Insights from leading women advocating for #EachForEqual at Moodle

March 6, 2020

Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. This year’s International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is drawn from a notion of  ‘Collective Individualism.’ We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. This week at Moodle, we’re taking time out to recognise the inspiring women working across the globe, leading teams and contributing to the success of the organisation. Recognising each individual and how their lifestyle, career, individual circumstances, creativity, expertise and more all come together and make that person whole.

How does Moodle support you as a working mother?

“Working at Moodle provides me with the flexibility I require as a parent and adopt non-traditional working hours to suit my other commitments. The give-take approach works both ways allowing me to log on in the evenings, take calls with our Partners around the world, and take time out during the day to be with my young family. Something not a lot of organisations provide, which in turn allows and encourages women to return to full-time corporate roles and still maintain a balanced family life.”

Serina Gill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator


What is it like being a woman working in the technology industry?

“I’ve been in IT for 14 years now and I can’t really imagine being anywhere else. Even though I’ve spent time in the Energy and Engineering industries, I absolutely love working in Technology. It is a truly dynamic and fast paced environment, and I am constantly amazed by the change and developments in this industry. Working specifically with Education Technology, I get to see how our products are used in the education, corporate, government and non-profit sectors globally, and especially love hearing about our platforms being used to deliver education to children in remote and impoverished areas. I feel empowered as a woman having a successful career in this male dominated industry although I have never perceived it as an issue working with and alongside my male counterparts. I am pleased to see that more women are joining the IT industry in recent years. Technology is  powerful, transformational and a vital part of our lives now, and I am so excited to be a part of it.”

Fiona Ong, Commercial Services Channel Manager, Asia Pacific


How does Moodle support you as a working mother?

“I’m a working mother even though my daughter and son are grown up and live in a different city and country respectively. Moodle’s flexible and remote working policy means I can spend extended periods of time with them, away from home where I normally work, but still fulfilling all  my Moodle duties while enjoying their company.”

Mary Cooch, Moodle Community Educator


What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“It’s about creating a world that is gender-inclusive for the next generation of women in the workplace. International Women’s Day celebrates the progress that has been and the idea of a better future for gender parity. I’m inspired by the strong women around me every day and I hope we continue to push ourselves, support each other and break down barriers in and out of the tech industry.

Kaye Cheung, Head of Marketing and Communications


What is it like being a woman working in the technology industry?

“I don’t know if I’ve been lucky but, my experience as a technologist woman in an almost masculine world has been amazing. I have never thought about that and I’ve always been able to say or do whatever I feel I have to. I’ve always felt one more in the team, regardless of my gender. In fact, I have never understood why nowadays there aren’t more women in Technology so I hope, little by little, the percentage will raise.”

Sara Arjona Téllez, Developer


What are some of the day to day challenges you have experienced as a woman working in the technology industry?

“One of the challenges I face in the tech industry is related to my role as Head of People and Culture. Finding women to join Moodle can be difficult at times; and overcoming this is my challenge. We are working towards an equal workforce by implementing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

We have implemented many inclusive strategies to increase and vary our team makeup including females in the workplace, but we still have a way to go. I’m looking forward to continuing working on this in 2020.”

Holly Barnes, Head of People and Culture


What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“To me, International Women’s Day is about shedding a light on issues that women face every day, and about fighting for gender equality around the world. It’s a day to reflect on the progress we’ve made, but also on how we can take action and improve as individuals and as a society to achieve gender equality. And, of course, International Women’s day also means celebrating the achievements of women around me and worldwide!”

Júlia Verdaguer, Marketing & Communications Coordinator


As an organisation, we actively report on our gender breakdown and focus on improving year on year. At a strategic management level 2 out of 5 of our Executives are females, both working mums who take up our flexible working arrangements. We are an organisation that prides ourselves on being a globally diverse company and understand that a diverse team helps us to be more innovative, creative and productive.

We are a company which is continuously working towards driving change in the technology industry, actively making improvements, and look forward to growing in this area in the near future.

#EachForEqual #IWD2020

About International Women’s Day
The first International Women’s Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not a country, group or organisation specific. For more information visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme