#techmumsTV has been recognised with the Inclusion & Diversity Advance Award at the BIMA ceremony in London, marking its significant contribution to promoting diversity in the tech industry.
The judges highlighted #techmumsTV for its proactive approach in ‘paving the way for inclusion and diversity’. The live TV-format campaign, spearheaded by Dr Sue Black’s charity, was developed in collaboration with Facebook and Nominet Trust. Its primary aim was to inspire and connect mothers across the United Kingdom while enhancing their technical skills.
This innovative campaign reached an impressive audience of over 300,000 people through five weekly ‘sofa show’ style episodes. These episodes covered pertinent topics such as online safety, job searching, and financial management. The initiative underscores the charity’s commitment to empowering mothers through technology, an effort led by digital skills advocate, Dr Sue Black OBE.
Dr Sue Black, a notable figure in the tech industry, has been recognised as one of the ‘100 Female Role Models in Tech’ and ‘101 Female Founders in Tech’. Her personal journey from living in a women’s refuge to achieving a PhD in software engineering and becoming a prominent public speaker, government advisor, and author, exemplifies the transformative power of technology. She remarked, ‘Mums are one of the most invisible and overlooked groups in society. They are often isolated, financially disadvantaged, and likely to face discrimination and harassment, particularly in the workplace. Technology holds the power to offer a better life for mums and their families, through greater education, confidence, and connections.’
The success of #techmumsTV and its recent accolade from BIMA is a testament to the importance of supporting mothers in accessing and advancing their technological skills. The charity has already trained hundreds of mothers in various tech competencies, ranging from basic social media skills to more advanced subjects like Python coding. Additionally, they have introduced an online tech taster course, providing brief 45-minute introductory sessions on key topics, including online safety, social media, and understanding the cloud.
The recognition of #techmumsTV with the BIMA award highlights the vital role technology plays in empowering underrepresented groups, showcasing the positive impact of targeted educational initiatives.