International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. This year, International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

In COREnext, we are so happy to work with amazing women on the project.

Today we are pleased to introduce you to Laura Wetsch, project manager at Vodafone Chair Mobile Communications Systems at Technische Universität Dresden

Laura Wetsch

INTERVIEW

  • What is your mission within the COREnext project?
    I am currently participating in various 6G projects, including COREnext, as part of my role at the Vodafone Chair Mobile Communications Systems. These projects involve collaboration with multiple industrial partners and universities who are researching various aspects related to 6G. Establishing and maintaining communication and collaboration with these projects is crucial, as it helps us differentiate the goals of COREnext and developments from related projects. At the same time, we need to recognize areas of overlap and work towards a common strategy in this interdisciplinary and rapidly-evolving field. This collaborative approach is essential for success in the 6G space. By aligning the objectives of 6G, we can develop a technology and a common understanding that meet the needs of various stakeholders and supports the future growth of the digital economy.
  • What are the most significant challenges you addressed/faced in your career?
    Women in engineering face several challenges that can impact their career growth and success. During my studies and in the early stages of my career, I experienced different types of gender bias and stereotypes. This can make it difficult to be taken seriously, acquire a reputation and advance in one’s career. But next to gender bias and stereotypes, sometimes I experienced a lack of female role models and mentors to share opinions, navigate in the field and gain advice. This may lead to the perception of being isolated and sometimes even disconnected. Fortunately, I have had and still have great male mentors and colleagues around me who are always willing to help, offer advice, and share their knowledge. This is a big advantage, and it leads to better teamwork and understanding when we work together on research projects, as well as a better working environment overall.Overall, the challenges women face can make it difficult in the field of engineering, especially with respect to advancing their careers, achieving their goals, and contributing fully to the field. Addressing these challenges requires a joint effort by the industry, educational institutions, and society to eliminate gender bias, promote diversity and inclusivity, and create a supportive and welcoming environment for women in engineering.
  • This year, the International Women’s Day theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. What do you think about that?The digital revolution has the potential to both perpetuate and mitigate gender inequality. On the one hand, digital technologies can reinforce existing gender biases and inequalities by replicating traditional gender roles and stereotypes. For example, women may be underrepresented in the technology sector, both as users and creators of technology. Additionally, digital platforms and algorithms may perpetuate gender-based discrimination, such as biased hiring or loan decisions.On the other hand, digital technologies can also provide new opportunities for women to challenge traditional gender norms and increase their participation in previously male-dominated fields. For example, online education and remote work can provide women with more flexible options for pursuing careers while balancing other responsibilities.Ultimately, the extent to which the digital revolution perpetuates or mitigates gender inequality depends on how these technologies are designed, implemented, and used. It is important for developers, policymakers, and users alike to be aware of the potential for bias and discrimination and to take steps to ensure that digital technologies promote gender equality and diversity.
  • Even though we see more women pursuing careers in life sciences, we still have a long way to go, based on UNESCO statistics. How can we increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines?Schools and universities can create a more inclusive learning environment by promoting diversity and inclusivity in their STEM programs. This can involve developing a curriculum that includes diverse perspectives and histories, promoting inclusive teaching practices, and creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students.But also, from an early stage on, providing young girls with opportunities to engage in STEM activities and providing them the chance to get in touch with female role models in STEM can help to inspire and encourage them to pursue STEM education and careers. Increasing the number of women in STEM requires a concerted effort from educators, employers, and society to promote diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality in STEM fields.
  • What inspires you in your work?
    Several aspects inspire me about the work I do. On the one hand, I appreciate the opportunity to meet and collaborate with experienced and dedicated researchers, industry partners, and politicians. Understanding the different perspectives and objectives of these stakeholders helps me develop a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and align my work with the needs of the environment and industrial and social needs. This helps develop and establish new ideas and technologies that meet the various stakeholders’ requirements and support the digital economy’s future growth.   On the other hand, I am inspired by work conducted in a supportive and collaborative environment. Especially jobs that offer a positive and inclusive workplace culture, opportunities for mentorship and networking, and a work-life balance that allows achieving personal and professional goals are great motivation.