the region of the Humid Pampas[3] from Argentina, where both families were dedicated to the farming and livestock activity.

One became a widow when she was only 20 years old and was mother to a 6 months-old baby-girl. Quiet and sweet, hardworking and dedicated, it was not the first time neither the last that she made a path for herself.

The other one, the youngest girl out of 10 siblings, a natural leader, gentle but not docile, lost her father when she was only 3-year-old. Unexpectedly, her mother had to move to the town, using all her network to rebuild a new life without the country labor income.

Both families, Spanish-criollos[4] descendants, lived in these latitudes for generations. Their stories are interlocked to the turbulent avatars that this land proposed. It must be kept in mind that this land was a Spanish colony and Buenos Aires was just a small village with a port, going through independence and civil wars, including the land colonization by battles and peace treatments with native people, until it finally became a booming country offering opportunities to the European immigrants.

Through all that, they worked the land, populated the country and followed the frontier [5] progression.

Back to the “Caras y Caretas” magazine’s note with the ladies in the car… the question resonated in my head: “How astonished our yestearyear grandmothers would be to see a female figure, all delicacy and sweetness, wielding the steering wheel to launch her machine to unusual speed overcoming obstacles in the middle of the race.” I couldn’t help but wonder what my grandmothers would have thought about it had they read it by 1928.

I imagine my hardworking grandmother would talk about how it would not surprise her grandmother: there are records of her in 1895, widowed with two little children, after crossing 700 km of the deserted Patagonia [6].

Additionally, my other grandmother, the fierce and gentle one, would think that it would not call her granny’s attention. She grew up listening stories about how her grandmother had lived with all her daughters in the frontier in the year 1875, and the risks that came with that. They were used to the savage malón[7] attacking their country-side properties and livestock. When this happened, they wore all their dresses one over the other and got on their horses, took the reins and escaped at unusual speeds in order to save their belongings, freedom and lives.

Yes, that was their life by that time.

My grandpas would have had a voice too, to tell us that their mothers dared to cross an ocean from Europe to America when the XIX century was ending, to begin a new life in an unknown world.

All those adventures of different families, where the women are also the protagonists, were happening until my parents met in a long trip train a Christmas eve 60 years ago. And here I am, reviewing the women role through their families.

When I was a child, the feminist movement had already had some wins. However, cartoons, movies, magazines and school books insisted on showing us a woman model all delicacy, weak, dependent, passive, dedicated to the home. Those stereotypes were odd to me and did not match with what I saw growing up: my mother, breastfeeding my youngest sister while graduating from a technical career.

What a contrast between my female ancestors and images that represented women at those times!

Despite becoming conscious about those biases due to the stereotypes that society tried to impose, we find ourselves sometimes doubting about women’s abilities.

In those occasions, our female ancestors can be an excellent source of inspiration: even though they lacked both physical strength and legal rights, they knew how to cope with all the adversities and carry on.

They represent all the anonymous women who with their audacity o resistance contributed peacefully and quietly to turn a vast end-of-the-world land into a nation.

[1] “Buenos Aires en la Mira, 160 historias y fotos”, by Daniel Balmaceda. Editorial Sudamericana, 2014

[2] “Caras y Caretas”,Argentine weekly magazine (1898-1939 Collection)//Semanario Argentino (1898-1939)

[3] Humid pampas: extensive fertile region that due to weather propitiates the cereal harvest and livestock. That area made Argentina to become one of the main food providers to the world by early XX century. // Pampa Húmeda: Extensa región de praderas propicia por su clima y terreno para la agricultura intensiva y cría de ganado. Convirtiéndola en una proveedora importante de alimentos al mundo.

[4] Criollos: European descendants born in America’s colonies used in the colonization era.// Criollos: denominación que recibían los descendientes de europeos en américa en la época de la colonia.

[5] Frontier: A fort line which stablished the territory dominated by European-Criollos people// Frontera: Línea movible que representaba el límite del territorio dominado por los criollos, protegida por fortines que luego fueron las bases de las actuales pueblos y ciudades.

[6] Patagonia: Enormous rough, cold and windy terrain, with a unique flora, fauna and landscapes, in the south of South-America that was the last region to be colonized.// Patagonia: Extensa área en el sur de Sudamérica, desierta fría y ventosa, con única flora, fauna y paisajes. Fue la última zona en ser colonizada.

