March 8 marks International Women’s Rights Day, a date that originated from the struggles of suffragettes in the early 20th century and was recognized by the UN in 1977. This day serves as a reminder to inform, question, and raise awareness among citizens about the inequalities and discriminations that women still face.

Today, and every day, we celebrate the countless women who wake up each morning ready to tackle the challenges of both their personal and professional lives. These women believe in themselves and their dreams, and work tirelessly to make the world a better place. They break down barriers and push boundaries to bring about change.

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting Wilhelmine Dubuisson, a Business & Account Manager at Prodware Belgium. We talked about her childhood dreams, her perspective on women in the IT industry, and the increasing importance of promoting well-being in the workplace. Wilhelmine is a shining example of a woman who has achieved great things through hard work and perseverance.

Not such a reader? Watch the interview here.

Wilhelmine’s journey

Kingsley: Hello, Wilhelmine! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Wilhelmine Dubuisson: Certainly! I’m Wilhelmine Dubuisson, a 29-year-old woman currently working as a Business and Account Manager for Prodware Belgium. We’re a Microsoft Partner that helps clients with their digital transformation.

K: As a child, what was your dream job?

WD: I always wanted to be a university professor. I’ve always had a passion for learning and sharing my knowledge with others.

K: Do you still have the same career aspirations?

WD: While I no longer want to become a professor, I’d love to teach and provide training to women and men. I have a lot of advice and tips to share!

K: Why did you choose to work in the IT industry?

WD: It all started during my Master’s degree in Human Resources. I did an internship at a recruitment agency that specialized in IT profiles and wrote my thesis on career evolution in the sector, focusing on the use of social networks. I loved the experience and learned so much about a field that I knew very little about. Later, I was hired by an international recruitment company based in London, where I fell in love with the IT industry.

Women in the IT industry

K: Do you feel like you work in predominantly male industry?

WD: Absolutely, it is a male-dominated field! At Prodware, there are only around 5 women for every 60 men. There is still a belief that IT is a profession for men, and even my female friends tell me that IT doesn’t interest them. However, they are not aware of how much the profession has evolved and diversified.

K: Have you ever experienced discrimination as a woman in IT?

WD: Yes, being a woman in the IT sector is challenging. I often encounter older men who categorize me as a young, inexperienced woman with limited knowledge. I sometimes feel that my voice isn’t as strong as theirs, and I’m treated differently. Nevertheless, I promote “Women Power” at work, and we need to hire more female colleagues. We’ve even signed a Microsoft charter in that regard.

Female entrepreneurship

K: What does “Female Entrepreneurship” mean to you?

WD: In my opinion, it is an emerging trend where women are bringing a fresh and modern perspective to entrepreneurship. As more and more women are starting their own companies, it is exciting to see their innovative ideas and support their growth.

K: Female versus male managers: is there a difference?

WD: Both feminine and masculine perspectives are valuable in moving a company forward. It is essential to have a diverse group of managers, regardless of gender, to bring different ideas and approaches to the table.

Leadership and young generations

K: What makes a good leader in your opinion?

WD: It’s someone who helps colleagues improve their skills. Leaders should encourage their team to grow professionnally while ensuring they feel happy at work. I read something that hit me the other day: “As we spend 5 days out of 7 at work, we’d better love what we do and feel good there”.

K: Any advice for future leaders?

WD: Keep adapting to changes and to the young generation. Adapting your management to your staff must be your priority, as well as considering each colleague individually and understing their specific needs. In the IT sector, we see that we achieve better results when we provide personalized experiences.

The modern woman: independant and powerful

K: Being a woman in 2023: what does it mean?

WD: As a woman in 2023, I am proud to see more and more women breaking down barriers and achieving their goals. Women have the freedom to be whoever they want, whether it is feminine, elegant, charming, emotionally or spiritually intelligent, or anything in between.

K: Who is the most inspiring woman you know?

WD: My mom is the most inspiring woman I know. She is a writer in the field of personal development and an independent woman. She has taught me how to be independent and proud of who I am. Her advice to me has always been to trust myself and seize opportunities day by day, step by step. Learning to know my worth has allowed me to pursue my dreams.

The Nine, a safe place for women

K: We’re here at The Nine Brussels, a “Female Only” Business Club. What activitis do you engage in here?

WD: I absolutely love this place! I have been a member for a year and a half, and Prodware pays for my membership as my manager believes it’s essential for me to be part of a women-focused club. It’s wonderful to meet women with incredible career paths. I will soon be speaking at a workshop about “Women in IT and Cyber Security,” and I am thrilled to explain the power of the IT industry and the place we have in it.

For me, The Nine is a safe and comfortable place. It is always buzzing with activity, and there is always an event going on, whether it’s about public relations, fashion, sustainability, tech, or anything else. What’s more, their cocktails are incredible!

Determined, confident and curious about the future, Wilhelmine is a great example of a woman with spirit!

I am passionate about fighting gender stereotypes and promoting diversity in the IT industry. As a woman, I feel it’s essential to encourage and support other women to pursue their goals in this field. I believe that diversity of thought and experiences is critical to drive innovation, creativity, and progress in the industry.

My advice to women is to act and never give up on their goals, no matter how challenging it may seem. It is also important to support and mentor other women to help them achieve their dreams. Together, we can make a positive difference and create a better future for all.