WITGBG launches toolkit for tech inclusion
Women in Tech Gothenburg is launching the Rewrite the Code toolkit to guide companies in creating an inclusive tech industry. Co-created by the industry itself and sponsored by Unionen and TechSverige, this new resource is the latest phase of the Rewrite the Code project.
The toolkit is a digital platform, developed through workshops with more than 100 participants of all genders, representing a wide variety of tech professions, competence, and expertise from within the tech industry in West Sweden. The contents include relevant information, inspiration, advice, checklists, and links to useful assets — all in one place, available for free.
These concrete tools help address an increasingly urgent problem. The tech industry is part of Sweden’s economic backbone, and the demand for competence is growing rapidly. TechSverige estimates that 70,000 specialists within IT and tech are needed by 2024. At the same time, there is a significant drain of senior talent – mainly women – who leave their jobs or leave the industry altogether due to unequal opportunities and exclusionary or discriminating work cultures.
Data shows that gender equality and inclusion are vital for innovation, strong financial performance, healthy working cultures, organisational resilience, and consequently, for both thriving businesses and a sustainable society. Therefore, the industry needs active efforts to motivate more women and non-binary people to stay. But retaining more senior professionals requires a different approach than attracting young people to tech-related education; it’s a matter of leadership and culture.
“We know that many people in our industry want it to be a place where everyone can thrive but don't know what needs to change or what steps to take,” says Alexandra Hegmann, Project Lead and Women in Tech Gothenburg volunteer. “With this initiative, we can drive awareness and help leaders and changemakers take the relevant actions.”
The beta version of the toolkit will be released during an exclusive launch event on September 5th.