[7] Malón, name given to the surprise raids of some savage native’s bands from 17^th to 19^th centuries., In the raids they burn houses, stole horses and cows, kill men, and take captive women and children, using spears, arrows and boleadoras, rustic arms made with rounded stones.// Malón: Táctica militar ofensiva empleada ocasionalmente por algunos pueblos indígenas del siglo 17 a 19 que consistía en el ataque rápido y sorpresivo de un grupo de guerrero a caballos con lanzas y boleadoras con el objetivo de saquear el ganado, quemar las casas, matar al criollo y capturar mujeres y niños.

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Me gustan las historias antiguas donde puedo apreciar a sus protagonistas, detenerme e interpretarlos. Es posible sentir como era vivir en aquellas épocas, y sin pretenderlo encontrarse analizando la situación de la mujer en ese entonces. Afortunadamente, lentamente se ha ido rescatando del olvido a remarcables mujeres. Mujeres que abogaron por una voz, un voto, educación y salud.

No escapa a mis gustos “Buenos Aires en la mira: 160 fotos e historias”[1] de Daniel Balmaceda, quien seleccionó momentos captados y publicados por diversos medios de época de Buenos Aires Argentina. Me detengo en una foto: dos señoritas de la alta sociedad de Buenos Aires están por manejar un automóvil Citroën último modelo de 1928. El periodista sorprendido ante tal osadía femenina se pregunta:

“Con qué cara de asombro verían las abuelas de antaño una figura femenina, toda delicadeza y dulzura, empuñando valientemente el volante para lanzar su máquina a velocidades inauditas, y para salvar los obstáculos en plena carrera.” Caras y Caretas, 1928.[2]

Y esta pregunta retórica, al hacerme pensar en mis abuelas y en sus propias abuelas, es la que me inspira este blog.

Mis dos abuelas, contemporáneas a las señoritas de la foto, vivían en distintas zonas de la pampa húmeda [3] de Argentina, donde la principal actividad es agro ganadera.

Una quedó viuda a los 20 años con una beba de 6 meses. Callada, dulce, emprendedora, empeñosa sin descanso, no sería la primera vez ni la última que que emprendió el modo de ganarse la vida en la ciudad sin depender de un hombre.

La otra, hija menor de 10 hermanos, huérfana de padre a los 3 años, gentil, nada dócil, líder innata. Inesperadamente, su madre tuvo que recurrir a todas sus redes para reconstruir la vida en la ciudad, lejos del campo que era sostén de la familia.

Las familias de ambas llevaban generaciones de descendientes hispanos-criollos[4] en estas latitudes.  La historia de estas familias se entrelaza con los turbulentos avatares que esta tierra les proponía. Desde cuando Buenos Aires era solo una aldea con puerto del virreinato español, pasando por las guerras de independencia, civiles, incluyendo la colonización mediante batallas y tratados de paz con los nativos, hasta llegar a ser un país pujante lleno de oportunidades para los inmigrantes. Y así fueron, mediante sus trabajos rurales, poblando la nación a medida que la frontera [5] avanzaba civilizando nuevos territorios.

Vuelvo a la nota de Caras y Caretas de las señoritas manejando el auto en 1928, y la pregunta resuena en mi cabeza. “Con qué cara de asombro verían las abuelas de antaño una figura femenina, toda delicadeza y dulzura, empuñando valientemente el volante para lanzar su máquina a velocidades inauditas, y para salvar los obstáculos en plena carrera.”

No puedo evitar pensar que hubieran pensado mis abuelas de haberlo leído.

Imagino a mi empeñosa abuela diciendo que su abuela no tendría ninguna cara de asombro: que hay registros de ella en 1895 cerca de Chile, viuda con dos pequeños niños, después de haber atravesado 700 km de la desierta Patagonia[6].

Y la otra, la gentil, diría que su abuela no sentiría tampoco ningún asombro. Creció escuchando sus historias de vida en la frontera en 1875 y los riesgos que sufrían junto a sus hijas. Cuando venía el salvaje malón [7]  a arrasar con las propiedades de los criollos, se ponían todos sus vestidos uno encima del otro, se subían a los caballos, empuñaban las riendas y a inusitadas velocidades huían del peligro sorteando obstáculos para proteger así sus pertenencias, su vida y su libertad.

Si, así era la vida de ellas por entonces.

Mis abuelos también tendrían que opinar y ellos contarían de sus madres, quienes desde Italia y desde España, se animaron a cruzar un océano hacia América cuando el siglo XIX finalizaba, hacia un mundo desconocido para iniciar otra vida.

Todas estas aventuras de familias diversas, donde las mujeres no dejan de ser protagonistas, se fueron cruzando hasta converger en que mis padres se conocieran una Noche Buena y para siempre en un largo viaje de tren hace más de 60 años. Y acá estoy revisando la historia del rol de la mujer a través de ellas.  

