HP Backs Women in Tech

Palo Alto, California – March 8, 2018 – At a moment when the world is acknowledging the power of women’s voices, HP is inviting girls to reinvent their stories and reach for their dreams. In celebration of International Women’s Day, HP is releasing “Paro,” a short film shot in Kolkata, India that follows a girl’s journey as she discovers her passion for storytelling. Alongside the film, HP is introducing a range of social impact programs, rooted in the belief that technology can be a democratizing force in telling and sharing stories that matter.

“At HP we are celebrating the women who drive us forward and empowering the next generation of female leaders,” said Dion Weisler, President and CEO, HP Inc. “Together we must take action and propel the industry forward through diversity and inclusion. This is more than a week to celebrate women, it’s an ongoing movement.”

Stories have the power to change the world

The greatest stories are an expression of our collective dreams. They unite, uplift and connect us. “Paro” is one of those stories. In it, a young girl experiences the triumph of sharing her story with others through an untraditional and unexpected path. Produced by HP Studios, the film was created to inspire schoolchildren to celebrate their differences and show how technology can reinvent and make life better.

“Paro was created to spark discussion about dreaming big and chasing your passions, no matter your background or where you are in the world,” said Antonio Lucio, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, HP Inc. “We believe powerful stories – told vividly and authentically – can change minds and spark action. International Women’s Day is a perfect reminder to always inspire action and stories are a perfect vehicle to touch hearts.”

To encourage the creation of more stories like “Paro,” HP is partnering with Girl Rising on a seven-month story-driven challenge designed to elevate voices of people around the world advocating for equality. The challenge will run from April through June 2018, with winners announced on International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. Winners will receive micro-grants, HP products and services and access to mentors to help them on their journey.

The essence of the challenge is to share a personal story using technology – whether that is a pen and paper, a photograph, a video or audio recording. “Everything starts with a story and these community-driven projects serve as a catalyst for impact and long-term social change,”said Christina Lowery, CEO of Girl Rising. “Our partnership with HP will help us elevate more voices and advance equality throughout the world. We look forward to uncovering powerful stories and meeting the inspiration behind them.”

Story submissions will begin on April 2 on Girl Rising with details on the process and submission requirements.

Nurturing the next generation of advocates

Producing and distributing “Paro” is just one of the ways HP is committed to driving meaningful conversations and social change. HP is also launching “Stories of Advocacy,” a partnership with Women Deliver and its Young Leaders program leading up to the 2019 Women Deliver conference. Through this partnership, HP will provide support and technology to drive the young leaders’ advocacy platforms forward.

“While we work for progress today, it’s crucial to look ahead to the leaders of tomorrow,” said Lori Adelman, Director of Youth Engagement, Women Deliver. “HP will equip our young leaders with the tools and resources necessary to launch their platforms and spread change beyond their communities.”

Inspiring diverse youth to explore technology

Disney and HP co-sponsored the “Warriors Who Code Challenge,” an all-day coding platform with Black Girls Code to celebrate the premiere of the film A Wrinkle in Time. HP convened leading female voices in tech and filmmaking to inspire future engineers, scientists, technologists and artists. HP is also teaming with NFL retiree Wade Davis, Gabrielle Union, the Ms. Foundation and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls for special screenings of the film during International Women’s Week in New York City.

To learn more about HP’s International Women’s Week celebration, please visit: www.hp.com/go/FollowYourDreams