Women in 3D Printing is seeking feedback for a special edition of the Diversity for Additive Manufacturing report.
DfAM Reports
Together with Wi3DP Founder Nora Toure, I started writing the Diversity for AM (DfAM) reports two years ago. We’ve published three editions thus far, sharing both objective and subjective looks at the shape of diversity in the 3D printing industry.
Because the project sprung from Women in 3D Printing, the first lens through which we’ve been focusing on diversity has been gender parity. We’ve found data from groups including Alexander Daniels Global that indicate that there remains a long ways to go before women are better represented in this industry, as their research shows 11% female and 89% male employees in 3D printing.
An important part of the DfAM reports also comes from the weekly interviews Wi3DP has been publishing over the last half-decade, as the shared experiences underscore the ways in which this industry has grown and still has room for growth.
DfAM Special Edition
It has always been our intention to expand the scope of diversity in these reports beyond gender, and 2020 is serving as the right time to do so.
In a year already devastated by pandemic, 2020 has seen a massive unrest related to systematic racism that remains both in the US, where the murder of George Floyd happened and spurred demonstrations, and around the world. Here at Fabbaloo, we’ve already taken note of the many additive manufacturing companies speaking out against such injustice, and have made public our own stance on the matter; I’ve also released my personal public statement, as has Nora.
And now at Women in 3D Printing, we are working to get to more of the heart of this topic in the 3D printing industry. Because this is an accelerated timeline from our initial plans to slowly expand the scope of diversity, we are calling this a special edition. And it is, indeed, very special.
We are standing strong as a community to examine ways in which we can, together, strengthen this industry. We are all building the future of additive manufacturing, and it is our deep hope that the next layers laid will be building us up to a more diverse industry representing the diverse world in which we live.
When I proposed this special edition, I knew too that I was not the right author for the report this time. This is too important a time to be silent, but this is also not my conversation, as a white woman, to lead. We are ecstatic that the brilliant Kety Sindze, Global Communication & Content Manager / Managing Editor / Business Developer at 3DA Solutions, which owns 3D Adept Media, has agreed to be the lead author in this edition of the DfAM report.
Kety’s perspective and strong storytelling skills are already making this a report to remember. Her experience in leading business development efforts lends a keen awareness of what businesses need to grow, to thrive.
Feedback Wanted
This is where you come in.
Nora explains:
“As we are putting together our annual #DfAM report (read Diversity for AM!), we’ve decided to make this year a special edition. Not on COVID-19, no. As important as the pandemic is, there is already enough coverage and consensus on the topic.
2020 has been shaken again by the death of George Floyd and the global discussion that followed about how to address diversity and inclusiveness, in our personal lives and in the workplace. If systemic racism is a new word for some of us, I know it has been a reality for a lot of people, and not only since 2020.
Whether or not you already have actions and policies in place in your workplace to enable inclusion, we would love to hear from you in this short survey
👉 https://wi3dp.typeform.com/to/AdGYzM9s
If you are an individual who has a story to share about diversity and inclusiveness (positive or not), know that you’ll find a safe place to do so in talking to either Sarah Goehrke, Kety Sindze, or myself. You can decide if you’d want to make your story public or anonymous, but again, we will listen to you.”
In terms of feedback, the simplest way to join the conversation is to take this very brief survey, which shouldn’t take more than five minutes of your time. (We also have a version for companies recruiting in the additive manufacturing industry.)
We’re looking to understand the shape of diversity and actionable steps already being taken in the 3D printing industry toward a more inclusive future. Much of that understanding will come through simple yes-or-no questions from the survey, as we gather data.
Beyond that, as Nora mentioned, we also want to hear your stories. These can be for publication under your name, completely anonymized — or if, completely off the record, you’re looking for a safe space to talk, to be heard. Nora, Kety, and I (Sarah) are all available for any of these sorts of conversations, or about anything you feel is important to share.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your experiences and information.
(Disclosure of Affiliation: I am on the Board of Directors for Wi3DP and directly engaged in the authorship of the Wi3DP DfAM reports.)
