It’s so great to enter a room where there are mainly women! It's becoming better, for sure. And we’re more empowered and our greatness is just about to be unleashed. But still, there are so many situations and so many rooms filled with men. Not long ago we participated in an event in a technical company. We entered the room and I was the only woman. What should women do in a situation like this? What young women starting their career and professional life in tech companies can do in a situation like this: when they enter a room filled with men? - said Olga Leonowicz, Gender Equality Expert and Activist, during the opening of the Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit.
Part of the answer is the men in a room where that young woman walks in. Because you need women in the room - it is in your self-interest to have women in the room - replied Mark Brzezinski, Ambassador of the USA to Poland - Where are the men speaking for the women? And about the young women: seeking mentors, building a network, building your team. In America, we say: You are your network. Because you can’t do it alone.
At the Summit this is an awesome network, Bianka! Awesome, right here! I wish all of America could see what I can see right now! The view of Poland would be so incredibly positive: inclusivity, embracing equality - that is the future!
Olga Leonowicz: There are so many rooms filled only with men.
It’s not only on us. It's not only our work to do, but I guess there is a lot of work to do by men. So my idea for next year's edition is to bring more men to the room. And you, ladies, should bring your colleagues and show them how great events like this are and how empowered we are. And we are not a danger for them nor a competition, I guess, but it’s about diversity that is so necessary in the room.
Be bold, dare to ask, dare to expect to be respected, heard, and not overlooked in terms of promotion, salaries, and your real participation in a decision process. Unleash your greatness! Be bold! Don’t be afraid to change reality and never give up!
Mark Brzezinski: This is how Poland thrives!
I’m an American, and I’m a guest in Poland, but I can tell you that when American companies are looking for the possibility of partnering with a Polish company in tech or energy or venture capital when they see a board that is only white male, if they see a set of officers or directors that is only white male - let me report to you something that you should already know - that’s not attractive! That’s not compelling! Mix it up, and become more competitive by doing that! That’s a way to be successful as well as doing the right thing.
I am profoundly optimistic about the future of Poland, I am profoundly optimistic about the mobilization I see across Poland: civic activism, and helping others. It gives great hope for national renewal. America wants Poland not just to be free. We want Poland to thrive. This is how Poland thrives!
Watch the Opening of the Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit 2024
