Today is International Women’s Day. Looking at their website, it’s clear to me that there is much to be inspired about, but also that there is much work still to be done.
Take action.
Each one of us - with women, men and non-binary people joining forces - can be a leader within our own spheres of influence by taking bold pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity. Through purposeful collaboration, we can help women advance and unleash the limitless potential offered to economies the world over.
That bit about purposeful collaboration? It made me think about what we do at Clearleft to support and promote opportunities for women in our industry. And I have to say I’m very proud of our work. We collaborate with some fantastic people and partner organisations to sponsor, support, host, and organise opportunities for women to get involved in all things digital.
We are regular supporters of codebar, the national non-profit initiative that facilitates the growth of a diverse tech community by running regular programming workshops.
The same goes for SheSays, a global award-winning organization that runs free mentorship and events for women in the digital and creative industries.
We also support Ladies That UX Brighton, a space for women in the UX community to share, collaborate, and build their UX skills. It’s organised by our very own Hana Stevenson.
Get involved.
Right now, and indeed, up next, we’re supporting women in tech by sponsoring Spring Forward - and you can get involved too.
Spring Forward is a month-long celebration of the role of women in digital culture and runs throughout March in parallel with Women's History Month. At our HQ venue 68 Middle Street, we’re playing host to (and joining in with) a whole bunch of workshops and events as part of the celebration. You can find full details of all events on the Spring Forward website, but here’s the rundown on what’s happening here at HQ, at a glance:
How to find your ON button
Tuesday 14th March, 6pm
An interactive masterclass, run by Career Garden, to help you discover your unique impact and the energy that empowers you!
Sponsored by Clearleft and hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-find-your-on-button-tickets-32213760224
Ladies That UX: Concept to Code
Wednesday 15th March, 6.45pm
Ladies That UX and Codebar are teaming up for a workshop filled with discovery and demystification. Get your questions ready!
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concept-to-code-tickets-32432459359
Growing Bolder Online
Saturday 18th March, 10.30am
Julia Claxton and Emily Yates reprise their CoCreationism Photo Workshop for Spring Forward Festival 2017 - a space for women to explore the expression of their online identity in the face of new challenges.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Book: https://www.facebook.com/events/1757179587943842/
codebar Brighton
Tuesday 21st March, 6.30pm
codebar Brighton have organised a special Spring Forward codebar workshop and learn coding skills with the help of a friendly mentor. There will also be food and refreshments, compliments of Spring Forward festival.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Book: https://ti.to/codebar/codebar-spring-forward-2017
Presenting for Scaredycats
Thursday 23rd March, 6pm
This 2 hour workshop, led by Susan B. Bentley, complements the presentation events during Spring Forward by focusing on two parts of public speaking that are key to gaining confidence: body language and voice.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street
Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/presenting-for-scaredycats-tickets-32182809650
Collaboration techniques for ladies in digital
Friday 24th March, 9.45am
Take part in this hands-on (and very lightly physical) workshop that gives you the opportunity to explore the way you collaborate with others. It’s led by our very own Ellen de Vries in association with The Content Deli.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Pixels and Prosecco
Friday 24th March, 6.30pm
Press Fire to Win are hosting an evening of talks from women who create games, playful experiences and events. Everyone is welcome to join them for a glass of Prosecco or fizzy grape juice, a slice of cake and a relaxed evening of interesting talks.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/press-fire-to-win-pixels-and-prosecco-2017-tickets-32217995893
Mother & Daughter creative tech workshops
Saturday 25th March, 10am
Girls along with their mums (or other adult female mentor), are invited to attend one of Curiosity Hub’s creative technology-based workshops. They’ll be running four sessions throughout the day, for two different age groups of girls.
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
She Started It: Closing Party
Wednesday 29th March, 6pm
As a closing party for the Spring Forward Festival, Press Fire To Win have organised a get together to watch an inspirational film: She Started It. All welcome!
Hosted by 68 Middle Street.
Happy International Women’s Day everybody, and rock on all you women in tech!