At Miviso, we take pride in having 42% of our workforce made up of women. In honor of International Women's Day and the women who contribute to Miviso's success, we interviewed our female staff members to hear their insights on overcoming biases.
On this year's International Women’s Day, the theme of "Embrace Equity" aims to establish a world free of prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination by acknowledging women's accomplishments, promoting gender equity, and eliminating biases and stereotypes. Women constitute only 19% of the tech industry workforce, which is not surprising considering the industry's intimidating and unwelcoming environment for females.
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, women make up only 26% of professionals specializing in Architecture and Engineering. This underrepresentation is also evident in the industry's leadership, with only 16% of AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms employing women in C-Suite level positions.
Miviso is committed to diversity and inclusion, which is why we are proud to announce that 42% of our workforce is made up of women. In honor of International Women's Day and to recognize the contributions of our female employees, we conducted interviews with our women staff members to hear their perspectives on breaking biases and promoting equity. We strongly believe that by creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we can empower women to reach their full potential in the workplace and beyond.
In honor of International Women's Day, we had a conversation with the women who are currently making a difference at Miviso. During this discussion, we asked them some questions about their experiences and any advice they may have.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
"International Women’s Day means a lot to me. It is a day where we recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, both past and present. It is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in terms of gender equality, but it is also a time to celebrate the progress that has been made. As a woman working in the tech industry, I believe that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to showcase the valuable contributions that women make to the industry. Women bring unique perspectives and ideas, and I am proud to be a part of a movement that is working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry."
Patricia, Project Manager at Miviso
"This day is not only significant because of its historical background but also because it represents the energy and freshness that women bring to both the workplace and their homes. As women, we have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and bring a unique perspective to everything we do. It's important to recognize and celebrate that. This day is a reminder that women can fully utilize their talents and potential, and that their wishes and possibilities are strong and remarkable. We are, as modern women, playing many roles in life, but the most important always to remember is that we are the symbol of femininity, care, comfort, and love."
Aliona, 3D Artist at Miviso
In your opinion, is there bias in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) industry?
"I believe that people often have a preconceived notion of what kind of profession women 'typically' pursue. This stereotype can arise from the observations of friends, family, and media, or the fact that the engineering and architecture industry has lower gender diversity compared to other industries such as hospitality and public service. This stereotype is deeply rooted in some societies, resulting in people presuming what career paths women should pursue and what they are capable of."
Kate, 3D Artist at Miviso
"Despite the progress we have made, it is not surprising to see biases and stereotypes prevailing across the STEM industry, as women make up only a little over a quarter of the workforce. While it is essential to acknowledge the achievements of women who have entered and excelled in the field, we still have a long way to go. It is important not to lose sight of this fact, and we must continue to educate the industry and increase our representation to expedite this progression."
Amy, Finance, Administration & HR at Miviso
“Currently, we are going through a transformational phase aimed at eradicating the perception of the tech industry as a male-dominated field, opening up opportunities for individuals possessing the requisite skills and mindset, regardless of gender. As a woman, I find it thrilling to be working in this progressive domain, and I take pride in contributing to the ongoing effort to dismantle gender stereotypes in any way I can.”
Inna, BIM Modeler at Miviso
How important is the effort to eliminate stereotypes in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry to you?
“As a woman in the Engineering and Architecture field, the effort to eliminate stereotypes is incredibly important to me. Stereotypes have no place in any industry and they often lead to women being undervalued and not taken seriously. It is important for everyone, regardless of gender, to recognize and challenge these biases in order to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment. By eliminating stereotypes, we can open the door to more women and other underrepresented groups in Engineering and Architecture, ultimately leading to a more innovative and successful industry as a whole.”
Valentina, 3D Artist at Miviso
"To me, it is crucial that we see more women working in the Building Digitization field. It is still surprising to many that I work in this industry. There is much work to be done to make it a space of equal opportunity and for it to be seen as a normal career path for women, but we are moving in the right direction."
Iulia, BIM Modeler at Miviso
What is the most rewarding aspect of pursuing a career in engineering and architecture?
“STEM is the fastest-growing industry, and being a part of it means contributing to building the future. Working in the AEC field has several rewarding aspects. For instance, it enables you to stay up-to-date with the latest and most efficient technologies in the industry. Building information modeling services are in high demand, as they aid in achieving the next level of innovation in the construction sector. Furthermore, the industry drives positive societal changes by promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Patricia, Project Manager at Miviso
“For me, the most rewarding aspect is having the opportunity to create tangible solutions that improve people's lives. The industry provides opportunities to work on projects that can have a positive impact on society, such as developing sustainable buildings or designing structures that can withstand natural disasters.”
Inna, BIM Modeler at Miviso
What is the best way in fostering the next generation of women in the engineering and architecture fields?
"Don't let a lack of knowledge about the STEM field discourage you from pursuing a career in it. Even if you're new to the sector, you can always learn and expand your knowledge. When I first started my career in marketing 13 years ago, I was nervous because I didn't know much about the Tech industry. However, my colleagues were able to provide me with all the necessary knowledge and guidance to excel in my role. It's important to not be afraid of trying something new, as this is an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow both personally and professionally."
Natalia, Marketing Manager at Miviso
“I think it's important to see successful women in important roles in the industry because this lets other women know that it is possible to achieve the same level of success. Seeing other women thriving in the industry can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, and encourage other women to pursue their own careers in Engineering and Architecture.”
Kate, 3D Artist at Miviso
“The best way to foster the next generation of women in the engineering and architecture fields is to create a work environment that is inclusive and supportive of women, and to provide equal opportunities for advancement and career growth. It is also crucial to promote the idea that women can excel in these fields just as well as men. By doing these things, we can create a culture that encourages and supports the next generation of women in engineering and architecture.”
Marina, Finance, Administration & HR at Miviso
Do you think it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of female role models?
“Yes, I do believe it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of female role models. This is because it helps to build confidence and motivation among women, and it sends a powerful message that women can achieve great things in any field. In my experience, the strongest female role models have been those who are willing to share their failures as well as their successes, as this helps to create a more supportive and inclusive environment. When we see successful women who are also open and vulnerable about their mistakes, it makes it easier for us to learn from our own failures and to persevere in the face of adversity.”
Natalie, Content Marketing Specialist at Miviso
"Changing people's perceptions takes time and effort from everyone involved. Women work hard every day to achieve their career goals, but sometimes their voices go unheard due to various reasons such as cultural differences, workplace environment, male domination in the industry, and other unforeseen circumstances. Having female role models can help give a voice to the thousands of women who feel hidden or unrepresented, and, more importantly, it can help them recognize their own enormous potential."
Valentina, 3D Artist at Miviso
What is the significance of diversity in technical teams throughout the company?
“Women and men often have different perspectives, and having diverse mindsets within a company can be a significant advantage. In particular, for the BIM industry, where innovation and change are constant, having diverse voices and ideas from both genders is more than just a competitive advantage, it can empower the company's long-term growth.”
Iulia, BIM Modeler at Miviso
"Our strength lies in our diversity, with 42% of our staff being female, and this is something we are proud of. Having individuals with different thought processes, ideas, approaches, and points of view can drive innovation, and this is not limited to gender. However, creating an environment that encourages individuals to speak up about their opinions and ideas is crucial in leveraging the benefits of diversity."
Amy, Finance, Administration & HR at Miviso
Can you name any women that particularly inspire you?
“I have several female role models who inspire me, including Malala Yousafzai, who advocates for girls' education around the world. Her book "My name is Malala" has also been a great source of motivation for me in my career. Oprah Winfrey has broken numerous barriers in media and entertainment. Both of these women have shown incredible resilience and determination, despite facing challenges and adversity.”
Natalia, Marketing Manager at Miviso
“Miviso ladies are my best role models. They embody the qualities that all women should have - bravery, independence, and resilience. They have shown that success isn't just about financial gain or holding high positions, but about having the courage to take risks and pursue your dreams."
Natalie, Content Marketing Specialist at Miviso
How do the men in your life support you in breaking the bias?
"Men who support the breaking down of biases and embracing differences play a crucial role in the progress towards equality. Women in the tech industry often find themselves in situations where they are the only female in meetings or discussions, which can be intimidating, especially at the start of their careers. Having supportive men who encourage them to speak up, assist in making their voices heard, provide mentorship, and help build their confidence is extremely valuable."
Aliona, 3D Artist at Miviso
"For me, earning respect and establishing good working relationships are significant. I appreciate it when my male colleagues treat me as an equal member of the team and use their influence to challenge and dismantle gender bias."
Marina, Finance, Administration & HR at Miviso
At Miviso, we recognize the importance of creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels valued and supported. We believe that diversity and inclusivity are key to fostering innovation and creativity, which is why we are committed to breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting equity. We are proud of our team's efforts in this regard, and we will continue to work towards building a workplace culture that encourages everyone to reach their full potential.