Improving Gender Equality in the WordPress Ecosystem: Introducing WP Includes
In an effort to address the lack of representation of women in leadership roles within the WordPress ecosystem, WP Includes has launched a mentorship program aimed at empowering and supporting women to take the next step in their careers. Founded by Siobhan McKeown, COO of Human Made, and Francesco Marano, Director of Engineering at XWP, WP Includes is determined to increase the presence of women in leadership positions at WordPress companies.
The Need for Change
Siobhan McKeown, a long-time member of the WordPress community, expressed her disappointment with the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Recognizing the need for change, McKeown and Marano decided to take action by creating WP Includes. Their mission is clear: to drastically increase the representation of women in leadership positions within the WordPress ecosystem.
The Mentorship Program
WP Includes is actively recruiting women leaders who hold C-Level or Director positions at WordPress companies to volunteer as mentors. The program runs for five months and calls for mentees/mentors are made twice a year, in September and March. Mentors commit to regular 1:1 meetings with their mentees, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. Mentee applicants must be actively developing their careers within the WordPress ecosystem.
Sponsorship Opportunities
In addition to mentorship, WP Includes is also accepting sponsorships from companies within the WordPress ecosystem. However, these sponsorships come with rigorous requirements. Companies must acknowledge the gender disparity and lack of representation within their organization and actively work towards addressing it. This includes proactively seeking to place women in leadership and executive roles, removing any gender-related barriers, and creating opportunities to showcase women leaders as role models for future leaders.
The Importance of Cooperation
Supporting organizations play a crucial role in changing the landscape of leadership within the WordPress ecosystem. By sharing open roles within the WP Includes network and providing mentorship to potential future leaders, these organizations contribute to the cultivation of a more diverse leadership team. This cooperative approach ensures that companies have access to the talented leaders they need while actively working towards gender equality.
How to Get Involved
Prospective mentees, mentors, and sponsors can apply through the WP Includes website. The mentorship program offers a unique opportunity for women to receive guidance from experienced leaders within the WordPress community. Mentees will benefit from personalized support and advice, while mentors have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the careers of aspiring women leaders. Sponsors have the opportunity to actively contribute to the development of a more diverse and inclusive WordPress ecosystem.
Conclusion
WP Includes is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to address the gender disparity within the WordPress ecosystem by providing mentorship and support to women leaders. With the mentorship program, WP Includes hopes to empower women to take on leadership roles and create a more inclusive environment within WordPress companies. By actively involving companies through sponsorships, WP Includes ensures that organizations are committed to promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women to excel in their careers. If you are a woman looking to advance your career in WordPress or a company seeking to make a positive change, WP Includes is the platform for you. Together, we can create a more diverse and equal WordPress ecosystem.
