Women in Tech Community ArticleS


    Empowering Women in Tech: Collective Community Articles for Shared Wisdom and Innovation

    Welcome to WomenTech Network's Community Articles, fostering shared wisdom and driving innovation within the tech industry. Our mission is to empower women by providing a supportive community where knowledge, experiences, and insights are freely exchanged.

    At WomenTech Network, we believe in the power of collective voices. Our articles cover a wide range of topics, from the latest technological advancements to personal success stories, career advice, and professional development. Each piece is created to inspire, educate, and connect women in tech, regardless of their career stage or specialization.

    Our platform serves as a hub for learning and growth. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or just starting out in the tech world, you'll find valuable resources tailored to your needs. Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable tech industry.

    Explore our articles, share your experiences, and become part of a vibrant community that's changing the face of technology, one story at a time.

    Exploring and Engaging with Community Articles on WomenTech Network

    Discover Community Articles

    Our Community Articles section is a vibrant and insightful hub dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in technology. Here, you will find a diverse collection of articles authored by industry leaders, innovators, and emerging voices from around the globe. Our content spans a wide range of topics, including personal stories of triumph and challenge, expert advice on career development, cutting-edge technological trends, and in-depth discussions on diversity and inclusion.

    Whether you're seeking inspiration, guidance, or the latest in tech news, our community-driven articles offer a wealth of knowledge and support, fostering a strong, inclusive community for women in tech.

    Explore the community articles section, review all categories, or check out the article glossary. Join us and become part of a movement that champions the achievements and potential of women in the technology sector.
    ​​​​​​​

    Engage and Contribute to Community Articles

    Engage with the content by commenting, sharing, and participating in discussions, helping to foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Additionally, contribute your own voice and expertise by co-authoring community articles. Your insights can help shape the dialogue and inspire others.

    These collaboratively crafted articles offer invaluable insights and foster a strong, inclusive community. Dive in, join the conversation, and become part of a movement that champions the achievements and potential of women in the technology sector.

    Amplifying the Voices of Women in Tech

    The Women in Tech Community Articles section is a vibrant space showcasing the diverse experiences of women in technology. Each article is written by artificial intelligence (AI) and enriched with expertise and guidance from experienced professionals, particularly women in tech, whose perspectives add depth to the content. This blend of advanced technology and real-world knowledge creates a rich resource for exploring personal stories, expert career advice, the latest tech trends, and discussions on diversity and inclusion. These collaboratively crafted articles offer invaluable insights and foster a strong, inclusive community. Learn more


    Sort by Most Contributions | Most Readers This Month | Newest Contributions

    What Are the Benefits of Virtual Networking Events for Women in Tech?

    Virtual networking events for women in tech boost global opportunity access, foster diversity, and offer flexible participation. They reduce costs, enhance skill development, encourage mentorship, and expose participants to industry trends. These events also aid personal branding, work-life balance, and empower women, highlighting the importance of gender inclusivity in tech...

    38 contributions
    Empowering Women Leaders, Women's Leadership
    -
    1 minute 9 seconds ago
    -
    153 views

    How Can We Break the Glass Ceiling for Women Leaders in Tech?

    To break the tech industry's glass ceiling for women, companies should promote inclusive hiring, mentorship, flexible work, female leadership visibility, professional development, supportive culture, diversity initiatives, and gender pay equity. Tracking progress, normalizing parenthood in leadership, and sharing insights further aid in achieving gender equality in leadership roles.

    23 contributions
    Women in Senior Management, Women's Leadership
    -
    11 hours 26 minutes ago
    -
    11 views

    How Are Women Leading the Change in Corporate Culture at the Top Levels?

    Women leaders are breaking stereotypes, promoting diversity, and enhancing work culture by fostering inclusivity, flexible policies, and social responsibility. They're prioritizing mental health, mentorship, and open communication, challenging traditional leadership, valuing work-life balance, and empowering through technology, transforming corporate cultures and driving innovation.

    1 contribution
    Women in Senior Management, Women's Leadership
    -
    11 hours 34 minutes ago
    -
    93 views

    Are Women Redefining Leadership Standards in Senior Management?

