International Women's Day: Meet our Team Kiran Mahmood
Why do you think it is important to celebrate IWD and what does it mean to you?
I think it's important to mark IWD and the battle for equality that women continue to face to be recognised in the same way as men. The journey we have been on to this point needs to be celebrated.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman and how did you overcome them?
When I left college and went to university to study computer science, I was the only woman in the class and I was treated differently. I was not asked questions during classes and was constantly asked if I needed help. One professor told me I was more suited for a fashion course. I made the decision to switch from computer science to computing just so I had more female company and didn’t feel isolated. IT is such a male dominated industry and I found it hard sometimes to be accepted and included.
What changes would you like to see for the next generation?
I really want to see more women in IT and in STEM related roles like engineering and mechanics and to feel comfortable and supported in those job roles with the right management.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Always be kind.
Share an empowerment moment that inspired you
I think for me it was coming out of university and landing my job at NOE CPC and joining the technical services team, where everyone is treated the same regardless of gender and is pushed to achieve more.
Can you tell me about a female role model who has inspired you?
Definitely my mum. She left her family in Pakistan and came to the UK to make a better life for us. She taught herself English and she has always pushed me to do whatever I wanted to do and to make the most of the opportunities she didn’t have.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am really proud of the technical knowledge that I have built up over the years. I feel like I’m starting to become a Wikipedia page. I learn something new every day and no two days are the same
What was your dream career when you were a child?
I wanted to be a make-up artist because I loved the creative side of that, but I wouldn’t give up what I am doing now.
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Everybody should be treated equally, and I think when we have full equality between men and women the world will be a much better place.