The Scotland Women in Tech Awards are back, and nominations are now open for the 2023 ceremony.
Organised by Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT), they feel its important to recognise women in industry for their passion, skills and dedication to progress and to succeed.
With ten categories, the awards will celebrate the efforts of individuals as well as businesses.
Young Tech Champion of the year
A young person aged between 12 and 24 years old who is acting as an advocate for technology and/or gender equality. Their activities are inspiring other young people to pursue tech and/or impacting the wider community. This may be a school pupil, student, graduate, apprentice or other young person demonstrating the ability to be a champion and support change.
Technology Rising Star
A women, who is early in their technology career and showing exceptional skills/talent in their work. Perhaps they are innovating, challenging the norm or showing potential to be a future leader or disrupter. The winner of this award will demonstrate the difference they have made to their organisation, team or the technology they are working on.
Technology Champion in Education
An individual of any gender who is influencing the education agenda to inspire girls or young women to study technology subjects, goes the extra mile to engage pupils/students in technology or is driving innovation for technology education in Scotland. This person could be a member of primary or secondary schools staff, careers adviser, further or higher education staff.
SME Employer of the Year
An SME organisation (under 250 staff) who has demonstrated commitment to advancing the careers of women in technology. This organisation can show how it implements practices to support women in their own workforce and/or supports external initiatives to help address the gender imbalance in the workplace.
Large Employer of the Year
A large organisation (over 250 staff) who has demonstrated consistent commitment to advancing the careers of women in technology by sponsoring initiatives to address gender imbalance in their workplace and the wider workforce. The winner of this award will be supporting women within their own organisation as well as supporting girls or women externally to get into tech.
Inclusive Recruiter of the Year
A recruitment company or employer who demonstrates awareness of diversity and inclusive issues and is leading change in tackling inclusion for women in the technology recruitment pipeline. An organisation with progressive and inclusive practices who look beyond ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, educational attainment and background to recruit based on skills and talent.
Diversity Initiative of the Year
An initiative that is focused on promoting gender diversity in tech. This may include a skills initiative that encourages women and girls to build digital skills to support a move to a career in technology, or an initiative to support and retain women already within a technology career.
Gender Diversity Ally of the Year
A male, non-binary individual or person who identifies as a man, who has shown exceptional allyship in gender equality and inclusion. This person will be a true gender champion, supporting their women colleagues, perhaps via sponsorship, mentoring, exposure or championing inclusive practices within their organisation.
Inspirational Woman of the Year
A woman, working in a technology role, who is an inspiration and/or innovating in the Technology field. They are trailblazing and leading the charge on technology and/or gender diversity.
Leader of the Year
A woman technology leader who demonstrates outstanding ability to lead or act as a visionary for Technology. They have a proven track record of leading change for the tech labour market.