In 2022 and 2023, the VIP circle within the Cisco Community noticed a pattern - the presence of women was scarce, with only 2-3 prominent female figures. Recognizing the need for change, Community Managers (CMs) set out on a mission to not only invite women into the fold but to empower them to rise as top contributors.
The Genesis of Inclusion
It all began with a realization: women could not simply start as VIPs. The community needed to create a nurturing environment where women could see the value in joining, believe in the mission, and be encouraged to actively participate and contribute their knowledge and expertise. The goal was to incubate future VIPs from within the community itself.
Forging Connections
The first step was to connect current VIPs and top contributors with women from their networking. One community member expressed a sentiment that became a guiding philosophy: "For me, the way of working is connecting people, believing in people, and believing that people are much more capable than they think they are. I believe in them, even when they don't believe in themselves. If they believe in me, to believe in themselves, I feel that I achieved my goal - my role is to help everything and everyone in any way I can. With this group of girls, it was no different."
This led us for initiatives like meetings with women in Angola, where another community member highlighted the significance of their inclusion: "Girls' participation in the Cisco community in Angola is crucial to promoting diversity, inclusion, and technological advancement. It creates opportunities for them to develop IT skills, thus strengthening their confidence and leadership capacity for the challenges faced in the digital world."
Measurable Success
Between March and April 2024, the efforts started bearing fruit. The Angolan girls collectively created 14 technical contents, which garnered 4,499 views, 52 comments, and 93 helpful votes. The initiative was also featured in a blog post, which can be read here.
Beyond Content Creation
A podcast episode further explored the topic, available here. Additionally, 4XPERT TI supported the initiative by providing a free CCNA course and weekly mentorship to nine women from the Angolan community. They emphasized the importance, stating: "4XPERT TI believes that preparatory training for the CCNA for girls from the Community of Angolan Women in Technology is crucial. It not only opens doors to professional opportunities but also breaks down gender barriers and promotes digital inclusion, empowering women to lead in the technology field."
Continued Advocacy for Women in Tech
The journey has just begun, and the Cisco Community is on a steadfast path to creating a balanced and diverse environment where every member, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology.