    Women in senior management are revolutionizing leadership by emphasizing emotional intelligence, championing diversity, promoting work-life balance, and employing transformative leadership styles. They are leading with a focus on sustainability, collaborative decision-making, employee development, transparency, and accountability. Their efforts amplify minority voices and demonstrate resilience, setting new standards in leadership and...

    1 contribution
    Team Leadership and Management, Project Management
    -
    14 hours 15 minutes ago
    -
    5 views

    How Do Women in Tech Inspire and Sustain a Culture of Innovation in Teams?

    Women in tech fuel innovation by bringing diverse perspectives, advocating for inclusion, leading by example, fostering open communication, and emphasizing continuous learning. They champion work-life balance, user-centric design, and create environments where failure is a learning tool. Their focus on mentorship, social good, and building collaborative networks amplifies innovation and...

    1 contribution
    Team Leadership and Management, Project Management
    -
    14 hours 20 minutes ago
    -
    34 views

    How Do Successful Women Leaders Manage Remote Tech Teams Effectively?

    Successful women leaders excel in managing remote tech teams by prioritizing clear communication, utilizing project management tools, fostering trust, promoting work-life balance, providing continuous feedback, building team culture virtually, investing in professional development, leveraging diversity for innovation, ensuring equity, and using technology for personal connections. They implement practices like using...

    5 contributions
    Data Science and AI, Artificial Intelligence
    -
    6 days 19 hours ago
    -
    40 views

    What Role Do Women Play in Bridging the Gender Gap in Data Science?

    Women in data science encourage girls in STEM, serve as role models, and challenge stereotypes by excelling in male-dominated roles. They advocate for flexible work conditions, participate in policy-making, research gender bias, create supportive networks, boost visibility, and promote female-forward policies. Their involvement strengthens gender diversity in education and mentorship...

    4 contributions
    AI in Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence
    -
    6 days 19 hours ago
    -
    62 views

    How Is AI Contributing to Mental Health Solutions for Women?

    AI enhances mental health care for women through customized therapy, personalized treatment, trend monitoring, and better self-help tools. It supports immediate help via chatbots, predictive care, reduces diagnosis bias, offers maternal health support, moderates support groups, and advances research. AI's objectivity and adaptability improve accessibility and effectiveness in addressing women's...

    16 contributions
    Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence
    -
    6 days 19 hours ago
    -
    406 views

    Why Is Female Leadership Crucial in the Evolution of Generative AI?

    Promoting diversity in AI, specifically through female leadership, enhances ethical frameworks, addresses biases, and empowers female representation. It stimulates economic growth and improves team dynamics, broadening AI applications and enhancing design. Female leaders foster global collaboration and sustain long-term innovation in generative AI, ensuring technology serves all.

    21 contributions
    Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence
    -
    1 week ago
    -
    41 views

    What Role Can Women Play in Innovating Generative AI Technologies?

    Women in AI play crucial roles from ethical development to innovation and policy shaping. They bring diverse perspectives to create fair, inclusive AI technologies, bridge gender gaps, enhance creativity, and advocate for responsible use. Women's involvement ensures AI systems are empathetic, diverse, and serve broad human needs, emphasizing the importance...

    3 contributions

    How Can Introverted Women Excel in Professional Networking Settings?

    Leverage introverted strengths in networking: actively listen, prepare conversation starters, focus on meaningful connections, use online platforms, find a buddy, prefer smaller events, embrace uniqueness, set goals, follow up, and practice self-care. Additionally, share unique insights or stories.

    3 contributions

    How Can Online Communities Empower Women in Tech to Break the Glass Ceiling?

    Online communities support women in tech through mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy, fostering networks to break the glass ceiling. They spotlight success, offer educational resources, and provide platforms for open dialogue, leadership training, and job opportunities, empowering women towards career advancement and equality.

    7 contributions

    Why Should Women in Tech Prioritize Networking Events for Career Growth?

    Networking for women in tech opens doors to opportunities, enhances visibility, and builds confidence. It facilitates access to mentorship, knowledge exchange, support systems, and expands professional networks. Engaging in these events nurtures long-term relationships, gives a competitive edge, and advocates for diversity. An essential move for career growth and industry...