Cuando era niña, el movimiento feminista ya había ganado sus batallas.  Sin embargo, películas, dibujos animados y hasta libros escolares, insistían en mostrar a la mujer como delicada, dócil, débil, pasiva, sumisa, dependiente.  Este estereotipo que me rebelaba tanto, no se condecía ni con mis preferencias ni con mi madre, a quien ví recibirse de una carrera técnica amamantando a mi hermana menor.

 ¡Que contraste entre mis ancestros femeninos y la imagen que se transmitía de la mujer en aquellas épocas!

A pesar de ser conscientes de estos sesgos por los estereotipos que la sociedad construyó e impuso, a veces aún dudamos de las habilidades femeninas.

En esas ocasiones nuestros ancestros femeninos pueden ser una excelente fuente de inspiración:  ellas, sin la fuerza física y sin derechos legales que las amparen, supieron seguir adelante y superar todas las adversidades.

Ellas representan a todas esas anónimas y valerosas mujeres que con su osadía o resistencia contribuyeron pacífica y silenciosamente a que un vasto territorio en el fin del mundo se convirtiera en una nación.

"Leadership has masculine traits"

"Technology is not for women"

"Entrepreneurs are men"

Women still today continue dealing with prejudices, stereotypes and difficulties in our professional development. What has been metaphorically referred to as "Crystal Roof", "Crystal Labyrinth" or "Sticky Floor", is still valid in the XXI century.

However, we could not complain if we compare it with what the courageous women who preceded us have had to fight to open a path for us and make great advances.

One of these brave women is the talented Stephanie Shirley, who had to change her name to "Steve" to be received in the business world of the United Kingdom in the '60s.

At that time, women couldn’t even drive a truck or open a bank account without their husband's permission. Imagine the difficulty to enter into the workforce. Those who achieved it have had to survive with the fear of sexual harassment on a regular basis.

Stephanie Shirley, who born in Germany, terrified at the age of 5 years old, in 1939, arrived in England as a Jewish refugee, escaping the Holocaust with her 9-year-old sister Renata. Having escaped from Germany to Austria, his parents raised the two little sisters to the Kindertransport program, famous for having saved a large number of children from the terrible fate that would await them in the Europe of the Nazis. Stephanie and Renata were received by a kind couple who resided close to London.

In her book "Let it Go," Shirley says that being a refugee and saving herself from the Holocaust marked her life in such a way that she decided to make sure that each day was worth living. According to her own words: "I was determined not to allow other people to define me, to open my way by myself, to build something new and not be discouraged by the conventions of the day."

Being that she liked math very much and, at that time the most scientific topic being taught in schools for girls were biology, she decided to enroll in a boys' school, which was not easy for her was to start dressing as boy as a way to not to be noticed.

When she finished her high school she started working, at the same time she began her evening studies to graduate with honors in her Mathematics Degree, 6 years later.

In 1951, being only 18 years old, she was hired at the Research Station of the Post Office in Dollis Hill, at the northwest of London, the place where they had developed World War II decoding machines.  

She worked on transatlantic telephone cables and on the development of the first electronic telephone calls, among other projects.

Although she liked his work a lot, she was frustrated to see that she never received a promotion, unlike her male colleagues, whom, with less merits and qualifications obtained the promotions.

In those years Stephanie Shirley married Derek, another employee of the Post Office, making things even more difficult to her. One of them had to quit the job, and while they both had the same hierarchy at the organization, given Stephanie's frustration to see that she could not thrive in that place, she decided to try something different.

Thus, in 1962, at the age of 29, she founded her company "Freelance Programmers", with the mission of giving jobs to women, avoiding misogyny in the workplace and providing them with fair compensation, without the wage gap by gender that at that time it was far worse than now.

From the table in her dining room and with a minimal investment, Stephanie Shirley became a pioneering entrepreneur in the software development industry.

Another novelty aspect of her enterprise was the flexibility of schedules and the possibility of working from their houses that had their programmers, allowing them to balance the work with their dedication to home and family.

Dame Stephanie Shirley, in the '60s implemented the Home Office concept!

All the technology available for remote work at that time was the ground telephone line, and that was the only requirement that she asked to women during the job interviews.

It is difficult to imagine right now, at the communications revolution era, that those women wrote their programs with pencil and paper, they sent them by post mailing to the processing center, where they drilled the code on tapes or cards, to then process the first execution and debugging after that.

