How Sparta Global is empowering women

By David Rai, Sparta Global CEO

There is no doubt that now is a hugely exciting time for women to be working in tech.

Employers are more progressive, organisations more inclusive, and diverse perspectives are encouraged in the workplace. Yet in today’s seemingly more democratised corporate landscape, we must admit that women still face barriers to entry across digital.

Technology needs women; their fresh thinking, diverse perspectives, and passions. The industry simply cannot rise to meet the needs of society without diverse teams building its products and services.

It has been proven that women in leadership roles have an innate ability to make powerful and progressive business impact - from driving innovation and new business opportunities, to spearheading inclusion and ESG initiatives. Women display natural humility, self-awareness, self-control, and emotional intelligence and the tech industry should embrace the rich possibilities that can be unlocked by harnessing these skills.

The most meaningful ways the technology industry can action this transformation is by exploring more inclusive hiring processes, supporting flexibility for working mothers, and providing space for career changers and returners to contribute to technology roles with no prior experience.

Sparta Global was founded to do just this – creating a way for career changers, returners and individuals with no prior tech experience, to train and kickstart careers in tech. We have always been an inclusive employer – hiring based on a person’s attitude, aptitude and potential to succeed – but we were still not seeing enough women coming through our traditional Academy model. In truth, we saw plenty of women applying to join Sparta Global, but many would drop out of the running during the application process and at the stage of commitment.

Women in Tech’s 2023 survey of more than 500 people who currently work in the technology sector, found 22% of people think the main reason women do not pursue a career in tech, is because of early misconceptions about the industry that come from a lack of education opportunities for young girls. But I also think it comes down to (still) low numbers of female role models and leaders in tech. If young girls could see more trailblazers in male-dominated spaces, they would start to see IT as a realistic and attractive career option. 

That’s why earlier this year, we launched Sparta’s Athena Academy – an alternative stream for women to access our funded technology training, while training exclusively with women and learning from our exceptional team of women trainers.

The Athena Academy is a celebration of women wanting to work in technology, but who may not have had the confidence to pursue a digital career in a space that is still largely dominated by men. The Athena Academy is about empowering women, and I am incredibly proud to see the first cohort complete their training and emerge confident and capable ‘Spartan consultants” who will positively impact any organisation they enter next.

Women are wanted in the technology industry, but more critically – they are needed. If you have recognised this but need help to assess your approach to diversity, we have a fantastic ED&I team who can deliver advisory services to help your business make the changes you need. Please get in touch if Sparta Global can support your diversity agenda - contactus@spartaglobal.com.