    11 contributions
    Women in Senior Management, Women's Leadership
    -
    2 weeks 2 days ago
    -
    53 views

    What Challenges Do Women Still Face in Achieving Senior Management Positions?

    Gender bias, work-life balance pressures, and lack of mentorship hinder women's leadership opportunities. Other challenges include reduced networking, salary negotiation hurdles, institutional barriers, stereotyping, limited funding for women-led startups, workplace harassment, discrimination, and a confidence gap, all contributing to the underrepresentation of women in senior roles.

    5 contributions
    Vacation and Leave Policies, Work-Life Balance
    -
    2 weeks 5 days ago
    -
    46 views

    What Role Do Leave Policies Play in Achieving Work-Life Balance for Women in Tech?

    Comprehensive leave policies support women in tech by ensuring work-life balance, reducing burnout, increasing job satisfaction, and encouraging loyalty. Such policies promote gender equality, attract talent, maintain physical & mental health, facilitate professional growth, and assist in life transitions, building a supportive work community.

    6 contributions

    How Can Professional Certifications Elevate Women's Careers in Tech?

    Professional certifications help women in tech break stereotypes, leading to leadership roles and higher salaries. They offer networking, enhance skills and confidence, demonstrate commitment to growth, and give a competitive edge. Certifications also provide access to exclusive resources, help in personal branding, support career transitions, and foster workplace diversity, driving...

    19 contributions
    Women Mentoring Women, Mentorship and Sponsorship
    -
    3 weeks 2 days ago
    -
    59 views

    What Strategies Enable Effective Mentorship Among Women in STEM?

    Building inclusive networks supports women in STEM with guidance and community. Role models inspire achievement, while developing soft skills enhances career success. Tailored support and peer mentoring address individual needs and build camaraderie. Fostering a growth mindset and addressing implicit bias are essential, as is involving male allies for inclusivity...

    15 contributions
    Leadership Skills, Career Development
    -
    1 month ago
    -
    57 views

    What Does It Take to Be a Resilient Leader in the Tech Industry?

    Resilient tech leaders excel with an innovative mindset, strong emotional intelligence, adaptability, visionary leadership, decisiveness, learning agility, technical skills, persistence, ethical leadership, and team empowerment. They take calculated risks, manage emotions well, adapt to changes, foresee market needs, make swift decisions, constantly learn, understand their technology deeply, persevere through failures...

    3 contributions
    User-Centered Design, Product Management
    -
    1 month ago
    -
    14 views

    What Role Does Empathy Play in Creating User-Centered Designs for Women?

    Empathy in design helps understand women's needs, enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and usability while reducing bias. It fosters innovation, emotional connection, and supports well-being, prioritizing safety and privacy. This approach builds trust and loyalty with female users, recognizing diverse experiences and challenges.

    1 contribution

    Is Your Market Research Strategy Aligned with Female Consumer Trends?

    Market research must evolve to include trends important to female consumers, like sustainability, wellness, technology, and ethical products. Understanding the impact of social media, e-commerce, and female empowerment on consumer behavior is essential. Personalization, health trends, and the demand for convenience and experience-driven purchases also shape their preferences. Adapting research...

    1 contribution
    Product Roadmapping, Product Management
    -
    1 month ago
    -
    20 views

    What Are the Top Tips for Women to Excel in Product Roadmapping Roles?

    Master prioritization in roadmapping using frameworks like RICE or MoSCoW. Sharpen communication, embrace agile, make data-driven decisions, and foster strong stakeholder relationships. Promote collaboration, understand tech limits, focus on users, and continuously learn. Empathize and be resilient.

    2 contributions

    What Challenges Do Women Face in Climbing the Software Engineering Ladder?

    Women in tech face challenges like gender bias, stereotype, lack of mentors, work-life balance pressures, unequal pay, harassment, imposter syndrome, limited networking, insufficient sponsorship, technical credibility doubts, and non-inclusive company cultures, all impeding their career progression.

    6 contributions

    What Does it Take for Women to Become Influential Leaders? Perspectives from Executive Coaching

    Developing strong leadership skills in women involves mastering personal branding, effective communication, networking, strategic thinking, confidence, countering gender bias, defining leadership style, emotional intelligence, self-care, and continuous learning. Executive coaching plays a crucial role in these areas, providing strategies, insights, and support to navigate challenges, optimize strengths, and inspire impactful...

    7 contributions
    Network Security, Cybersecurity
    -
    1 month ago
    -
    51 views

    How Are Emerging Technologies Shaping Opportunities for Women in Cybersecurity?

    Cloud computing and collaboration tools are enhancing remote work, offering women global opportunities in cybersecurity with better work-life balance. Diversity in AI and machine learning teams is critical to minimize biases, fueling efforts to include women's unique perspectives. Access to online tech education empowers women to enter cybersecurity, supported by...

    8 contributions
    Personal Marketing Techniques, Personal Branding
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    109 views

    How Can Women in Tech Boost Their Personal Brand Online?

    To enhance their online presence, women in tech should create professional websites, contribute to tech blogs, stay active on LinkedIn, speak at conferences, create tech videos, use social media strategically, offer online courses, engage in tech forums, collaborate with influencers, and showcase personal projects. These strategies elevate profiles and open...

    4 contributions
    Stress Management Techniques, Work-Life Balance
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    29 views

    What Stress Management Secrets Do Successful Tech Women Swear By?

    Successful women in tech manage stress by prioritizing tasks, setting work-life boundaries, exercising, practicing mindfulness, saying no, pursuing hobbies, forming a support network, optimizing their work environment, establishing routines, and regular digital detoxes. These strategies boost efficiency, mental health, and overall well-being.

    3 contributions

    What Are the Key Strategies for Building a Strong Personal Brand in the Tech Industry?

    To excel in the tech industry, identify your unique selling proposition (USP) including your key strengths and passions. Build a strong online presence through professional social media profiles and content sharing. Networking is crucial for connections and opportunities. Maintain consistency across platforms in messaging and visuals. Create and share content...

    23 contributions

    Mentorship or Sponsorship: What's More Effective for Aspiring Women Leaders?

    Mentorship provides guidance and skills development for women leaders, while sponsorship actively advances careers through advocacy. Sponsorship breaks glass ceilings by leveraging influence; mentorship builds foundational success. Combining both offers a synergistic effect, enhancing leadership paths. Sponsoring women is key for gender parity, signaling commitment to diversity. Personalized approaches to...

    2 contributions
    Organizational Change Management, Corporate Culture
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    14 views

    Why Is Emotional Intelligence Crucial for Women Leading Organizational Change?

    Emotional intelligence enhances women's leadership in organizational change by improving communication, relationship building, conflict resolution, motivation, decision making, adaptability, trust, innovation, stress management, and inclusion. This skill set ensures leaders convey clear goals, maintain harmony, inspire teams, make thoughtful decisions, deal with change, foster trust, encourage creativity, manage stress, and...

    2 contributions
    Career Path Planning, Career Development
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    86 views

    What Are the Key Steps for Women in Tech to Successfully Transition into Leadership Roles?

    For women in tech aiming for leadership, developing a strong technical foundation, gaining diverse experiences, and honing leadership skills are vital. Building a professional network, seeking mentorship, advocating for oneself, staying resilient, promoting inclusivity, committing to lifelong learning, and taking on leadership roles early are key strategies. Beyond these, sharing...

    5 contributions
    Job Search Techniques, Career Development
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    67 views

    What’s the Best Way for Women in Tech to Showcase Their Skills on LinkedIn?

    Boost your LinkedIn with a professional profile, sharing content, and showcasing projects. Get recommendations, list certifications, engage with LinkedIn Learning, participate in groups, use multimedia, stay active, and optimize for keywords to enhance visibility and showcase your tech expertise.

    8 contributions

    How Do Women Balance Cultural Sensitivity with Technological Innovation in Global Projects?

    Women leaders excel in global projects by balancing cultural sensitivity with tech innovation. They foster effective communication, inclusivity, and ethical standards, adapting leadership styles to respect cultural nuances. By engaging local communities and advocating for inclusive design, they ensure technology enriches projects without compromising cultural integrity, promoting continuous learning and...

