Software Development Sector an Ally of Diversity, Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are hot topics right now and we know that some companies simply do not want to be left out of a "trend." What happens is that many of them end up being part of the movement in a superficial way that doesn’t really impact society. Fortunately, one of the industries that has approached the issue very seriously, taken relevant steps and pushed to drive changes is the technology industry, especially the software development sector, and products or services that are related to programming.
The technology industry has been a pioneer in many areas globally but when it comes to diversity and inclusion there is still a lot of ground to be covered, as there is in many other industries.
Personally, I am surprised that the subject is not addressed as much as it should be, since there are several extensive reasons to analyze regarding why this happens within the tech industry, which, in contrast, can become a great ally for inclusion and above all, lead the fight for equality and acceptance.
Here are three important reasons that require a deeper analysis.

1. Multicultural

The adoption of remote work around the world has created teams with very different backgrounds; you can work with a colleague from Africa, Europe, Asia, America, or from anywhere in the world. When collaborating with people from different cultures and even in different time zones, you realize that communication is the key. That's why, regardless of the context, skin color or native language, you can work with someone who is completely the opposite of you and achieve goals together. In the software industry, it is well proven that your origins, roots and characteristics do not define your capacity. This is a reaffirmation of what I’ve already mentioned: everyone is welcome in this industry, where talent and desire to work are the most important traits to possess, not how you look, how you define yourself or where you come from.

2. We all have the ability to think.

For many years, the software development sector has supported several causes with the goal of achieving equality between women and men, and non-binary individuals in more recent years. We are aware that we still have a long way to go as a society, so that’s why it’s so important that the fight for equality goes beyond a marketing strategy; honest and transparent discourse can also drive the acceptance and support of minorities by companies that truly believe we all have the same ability to think and solve problems, regardless of gender, preferences or self-identification.

There are several support movements, programs and educational courses related to these issues but, most importantly, tolerance and respect have been promoted as the central axis of this industry. We hope that at some point this will no longer have to be a movement, as respect and dignified treatment of any person, regardless of their self-identity, is something that one should not have to fight for.

3. Everyone deserves an opportunity.

As an industry that has had optimal growth for years, we demonstrate every day that we can all write code. Of course, some of us suffer a bit more in the learning process, but in the end we all have the capacity to do this task. In my case, I always tell my college students: If I can do it, you can do it too.

The need for talent in the industry leaves the doors permanently open for all people who have the ability to learn and who are willing to develop their ability to talk to a computer by writing code. Many emerging economies and marginalized areas in developing countries are succeeding at informing people that, through programming, you can gain access to a growing industry, with great salaries and development opportunities.

The three elements that I’ve mentioned are the main factors why the technology industry, especially the software development sector, is a great ecosystem that welcomes anyone who identifies with these groups. The openness and dialogue that exist are truly admirable.

We hope that more companies join the open dialogue on the needs of their employees, but above all, respect and work every day so that this great industry that we are all building with our values at its core, continues to grow for the good.

Please let me know what your view is on this topic. I will always be open to receiving comments on my social networks or my email, jose.lujan@turing.com, and twitter: @josedlujan.

Failure is just the name of the best teacher we can have.