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International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness about gender equity, and recognize their contributions across industries. At Dalhousie Information Technology Services (ITS), women have been instrumental in shaping the University’s digital landscape, driving innovation, and advancing technological progress.  

ITS women have come together to share their experiences, celebrate their contributions, discuss the ongoing journey toward gender equity in technology, and inspire the next generation of women pursuing careers in IT.

Celebrating International Women's Day 

As efforts toward gender equality continue, recognizing women’s contributions in IT remains extremely important. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to close the gender gap in the field.  

“International Women’s Day is a day to make us visible. If we were treated fairly and equitably, then the day wouldn't exist,” emphasizes Diane Oram, End Point Administrator.

“It’s important to highlight where equity and equality stand because we’re not there yet. It’s also crucial to empower other women, so they know we stand together,” says Jennifer Whynot, Service Operations Manager.

Accelerate Action 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” recognizes women’s contributions across various fields, raises awareness about gender equality, and promotes empowerment. By amplifying the voice of women in IT and encouraging mentorship opportunities, we can establish a more equitable environment where women can lead and thrive.

“People are either going to assume that you were hired because you're a female. Just prove them wrong”, reminds Cheryl Connell, Senior Wireless Administrator.

“I have worked on co-op hiring and understand the importance of mentorship for students and early-career professionals,” says Jeevitha Ravi, Junior Information Security Officer. 

Drawing from her experiences, Jeevitha “advocates for workplace policies that support women and accessible learning opportunities.”  

“Being loud, visible, amplifying each other and not being quiet to protect people's egos is really important”, highlights Jody Couch, Chief Information Officer Assistant, Vice-President, Information Technology Services.

“It’s also about recognizing and celebrating each other’s contributions,” urges Heather Fraser, Deputy CIO & Director, Enterprise Application Services. 

Women Entering the Tech Field

While the tech field has made progress in reducing the gender gap, there is still significant room for improvement. Women in ITS shared their insights and advice for women aspiring to build careers in IT. 

“Don't wait for society to tell you what job you should do or what path to take. If it's something that interests you, just go for it,” says Diane. 

“We haven’t achieved equity and equality yet, and it’s an ongoing effort that we’re all working on,” reflects Stephanie Muise, Software Developer. 

“We shouldn't sell ourselves short in recognizing our role in IT”, says Manjula Devaraj, Director, Service Delivery

“Women often have to go above and beyond to be seen as equals,” explains Tammy Zinck, Telecommunications Infrastructure Supervisor. “You may need to exceed job requirements to prove your worth, but it’s essential to keep pushing and striving for excellence.”

Moving Forward

The ITS team is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where all voices are heard and respected. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress made and the journey ahead toward a more equitable society.  

ITS women's expertise and leadership continue to transform the IT landscape at Dalhousie, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future.