    1 contribution
    Remote Team Communication, Remote Work
    -
    1 month 1 week ago
    -
    8 views

    What Challenges Do Women Face in Remote Team Communication and How to Overcome Them?

    Challenges women face in remote teams include limited visibility, unconscious bias, tech barriers, work-life balance difficulties, relationship building, communication overload, asserting leadership, accessing informal networks, remote conflict resolution, and navigating time zones. Solutions involve virtual check-ins, bias training, tech support, flexible schedules, virtual team-building, clear communication protocols, leadership training, virtual...

    1 contribution

    What Can We Learn from Women-Led Businesses About Sustainable Innovation?

    Women-led businesses exemplify sustainable innovation through collaborative leadership, prioritizing long-term goals, resilience, valuing social impact, ethical considerations, leveraging networks, customer-focused sustainability, diversity in decision-making, transparency, and emotional intelligence in stakeholder engagement. These practices inspire solutions that are inclusive, ethical, and environmentally conscious, offering valuable lessons for other companies aiming for...

    4 contributions
    Inclusion in Online Learning, Inclusive Education
    -
    1 month 2 weeks ago
    -
    15 views

    What Are the Key Components of a Supportive Online Learning Network for Women in Tech?

    A supportive online network for women in tech should offer mentorship, community engagement, inclusive content, career resources, flexible learning, financial aid, technical support, wellness resources, and a feedback system. Highlighting success stories and role models also plays a crucial role in motivating and guiding women in their tech careers.

    2 contributions
    Tech Non-Profit Organizations, Tech Philanthropy
    -
    1 month 2 weeks ago
    -
    12 views

    What Challenges Face Women in Tech Non-Profits, and How Can They Overcome Them?

    Challenges like gender bias, limited funding, and work-life balance affect women in tech non-profits. Solutions include education, mentorship, and networking support. Addressing issues like the gender pay gap, lack of role models, and harassment is essential for creating an inclusive environment. Recognition and access to training can further empower women...

    2 contributions
    Personal Marketing Techniques, Personal Branding
    -
    1 month 2 weeks ago
    -
    35 views

    What Are the Most Effective Networking Strategies for Women in the Tech Industry?

    Build a strong online presence with professional profiles, join women-focused tech groups, attend industry events, seek mentorship, use social media wisely, volunteer in tech communities, participate in study groups, engage in local tech meetups, contribute to open source projects, and master follow-up techniques for strong professional relationships.

    7 contributions
    Resume Building for Career Breaks
    -
    1 month 2 weeks ago
    -
    142 views

    How Should You Update Your Resume After a Career Break?

    Summarize your career break positively on your resume by including relevant activities, utilize a functional resume format to highlight skills over work history gaps, emphasize transferable skills gained, update your summary statement, display any learning and development, customize your resume for each job, use a cover letter for context, focus...

    11 contributions
    Software Development Skills, Technical Skills
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    27 views

    What Skills Do Women Need to Excel in Full-Stack Development?

    Full-stack development requires women to master coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java; understand frameworks like React and Django; manage databases; use Git for version control; have basic design skills; develop and integrate APIs; follow security best practices; and possess strong problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning skills. These...

    2 contributions
    Web Development Techniques, Technical Skills
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    26 views

    How Can Responsive Design Techniques Make Your Website Stand Out?

    Responsive design improves user experience across devices, increases reach to mobile users, enhances SEO, and speeds up page loading. It's cost-effective, scalable, maintains consistent design and branding, boosts conversion rates, facilitates social sharing, and gives an edge in the competitive market.

    5 contributions
    Cybersecurity Policies, Cybersecurity
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    12 views

    How Can Cybersecurity Policies Foster a Safe Online Environment for Women in Tech?

    To bolster online safety for women in tech, key measures include: education on cyber threats, strict anti-harassment enforcement, anonymous reporting mechanisms, gender-sensitive policies, diverse cybersecurity teams, tech innovations for protection, partnerships with advocacy groups, creating supportive communities, regular policy reviews, and global collaboration. These strategies aim to foster a secure...

