Working as a female executive in the telecom and broadband industry, I’ve had the privilege to witness first-hand how innovations in today’s technology have shaped the way our world and in particular how women have embrace technology.
One group I am confident that will take us to new heights of innovation is the millennial women. Under their stewardship, technology has changed women’s lives for the better as advancements have opened doors to more opportunities and empowered women to have more choice in how they live their lives. Now more than ever, there is more equality in the way women are able to participate in society with the increasing ability for all to have access to technology.
{mosads}Advancements in technology have made it so the same information is available to all persons. A job listing that is posted on a website or a mobile app can be accessed by anyone, man or woman, creating more opportunity for women in the workforce. Millennial women also have the opportunity to use technology, such as social media or blogging, to voice their opinions and comment on the events of today’s world. The ability to reach others and create a cyber-community surrounding important issues impacting women has led women to become more influential, ultimately resulting in more leadership positions.
Technology has advanced the safety of Millennials and given women more security. With technology, women have the choice of using multiple platforms to ensure every aspect of their lives is safe. Not only can women look out for their own safety using technology, but for the safety of their family, bank account, and home. Our culture values convenience, and with technology in the palm of our hands, it is easier than ever to stay out of harm’s way. Women Millennials are able to utilize technology to subscribe to their city’s new sources and blogs, receiving breaking news to their mobile phones and email that may affect their well-being. Technological advancements in GPS have also given women more choice making it comfortable to explore unfamiliar territory.
Millennials are the most highly educated generation in the U.S. to date, largely due to educational accomplishments of women. Almost 1 in 4 Millennials have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Innovations in technology have made it possible for the millennial generation of women to have equal access to education as their male counterparts. Technology has created a new, more convenient way of becoming informed and women have the opportunity to take advantage of this. Women have the choice to educate themselves on issues they care about, obtaining information from the multitude of online news outlets. The world of applications has also created more education opportunities for women. Millennials can download apps that aid in their education about a wide array of topics, making it easy to choose to capitalize on knowledge regarding subjects that matter to them.
AT&T has become increasingly involved in developing apps to help Millennials live a more convenient life. mHealth, AT&T’s mobile health app, has made it easier for underserved rural and urban areas to keep connected to the medical field. The app sends reminders about immunizations and prescriptions, wellness and fitness, and creates conversation between patient and medical professional. AT&T has also created a campaign to combat texting and driving called “It Can Wait.” Thus far, around 6.5 million people in the U.S. have taken the pledge to not text while driving through the campaign’s website. We have made available a free app, AT&T Drive Mode that silences incoming texts, allowing Millennials who are usually constantly connected to their phones focus on the road, keeping themselves and others safe. Social media apps, such as Instagram, keep Millennials connected to their favorite celebrities who are otherwise unattainable. These apps foster relationships between fans and their role models, creating a more interconnected world.
The expansion of today’s technology has empowered millennial women to share their voice and become thought leaders in their industries. As Fashion CEO Tory Burch says, “We need to get women to a point where they aren’t apologizing. It’s time to take ownership in our success.” At AT&T we are pleased to be aiding millennial women in obtaining better and more convenient access to tools that ensure they succeed in everything they do. Technology has played an important role in connecting women to the world around them, and we will continue our efforts in keeping this a reality.
Lombard is assistant vice president of Public Affairs for AT&T.