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TECHNOLOGY Women in Technology
Mary Jackson Katherine Johnson Dorothy Vaughan
Women in Technology
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Ihad to think long and hard about what to specifically capture in this article in honour and alignment to the launch and theme of this incredible magazine. Then as I was scratching my head, it came to me, the very launch and challenge for this edition is all about inspiring women to unapologetically claim their seats at the technology table in whatever role they play.
In this article we are
challenging women to bring forth their ideas no matter how seemingly stupid they are (and I say seemingly because it is only stupid when it is not expressed).
CEO: AB4IR & Founding Director: Drone Council SA
We want women to share their challenges and breakthroughs with each other and with the world. We recommend that women mentor each other and allow themselves to be mentored to reach greater heights.
Just before I lost a patch of hair on my head, I remembered the movie “Hidden Figures”. Have you seen that Powerful movie?
If not, please do yourself a favour and watch it. This is a true story about three BRILIANT BLACK women that worked at NASA in the 1960s who made it possible for John Glenn’s
inaugural orbit around earth possible, Ms Mary Jackson, Ms Katherine Johnson, and Ms Dorothy Vaughan. They were mathematicians but because not only they were Black but Women too, they were overlooked. They had incredible heads on their shoulders but because they were deemed inferior their contributions were ignored. I mean these women could calculate numbers even fast then the machines employed at the time, but they were wearing the wrong pigment and bodies. If you think about the insurmountable challenges that Black people experienced during those times in the United States of America (USA) and for those three women to have pushed their way and be a part of this undeniable history, INCREDIBLE.
Does it not make you want to claim your seat in the current times where women are consciously encouraged through various programmes and platforms to take the front seat?
While you are still pondering that thought, may I throw in the fact that there was another Black woman, a Mathematician too who in the 1950s and 60s was very instrumental in the development of the Geographical Positioning System (GPS) technology?
Her Name is Dr Gladys West. Thanks to the movie “Hidden Figures” her story came up. She was finally recognised for her contribution. I guess this is what Marianne Wilson meant right? “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” So, I ask you, what is your greatest fear in bringing your idea to life or taking your business to the next level? If Black women could do such magic in times where they were considered inferior, what is holding you back from doing your magic in times where you are celebrated. What a time to be alive as a woman regardless of race! Just for today, allow yourself to push boundaries in the technology space and every other space you interact with. Keep shinning!
5 key lessons from the movie:
• Unapologetically advocate for yourself and your accomplishments. • Lift as you rise. • Consistency is key. • Humble beginnings can lead to greater opportunities. • Be strategic about your allies, you may need them to show up when it matters most to champion on your behalf.
The World of Women in Drones
It has been said that to succeed at something
difficult or challenging, one needs to launch into it by taking a leap of faith. Launch into it by starting small, being brave and staying the course. Taking on the challenge and never being afraid to fail.
And that is what some trailblazing women have done in South Africa by entering our commercial drone industry.
The journey has not been without its difficulties though. Since drone regulations were promulgated in mid-2015 (South African Civil Aviation Authority - Part 101), the initially labelled innovative response to this new cutting-edge technology has turned out to be somewhat more challenging and slower-moving than expected. Interestingly, drone technology has been dubbed one of the key contributors to the fourth industrial revolution (also known as 4iR). According to a recent McKinsey report, ‘The Future of Work in South Africa’, the question was posed as to what was necessary to ‘reignite’ economic growth and transformation, invigorate skills, and create many high-quality jobs. The report suggests what actions might be required by individuals and should include focus on skills, not just certification, embrace lifelong learning, target highgrowth sectors and roles, and find opportunities for entrepreneurship. The report also highlights that digitisation could create new opportunities for women in the form Direct: UAV Aerial Works
of 1.6million jobs, which in turn would boost empowerment.
Perhaps we were lulled into a false sense of opportunity because of the perceived low barrier to entry. Drones are so easily accessible; one can purchase a hobby drone in a toy store and start flying almost immediately. There is however much more to the industry than meets the eye.
Historically, women have not been synonymous with stand-out jobs in the aviation industry. Even now, one only must google images of ‘Jobs in Aviation’, or ‘Drone Pilots’ and an array of males in the ‘flying’ seats are displayed. The narrative is changing, however. More women are joining aviation and most notably, the drone industry. Women are no longer assumed to be working exclusively as flight attendants or check in desk assistants, and are now proverbially bootstrapping, buckling up, launching to fly, and challenging the norm.
If the commercial drone industry has had a slow start, 2020 was the year that challenged that. The Drone Council South Africa was formed to realise South Africa’s strategy within 4iR and the objectives of the National Development Plan. It is structured to support, grow, and empower the entire drone industry, making it accessible across the board, even to those who do not yet know this is an option. In fact, two of the three founding Directors of the Drone Council are women, both of whom bring an awe-inspiring array of experience and credentials.
The buzz continued into 2021, with the much-anticipated launch of ‘Women and Drones Africa’, which is the first international chapter of the well-established USA ‘Women and Drones’ platform. The mission of ‘Women and Drones Africa’ is to raise awareness of the roles women are playing in the African drone industry; to support their greater involvement in the drone industry across Africa and to inspire women and girls to enter the world of drones.
So, what about these trailblazing women mentioned earlier? There are several standout examples of women in our drone industry who are here, having been inspired by other women in their own likeness, showcased in the media at the time. These women had no idea what they wanted to do careerwise, until one day they paged through a magazine, saw these successful women in aviation and realised what some of them describe as ‘if they can do that, so can I’.
Some of our trailblazers in drones have commented that their early perceived idea of jobs in aviation was that one would have to be resilient, confident, and assertive. In other words, behavioural traits associated with men. Therefore, there was never the natural tendency to consider jobs in this industry.
The drone industry ecosystem is of course much more than piloting a drone. In some instances, inspired by their female aviation predecessors, we now see drone pilots, drone pilot instructors, maintenance technicians, entrepreneurs – drone manufacturing, aviation training school and commercial drone operation. Many of these women are now networking well, are beginning to support each other, and have joined ‘Women And Drones’, where weekly ‘Fireside Chats’ are an opportunity to share, learn and inspire.
In my discussions with some of these women, the theme is consistent. Perseverance and sheer grit are required to pursue, self-fund and knock on doors to succeed in this challenging fledgeling industry. Some have worked in particularly malecrowded industries before taking the leap of faith into the world of drones – another male crowded world – would this pose the same challenges? Some have had to ‘convince’ their families that this world of drones is a viable proposition and are now loving the challenge.
In the words of Sharon Rossmark, CEO of USA ‘Women And Drones’, “If you can see me, you can be me.” Just as some of these women were inspired by other women who came before them, they in turn are encouraged to fly the flag, engage, mentor and support those who may stumble upon them in a magazine or meet them at a fire side chat.
South African Civil Aviation Authority The future of Work in South Africa
Drone Council South Africa National Development Plan 2030 Women and Drones