    4 contributions
    Interview Preparation, Career Development
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    69 views

    What Are the Best Practices for Women to Handle Technical Interview Questions Confidently?

    Master technical fundamentals and refresh key concepts before interviews. Regularly solving problems on platforms like LeetCode boosts skills and confidence. Prepare stories of past challenges, ask for clarifications in interviews, and think aloud while problem-solving. Stay calm, be honest about unknowns, tailor preparation to the job description, engage in mock...

    4 contributions
    Workplace Diversity Initiatives, Corporate Culture
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    24 views

    What Are Effective Ways to Combat Gender Bias in Tech Recruitment?

    Implement blind recruitment to remove gender identifiers from applications, use gender-neutral language in job postings, form diverse interview panels, set realistic diversity hiring goals, and provide bias training for hiring teams. Promote women in tech's successes, use data to identify and address bias, ensure employee referral programs are inclusive, develop...

    3 contributions
    Public Speaking for Leaders, Women's Leadership
    -
    1 month 3 weeks ago
    -
    16 views

    What Are the Best Practices for Women in Tech to Handle Q&A Sessions Confidently?

    Boost Q&A session skills by deeply understanding your topic, practicing with mock sessions, researching your audience, fostering an inclusive environment, showcasing confident body language, utilizing pauses thoughtfully, being honest about unknowns, engaging in dialogue, using humor carefully, and seeking feedback for continuous improvement. Always aim for deeper knowledge and effective...

    2 contributions
    AI for Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence
    -
    1 month 4 weeks ago
    -
    7 views

    What Are the Top AI Tools for Business Analytics That Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Know About?

    Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, Salesforce Einstein, IBM Watson, Zoho Analytics, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Slack, and Domo are pivotal AI and analytics tools aiding entrepreneurs in data-driven decisions across business analytics, insights, financial forecasts, customer management, and communication efficiency. Each platform offers unique capabilities, from visualizing trends and automating tasks to...

    1 contribution
    Networking Skills Workshops, Networking and Community
    -
    1 month 4 weeks ago
    -
    20 views

    Why Are Personal Branding and Networking Essential Tools for Women in the Tech World?

    Personal branding and networking are crucial for women in tech to boost visibility, career advancement, and access to opportunities in a male-dominated field. They foster credibility, encourage diversity, increase negotiating power, support lifelong learning, facilitate valuable feedback, and amplify confidence. By showcasing their unique skills and building strong networks, women...

    2 contributions
    Gender Bias in Tech, Workplace Bias
    -
    2 months ago
    -
    6 views

    What Can Companies Do to Combat Gender Bias in Tech?

    Implement blind hiring to reduce bias by omitting names and gender from resumes. Promote gender diversity with initiatives and support for women in tech. Offer regular gender bias training. Enforce anti-discrimination policies. Cultivate a culture of inclusivity. Support work-life balance with flexible policies. Create a diversity task force. Standardize evaluations...

    1 contribution
    Leadership Skills, Career Development
    -
    2 months ago
    -
    27 views

    How Does Mentorship Shape Successful Women Leaders in Tech?

    Mentorship in tech promotes growth, offering role models, networking, tailored advice, and support. It encourages risk-taking, innovation, and self-confidence, aiming to bridge the gender gap and enhance leadership diversity. It also aids in work-life balance, lifelong learning, and building a supportive community, key for women's success in the fast-evolving tech...

    4 contributions

    Is the Glass Ceiling Cracking? Progress and Setbacks in Achieving Gender Diversity in Leadership

    Women are making strides in corporate leadership, with increased boardroom representation and startup ventures. Quotas and policies in some countries are improving gender balance at executive levels. However, wage gaps and persistent underrepresentation, especially in STEM fields, highlight ongoing challenges. Efforts to tackle the pipeline problem, corporate culture biases, and...

    1 contribution
    Awards for Women in Tech, Recognition Programs
    -
    2 months 1 week ago
    -
    199 views

    What Does It Take for Women in Tech to Win Prestigious Awards?

    To win tech awards, women need exceptional tech skills, innovation, leadership, advocacy for diversity, a strong network, hard work, academic/professional success, community involvement, media presence, and personal branding. Extra insights enrich understanding.

    9 contributions