Lenovo is committed to advancing gender equality in all areas – in the workplace, the marketplace and our communities. Recognizing our vital role in advancing women in STEM, Lenovo is at the forefront of efforts aimed at empowering women in technology.
Lenovo celebrated International Women's Day and Women's History Month by taking inspiration from its community partners around the world and reflecting on the many ways these partners are supporting women to embrace equality and overcome the barriers that prevent them from entering STEM careers.
Gender bias in STEM has deep roots and often begins in early education. According to UNICEF's Mapping Gender Equality in STEM from School to Work report, evidence of gender bias in STEM is already evident at the primary school level. While a girl's ability in STEM may initially depend on factors such as place of birth and her family's socio-economic status, pervasive barriers and biases remain even in the most developed countries, affecting girls from socio-economically advantaged backgrounds.
That's why Lenovo's “Girls Belong in Tech” initiative, recently held at the company's headquarters in Morrisville, North Carolina, takes on even greater meaning. The event, held in partnership with educational nonprofit NAF, represented the company's joint commitment to developing the next generation of female tech leaders and equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunity to succeed in the tech industry. More than 250 students from across North Carolina participated in the half-day event.
The event showcased a range of activities aimed at inspiring, educating and motivating young women in the tech industry. From dynamic networking sessions to immersive coding workshops and insightful panel discussions, every aspect of the event was meticulously crafted to break down barriers and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
Girls Belong in Tech was conceived four years ago by a high school intern working at Lenovo. The program has grown every year and received positive feedback from students and teachers. “The event leaders were so encouraging and welcoming,” said one spring participant. “They made me feel like I could be something more.”
Additionally, Lenovo's commitment to gender equality goes beyond events like Girls Belong in Tech. As part of its broader efforts to advance women in STEM, Lenovo is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at addressing the structural barriers that impede female participation and advancement in STEM fields.
Lenovo is committed to using our resources, expertise and global reach to build a more equitable and inclusive world where women have equal opportunities to pursue and thrive in STEM careers. Through collaboration with partners, advocacy for policy change and investments in education programs, we are working toward a future where every girl, regardless of background or situation, can pursue her passion for technology and use her talents to build a better world.