Inclusivity as Social Upliftment
It is well supported by research that diverse teams composed of members from different cultures, genders, and experiences can tackle problems from multiple angles, leading to more creative, innovative, and effective solutions. This is particularly important when working in Software Development, as our goal is to continually improve a product that meets the needs of a fast-paced global market.
While statistics tend to focus on financial performance, the societal upliftment that comes through fostering a diverse team is something I care deeply about. I believe this goes hand in hand with Corporate Social Responsibility, which we as an organisation are committed to.
In Women’s Month we focus on inclusivity related specifically to gender, however the diversity of our team at Legal Interact spans across culture and age too. Seeing female role-models in the workplace helps inspire younger women and fosters their ambition and aspirations, also serving as an internal support network. We have built an environment at Legal Interact that is fulfilling to work in, where all contributions are actively encouraged and genuinely valued.
In the spirit of inclusivity, I have invited collaboration on this blog post from some of my colleagues. Here they share their experience of working at Legal Interact:
“Being a woman in Legal Tech can be a daunting experience, but not insurmountable. As one of the youngest women in the office it is safe to say that I have had my experiences and challenges in life regarding age and abilities, but I jumped over them quite swiftly. Being a woman means overcoming the hurdles that throw you off track, while picking yourself back up again. Continuously striving for excellence and personal development never goes out of style, and the pursuit of knowledge never ceases.”
– Adrienne Bates – Legal Product Expert
Working in Legal Tech has been an enlightening journey. I love being part of an all-women team, which is a rarity in the tech industry. I am continually inspired by the diverse women around me. Each day brings new lessons, whether it’s about work or valuable life skills. This diversity fuels our innovation, enhances problem-solving, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and respect. Celebrating Women’s Month highlights the strides we’ve made and the journey ahead. It’s an honour to be part of a team that champions inclusivity and strives for excellence.
– Zwakele Mnguni – Legal Product Expert
Working in legal tech as a woman is both stimulating and rewarding, offering continuous opportunities for growth and new challenges. Despite being in a predominantly male environment, I am consistently impressed by the team’s commitment to respect and equality. My colleagues are receptive to guidance, and I value the open and honest relationships we have built – where team members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives, confident that their voices are heard. Although we do face certain challenges, we adeptly address these by understanding our team dynamics and recognising each member’s strengths and areas for development.
– Zesu Meyiwa – Scrum Master
“This Women’s Day, I celebrate our progress in making legal tech more accessible and effective. I am proud to contribute to an industry that values client perspectives and continuously strives to improve. Being respected for my input signifies a shift towards a more inclusive tech environment where diverse voices are valued. Incorporating client feedback into software development demonstrates the collaborative spirit driving innovation in legal tech, bridging the gap between technical possibilities and real-world applications.”
– Irene Kearney – Client Enablement Partner
In compiling this article and reading these submissions from my colleagues it feels all the more obvious that a tangible difference is made by an inclusive work environment. My decades long experience as a woman working in Tech and Software Development exposed me to many challenges and hurdles inherently associated with my gender. These now sit in stark contrast to the sentiment expressed by my colleagues here, and indeed by my own feelings of being recognised, respected, and supported in this remarkable environment.
The positive impact of inclusivity is felt viscerally by us all as individuals, and undoubtedly by society on the whole.
Blog written by Helen Westcott – Product Delivery Manager
