Carol Wapshere - The IT Girl Chronicles: Empowering Women in the Digital Age
In this episode of the "Women Count" podcast, we had the honour of interviewing Carol Wapshere, a seasoned IT professional with over three decades of experience. She specialises in identity management and has been awarded Microsoft MVP for nine consecutive years. Carol shares some of her journey in the world of IT which, despite being so male-domainated, has supported her through motherhood and international moves.
Carol has written a memoir, "IT Grrrl," which narrates her journey as a woman in IT. The title of the book was inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement of the 90s, which encouraged women to speak up and be creative. While writing this memoir, she has delved into the history of women in computing and then, sometimes surprising, factors that conspired to keep them out of the industry.
Carol wants more women to try technical roles for themselves, as part of finding the right job that suits them. She stresses that technical roles are not gender-specific, and women should not shy away from pursuing them. She also shares some ideas on how organisations can promote inclusivity and fairness in the workplace.
Overall, this episode of the "Women Count" podcast provides a valuable perspective into the experiences of women in IT and the obstacles they face. It sheds light on the need for more representation and inclusivity in the workplace, emphasising the role we can all play in creating a more equitable future.
