Cisco inspires young girls to pursue a career in STEM

Technology company, Cisco recently hosted its annual Girls Power Tech event in its Dubai office, aimed at introducing young female students to the technology industry through interactions with advocates in the field. The event was led by Cisco executives and is designed to inspire young girls to consider an education and career within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industries.

In partnership with the UN’s International Girls in ICT Day, Cisco’s Girls Power Tech introduced the wide range of possibilities within the tech sector to 32 girls, aged 13-15 years. The event offered a learning opportunity for the girls from GEMS, Fortes Education and Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS Jumeirah) schools to engage with technology professionals via workshops, panel sessions and presentations, followed by a our around Cisco’s Innovation and Experience Centre to explore Cisco’s digital innovations and become familiar with the benefits of collaboration tools.

Commenting at the event, Shukri Eid, managing director – East Region, Cisco Middle East said, “At Cisco, we are committed to putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our priority is to unleash the potential of young women and to nurture their skillset to combat gender and age stereotypes and misconceptions. Through the Girls Power Tech event, we empower the voices of tomorrow so that young girls can get inspired and take action.”

The one-day event included a panel with women leaders from Cisco, each representing a different function to showcase the diverse routes that can be considered within the industry. In addition to the panel, the event included a series of hands-on robotics workshop and challenges to help equip students for the future of work.

“Young girls are inspired to pursue STEM education when they see relatable role models. Cisco’s Girls Power Tech is an excellent way to introduce the possibilities of careers in the sector in an impressive and impressionable way. We are delighted to participate in this event and introduce the women leaders of tomorrow to the potential of today,” added Mohamad Kassem, robotics engineer at Fun Robotics.

According to a McKinsey report, enterprises that fall in the top 25% for gender diversity are 21% more likely to have financial returns above the average for their industry. Cisco’s Girls Power Tech is a chance for young girls to gain exposure and insights on topics including emerging technology and digital transformation, as much as it is a statement that highlights the importance of gender balance in the workforce.