Frequently asked questions

+ Is Project F a Social Enterprise?

No, Project F is a purpose driven for-profit business. Our charter aligns with #5 (Gender Equality) of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set out by the UN.

+ What about other types of diversity than gender, like age and culture?

Project F has a clear charter to tackle the low representation of women in technology teams and leadership. Other underrepresented groups come with their own unique challenges and there are other organisations focused on those niches. The good news is that Project F’s solution, while focused on women in technology will undoubtedly result in a positive impact on all forms of diversity.

+ Why is diversity important in technology?

We believe technology is increasingly powering the world we live in and our future lives, and that women should be a part of it, in terms of designing, building and leading (but currently are not). Balanced teams are proven to be more creative, better at problem-solving and faster to innovate. These are all critical elements of creating great technology products and services. Diverse perspectives are also critical in representing the diversity in the world the technology is built to serve.

+ Why aren’t there enough women in technology?

It’s well documented that girls are not readily being nurtured into STEM careers in many countries and cultures. This has resulted from a cultural history that dates back to the mid-1960s when the first computers were built by IBM. Before this, all computing was done by women. IBM commissioned two psychologists to define a social profile of what a computer programmer should be and the two men came up with the profile of a socially inept man who liked puzzles and maths but not people. That stereotype has pervaded the sector ever since and the world still generally caters for the male stereotypical “computer geeks” or “nerds”. There have been a good number of women in technology’s history, including those who originally taught the men how to program the first computers, through to the woman who wrote the code that put the first man safely on the moon. But today, systemic barriers for women in tech have lead to a lack of female leaders in the sector so girls don’t have the clear role models boys to look to for inspiration (think Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs etc).

+ Which companies are good places to work for women in tech?

Clients who are embarking on Project F’s Program 50/50. Other than that, most will still be plagued by the systemic detailers that cause 56% of women to quit technology mid-career, despite attractive window-dressing techniques and slick employer branding that can make them look wonderful.

+ How is Program 50/50 different from other offerings that endorse companies as great places to work for women?

Firstly, Program 50/50 is not an employer branding tool. Companies on the program cannot give lip service to the issue by ticking boxes. Program 50/50 surfaces systemic barriers and drives accountability while guiding companies to remove them. The program focuses 100% technology teams. We only certify companies for commitment to closing the gender gap, this confirms action, accountability and measurable outcomes, not smoke screens.

+ Who can apply to Program 50/50?

Any organisation with a genuinely drive to close the gender gap in their technology teams and leadership. Organisations who recognise there's no shortcut and are prepared to commit to the long term view, the commitment and the action required. Companies whose leadership see balanced teams as a business imperative, who value accountability and who call “BS” on lip-service.

+ When will we see results once we’ve signed up?

In some areas straight away, for example we immediately pipeline talent to support your growth. When an organisation pledges commitment to this program, it sends an incredibly powerful message to the female technology community as most women working in tech recognise they can’t trust other claims, no matter how polished the employer branding and how many “female friendly” policies are cited. Existing employees are boosted too as they can see that their employers are genuinely tackling the causes where others aren’t. The program itself can take time just like any other change program. But measures begin from day one and there will doubtless be a few quick wins to be had.

+ What does it cost to sign up to Program 50/50?

The cost is made up of 2 main components: a one off joining fee (see (link to Investment page)) and a monthly subscription from month 2. In addition, clients are charged a fee each time they hire from our women-in-tech talent pipeline, which is entirely optional.

+ Which companies are good places to work for women in tech?

Clients who are embarking on Project F’s Program 50/50. Other than that, most will still be plagued by the systemic detailers that cause 56% of women to quit technology mid-career, despite attractive window-dressing techniques and slick employer branding that can make them look wonderful.

+ How do I find a mentor?

The best place to look is in your network and tech community. If you are a member of a tech community start there, look for people who have more experience than you do and could provide you with advice and guidance from their experience. Remember a mentor is not a coach or trainer in terms of technical skills, they are helping you develop as a person and in your career, with advice, counselling and, in some cases, advocacy.

+ What’s the difference between a mentor and a sponsor/champion?

Mentors provide you with advice and guidance on how to navigate your career from their experience. A mentor can be from anywhere inside or outside of the place you work. A sponsor is someone who is in a senior role in your organisation and is tasked with leveraging their own standing in order to help you progress. A sponsor will be your ‘champion’, advocating for you in your absence, making introductions to people and opportunities that can accelerate your advancement.

+ Could I be a mentor?

Yes! Mentoring another woman in tech and passing on your experience and knowledge is an amazing gift. The intent of mentoring is not to remediate weak performance, but rather to help shape a career that shows promise. Think of mentoring as an opportunity to give back to the industry by teaching the next generation of leaders and innovators.

+ How do I find a career sponsor?

Firstly find out if your organisation has a formal sponsorship program already. If they don’t then this is a conversation you will need to begin yourself, probably starting with your direct leader. Explain that you would like to find a sponsor to help you advance your career and ask for their help in identifying who that could be. Alternatively, if you have someone in mind who you think could be well placed to sponsor your advancement, then go ahead and approach them directly. Before you do so, be clear about the expectations so you can explain it well.

+ Do I have to pay to be a member of The F Factor?

Nope, membership is completely free. The F Factor is a not-for-profit community group for women working in technology career roles.