Stephanie tells in her book "Let it Go," that when her son was born, he sometimes cried while she was answering the phone and talking with clients. Trying they would not realize that she was working from home, Shirley put the recording of a typewriter in the background so that the noise covers the crying baby.

Obviously, it was not easy to break through in a world dominated by men.

When she sent cover letters, offering consulting and programming services to potential clients, she did not even receive an answer.

She realized then that using her own name did not give her credibility and at the suggestion of her husband, she began to sign as "Steve", which gave her good results and they started receiving her at business meetings, generating great surprise when “Steve” introduced herself as a woman.

"Freelance Programmers" started to take off, employing most women with only three men. One nice anecdote is that when in England in 1975 it was enacted the law of gender discrimination, Shirley had to hire more men.

Her company grew up rapidly and, in the 1980s, her thousands of programmers, mostly women, wrote software for the best companies in the United Kingdom and developed projects, such as the programming of the flight recorder of the black box of the Concorde plane.

In 1996, the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange and came to be valued at 3 billion dollars. Since Shirley had distributed more than 50% of her shares to her employees, at no cost to them, seventy women became millionaires at that time.

Upon retiring, Stephanie Shirley began to dedicate herself to philanthropy through the Shirley Foundation, which is dedicated to the research and treatment of autistic children. Having had an autistic child herself, she supports the advancement of science about this disorder.

Shirley was part of the founding members of the British Computer Society in 1957. She was appointed Officer of the Excellent Order of the British Empire and promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000. She was also Ambassador of the United Kingdom for Philanthropy and has received other multiple recognitions.

I think we have much to learn from the story of Dame Stephanie Shirley, who was not stopped by the "glass ceiling" or any other of the many difficulties that she had in her life, using all her means to enforce her work and the work of thousands of women who became part of her company.

I propose you that, the next time you face a difficulty in your profession, remember Stephanie "Steve" Shirley!

--- Versión en Español

Título: “Mi nombre es Steve”

“El liderazgo tiene rasgos masculinos”

“La tecnología no es para mujeres”

“Los emprendedores son hombres”

Las mujeres en la actualidad seguimos viviendo con prejuicios, estereotipos y dificultades en nuestro desarrollo profesional. Lo que se ha denominado metafóricamente como “Techo de Cristal”, “Laberinto de Cristal” o “Piso Pegajoso”, aún sigue vigente en pleno siglo XXI.

Sin embargo, no podríamos quejarnos si lo comparamos con lo que han tenido que luchar las mujeres valientes que nos precedieron, que nos abrieron el camino y lograron grandes avances.

Una de estas mujeres valientes es la talentosa Stephanie Shirley, quién se tuvo que hacer llamar “Steve” para que la recibieran en el mundo de los negocios del Reino Unido de los anos ’60.

Por aquella época, las mujeres no podían conducir un camión, ni siquiera podían abrir una cuenta bancaria sin el permiso de su marido, mucho menos insertarse en el mundo laboral. Aquellas que lo lograban debían convivir con el temor al acoso sexual de forma regular.

Stephanie Shirley, nacida en Alemania, en 1939, a sus 5 años llegó aterrorizada a Inglaterra como refugiada judía, escapando del Holocausto junto a su hermana Renata de 9 años. Habiendo escapado de Alemania a Austria, sus padres subieron a las dos pequeñas hermanas al programa Kindertransport, famoso por haber salvado a un gran número de niños del terrible destino que les esperaría en la Europa de los Nazis. Stephanie y Renata fueron recibidas por un bondadoso matrimonio y residieron en las afueras de Londres.

En su libro “Let it Go”, Shirley cuenta que haber sido refugiada y salvarse del Holocausto marcó su vida de tal forma que decidió que debía asegurarse de que cada día valiera la pena ser vivido. Según sus propias palabras: “Estaba decidida a no permitir que otras personas me definan, a abrirme paso, a construir algo nuevo y no dejarme desanimar por las convenciones del día".

Como le gustaban mucho las matemáticas y en esa época las escuelas para niñas lo más científico que tenían era biología, decidió anotarse en una escuela de varones, lo que no fue para nada fácil para ella que empezó a vestirse lo más masculino que podía para no llamar la atención.

Cuanto terminó su escuela secundaria comenzó a trabajar, a la vez que comenzó sus estudios nocturnos para graduarse con honores en su Licenciatura de Matemáticas, 6 años más tarde.

En 1951, teniendo apenas 18 años empezó a trabajar en la Estación de Investigación de la Oficina de Correos de Dollis Hill, en el noroeste de Londres, donde se habían construido las máquinas de descifrado de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

Trabajó en cables telefónicos transatlánticos y en el desarrollo de las primeras llamadas telefónicas electrónicas, entre otros proyectos.

