In this interview with Esther Onyegbula, Olunaike, a product designer with years of experience in the tech industry, shares her inspiring journey, challenges, and vision for inclusivity in tech. She advocates for legislative policies to promote gender parity in STEM education and the workplace while pushing for more diversity in hiring and retention strategies.
Can you share your journey of becoming a product designer and what inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
Olunaike’s path to product design began with a deep fascination for solving problems through innovation. Drawn to understanding how things work and how design shapes user experiences, she was inspired by the potential to create impactful, user-centered solutions. Over time, she recognized that design in tech isn’t just about aesthetics or functionality; it’s about creating inclusive, meaningful experiences that serve diverse users. This realization pushed her to constantly challenge herself and explore new ways of integrating different perspectives into product development, which also influences business outcomes.
What legislative policies would you advocate for the government to implement to encourage more women into tech?
Olunaike emphasizes the need for policies that mandate diversity in hiring and retention strategies, as well as those promoting gender parity in STEM education and the workplace. She advocates for scholarships, mentorship programs specifically targeting women in tech, and anti-discrimination legislation to address bias and gender pay gaps. Furthermore, she calls for corporate incentives to reward companies committed to diversity and policies supporting flexible work arrangements and childcare assistance, which would help reduce the barriers women face in balancing family and career responsibilities.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how did you overcome them?
One of Olunaike’s main challenges has been breaking through the unconscious biases that persist in the tech industry. As one of the few women in male-dominated spaces, she often felt isolated. She overcame these hurdles by building a network of mentors, seeking out inclusive work environments, and advocating not just for herself but also for others facing similar challenges.
