VOXReality, in collaboration with SERMAS, XR4ED, TRANSMIXR, HECOF, MASTER, and CORTEX2 projects, had the privilege of hosting the “Women in XR Webinar – Celebrating Women in Extended Reality.” This online event brought together leading female experts from EU-funded XR projects for an inspiring discussion on the role of women in the rapidly evolving field of Extended Reality. We were honored to have a panel featuring Regina Van Tongeren, Grace Dinan, Leesa Joyce, Moonisa Ahsan, Megha Quamara, Georgia Papaioannou, Maria Madarieta, and Marievi Xezonaki. From seasoned trailblazers with 20 years of experience to emerging voices, these panelists shared their journeys, challenges, and invaluable insights. This webinar aimed to highlight the importance of gender diversity in XR and provide practical advice for aspiring women in tech.
Navigating the Digital Divide: Realities of Women in XR
The panelists openly discussed the challenges women face in the XR industry. While the field offers immense creative potential, it is inherently challenging. Participants highlighted several key issues. Women often find fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts. The persistent pay gap remains a significant barrier. Women’s contributions can be overlooked, hindering career advancement. Some women still experience difficulties in accessing advocacy and support from the broader XR community. These challenges underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for women in XR.
Unlocking Immersive Potential: The Boundless Opportunities for Women in XR
Despite the challenges, the webinar emphasized the vast opportunities available for women in XR. The panelists pointed to the expanding applications of XR across various sectors. XR has the potential to modernize medical training, patient care, and therapy in healthcare. Immersive learning experiences enhance engagement and knowledge retention in education. Innovative applications for virtual try-ons, digital fashion, and immersive design processes are emerging in fashion and design. The XR field is not limited to technical roles; it requires a wide range of skills, including legal expertise, artistic talent, and scientific knowledge. These emerging opportunities present a unique chance for women to lead and shape the future of XR.
Empowering the Future: Actionable Insights and Key Takeaways for Women in XR
The panelists shared a wealth of practical advice for women looking to thrive in the XR industry. They emphasized the importance of building a strong network and finding a supportive community within XR. Organizations like Women in Immersive Tech Europe [1] provide valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Seeking out inspiring role models, such as Parul Wadhwa [2], or event figures like Marie Curie, and learning from their experiences was also strongly encouraged.
Furthermore, the panelists stressed the importance of being assertive and comfortable making suggestions. Staying updated with the latest developments in the rapidly evolving XR field is crucial, as is a commitment to continuous learning. They advised against trying to conform to a pre-existing mold, urging women to bring their unique perspectives to the table and contribute to creating inclusive XR experiences. Building a strong online brand, including a professional portfolio, active social media channels, and a personal website, was highlighted as essential for visibility.
For XR teams, the message was clear: diversity must be a core value, integrated into the DNA of the team and its products, not an afterthought. Diversifying hiring teams to include a wide range of skill sets is essential. For those considering starting their own businesses or working freelance, platforms like Immersive Insiders [3] and TalentLabXR [4] were recommended, along with exploring relevant courses from institutions such as the University of London and the University of Michigan.
The webinar left us with a powerful call to action, inspiring us to work together towards a more inclusive and equitable XR future. We encourage you to follow all the panelists, especially the member from our team, Leesa Joyce and Moonisa Ahsan, and be inspired by their ongoing leadership!
Missed the Live Session? Catch the Recording! If you were unable to join us live, don’t worry! The full event recording is available on the F6S Innovation YouTube channel.
Ana Rita Alves
Communication Manager at F6S, where she specializes in managing communication and dissemination strategies for EU-funded projects. She holds an Integrated Master’s Degree in Community and Organizational Psychology from the University of Minho, which has provided her with strong skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Her professional background includes experience in proposal writing, event management, and digital content creation.