Si bien le gustaba mucho su trabajo, se frustraba de ver que nunca le llegaba una promoción, al contrario que sus compañeros varones, que con menores méritos y calificaciones obtenían las promociones.

En esos años contrajo matrimonio con Derek, otro empleado de la Oficina de Correos y eso dificultaba aún más las cosas. Uno de los dos debía dejar su trabajo, y, si bien los dos tenían la misma jerarquía, dada la frustración que tenía Stephanie de ver que en ese lugar no podía prosperar, decidió probar algo diferente.

Fue así como en 1962, a los 29 años, fundó su compañía “Freelance Programmers”, con la misión de dar trabajo a mujeres, evitar la misoginia en el lugar de trabajo y brindarles una retribución justa, sin la brecha de salarios por género que en aquel momento era muy superior a la actual.

Desde la mesa de su comedor y con una inversión mínima, Stephanie Shirley se convirtió en una emprendedora pionera del desarrollo de software.

Otro aspecto de avanzada de su emprendimiento era la flexibilidad de horarios y la posibilidad de trabajar desde sus casas que tenían sus programadoras, permitiéndoles balancear el trabajo con su dedicación al hogar y a la familia.

Dame Stephanie Shirley, en los años ’60 implementó el Home Office!

En aquella época, toda la tecnología disponible para el trabajo a distancia era el teléfono de línea, y ese era el único requisito que le pedía a las mujeres en las entrevistas de trabajo.

Es difícil imaginar ahora, en la época de la revolución de las comunicaciones, que aquellas mujeres escribían sus programas con lápiz y papel, los enviaban por correo postal al centro de procesamiento, donde perforaban el código en cintas o tarjetas, para luego poder hacer la primera ejecución y luego la depuración.   

Cuenta Stephanie en su libro “Let it Go”, que cuando nació su hijo, en ocasiones lloraba mientras ella atendía el teléfono y hablaba con clientes. Para que estos no se dieran cuenta que estaba trabajando desde su casa, Shirley ponía de fondo la grabación de una persona tipeando en una máquina de escribir para que el ruido tapara el llanto del bebé.

Obviamente que no fue fácil abrirse camino en un mundo dominado por los hombres. Cuando enviaba cartas de presentación, ofreciendo los servicios de consultoría y programación a los posibles clientes, ni siquiera recibía una respuesta.

Se dio cuenta entonces que usar su propio nombre no le daba credibilidad y por sugerencia de su marido, comenzó a firmar como “Steve”, lo que le dio buen resultado y comenzaron a recibirla a reuniones de negocios, generando gran sorpresa cuando Steve se presentaba como una mujer.

"Freelance Programmers" comenzó a despegar, empleando mayoría de mujeres con sólo tres hombres. Resulta simpático que cuando en Inglaterra se promulgó la ley de discriminación de género, en 1975, Shirley tuvo que salir a contratar más hombres.

Su empresa creció rápidamente y, en la década de los ’80 sus miles de programadores, mayormente mujeres, escribían software para las mejores compañías del Reino Unido y desarrollaban proyectos, tales como el de la programación de la grabadora de vuelo de la caja negra del Concorde.

En 1996, la empresa cotizó en la Bolsa de Londres y llegó a ser valorada en 3 mil millones de dólares.  Dado que Shirley había distribuido más del 50% de sus acciones en sus empleadas, sin ningún costo para ellas, setenta mujeres se hicieron millonarias en ese momento.

Al retirarse, Stephanie Shirley comenzó a dedicarse a la filantropía a través de la Fundación Shirley que se dedica a la investigación y al tratamiento de niños autistas. Habiendo tenido ella misma un hijo autista, brinda apoyo al avance de la ciencia sobre ese trastorno.

Shirley fue parte de los miembros fundadores de la British Computer Society en 1957. Fue nombrada Oficial de la Excellent Order of the British Empire y ascendida a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire en el año 2000. También fue Embajadora del Reino Unido para la Filantropía y ha recibido otros múltiples reconocimientos.

Creo que tenemos mucho que aprender de la historia de Dame Stephanie Shirley, a quien no la detuvo el “techo de cristal” ni ninguna de las dificultades de las muchas que se le presentaron en la vida, usando todos sus medios para hacer valer su trabajo y el trabajo de miles de mujeres que llegaron a formar parte de su empresa.

Te propongo que la próxima vez que te enfrentes a una dificultad en tu profesión, recuerdes a Stephanie “Steve” Shirley.