“Is this a joke?”: Male finalist in Women in Technology award sparks debate
A list of finalists for an award recognising women in technology and science has sparked controversy due to the inclusion of a male executive.
Simon Button, the Group Chief Technology Officer at radiology specialist group Qscan, was announced as one of four finalists for the new 2022 Inspiring Diversity in STEM Award because he “inspires diversity” and empowers women, according to the organisation.
The annual awards are run by Women In Technology (WiT), Queensland’s peak industry body for women in technology and life sciences, and aim to “recognise outstanding achievement and give women the recognition they deserve”.
WiT Chair Iyari Cevallos said this year’s awards were themed to be a tribute to the contribution of women in defining, shaping and growing the digital economy.
“As we celebrate and reflect on 25 years of Women in Technology it is as important to focus on the future,” Ms Cevallos said.
“I believe we have the ability and responsibility to dream big, to visualise achievements for the women still to come, to continue to increase our energy and momentum in leading and motivating current and future generations of women.
“We've created an opportunity to rally around our outstanding talent, unlock their potential, promote each other and ourselves - impacting our community in a way that creates positivity beyond the event itself.”
Mr Button made the finalist list along with Professor Amy Mullens, a psychologist with an interest in marginalised communities, pharmaceutical researcher Dr Jyoti Sharma, and Professor Kym Rae, a physically disabled Research Fellow in Indigenous health.
The new award has been introduced to celebrate the “ongoing commitment and tireless efforts of all leaders regardless of gender, age or background”, but some have taken to social media to share their disapproval of the move.
“Lol is this a joke,” one woman commented.
“That’s a long way to say you reward men for doing the bare minimum,” another said.
“Having a male executive is certainly showing someone who ‘leads by example’. It’s just the most common example that already exists in STEM,” a third added.
“He sure must’ve been the best pick to be a finalist for someone who ‘inspires diversity’ and creates a ‘sense of belonging’ for WiT out of all the nominees.
“I mean, how else would you explain an executive up there with two professors and a doctor?”
In a Facebook post announcing the finalists, WiT described Mr Button as a “digital leader” who “champions diversity and equity in the organisations he leads”, which includes the not-for-profit Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice that supports kids with life-limiting illnesses.
“He thrives to create teams with high levels of diversity to drive increased creativity and higher orders of innovation,” the post read.
“Nothing gives Simon greater satisfaction than leading teams by giving people the time and space to develop, learn and deliver outstanding outcomes under his stewardship.
“He believes that one of the most important responsibilities modern, contemporary digital leaders have is to lead, mentor and shape tomorrow’s technology and business leaders.”
Image: WiT: Women In Technology (Facebook)