Empowering women in tech: Bridging leadership gaps
As the world celebrates International Women's Day, the spotlight is once again on the role of women in technology, an industry often criticised for its gender imbalance. Industry leaders are calling for systemic changes to bridge the gender gap, not just in technology itself, but in leadership and innovation roles within the field.
Kenz Mroue, Director of Partner Sales at enterprise data platform Nasuni, emphasised that while statistics can highlight the underrepresentation of women, they do not capture the full picture of the valuable innovations and leadership that women are bringing to technology sectors. She advocates for creating structures that enhance visibility and provide sponsorship for women to rise into leadership positions. Mroue states that companies that recognise the importance of inclusivity are making sound business decisions since diverse teams tend to deliver better outcomes and drive innovation.
The multiplier effect of having women in senior leadership roles was also noted, as it often leads to increased opportunities for other women, thereby promoting systemic change. Mroue stresses that representation in leadership should be seen as a business imperative rather than a mere diversity checkbox.
Sarah Danzl, Chief Marketing Officer of Skillable, pointed out the potential risk of technological advances like AI exacerbating gender biases, which could hinder progress towards gender equity. She underscored the need for organisations to foster environments where female tech talents can thrive, by promoting an inclusive culture, recognising and developing female talent, and removing bias from career advancement opportunities. Danzl suggests that developing skills from school age to executive level is vital for enabling women to succeed and helping businesses gain the necessary skills for the next technological era.
From WatchGuard Technologies, Carla Roncato, Vice President of Identity, highlighted another important facet: the lack of digital identification disproportionately affecting women worldwide, which limits their access to vital digital services. Roncato argues for raising awareness about digital identity to enable greater security and access to essential services. She sees this as a calling not just for professional growth but as a chance for meaningful change.
Elena García-Mascaraque Sayabera, also from WatchGuard, shares her experiences in cybersecurity, emphasising the enrichment that diverse perspectives, particularly women's, bring to tackling cyber threats. She contends that women bring crucial skills such as effective communication and a holistic understanding of the problem, which are invaluable in cybersecurity settings. Sayabera has been a mentor for women in technology, advocating for continuous learning and supporting initiatives like Women4Cyber, which empowers women entrepreneurs in the field of cybersecurity.
The commentaries collectively argue that the path to achieving gender equity in tech involves more than just increasing numbers. It is about ensuring that women have the necessary support structures to advance and lead. With technology continually evolving, the urgency for systemic change within the industry is ever-present, driving not only gender equity but fostering innovation and comprehensive solutions to modern technological challenges. As the dialogue continues on International Women's Day, these insights highlight a shared vision for a more inclusive and equitable technological future.
