Empowering Women in Tech: Breaking Bias and Building a Future

In the tech industry, women have been striving to overcome bias and increase their presence. A recent study by PwC revealed that only 3% of female students consider a tech career as their first choice, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in the field, particularly in AI where they make up only 22% of professionals. As companies shift focus away from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, women in tech face challenges that threaten the progress achieved. This raises the question: is this a setback or a rallying call for action?

With the theme of “Accelerate action for gender equality,” this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of women in tech. Kate Shaw, a senior product manager at SnapLogic, entered the tech space to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers hindering women’s advancement. She emphasizes the need for active measures to create opportunities, confront biases, and ensure technology is inclusive for all.

Stephanie Albertina-Wright, a principal consultant at Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, shares her journey of facing challenges like imposter syndrome and unconscious bias while highlighting the support she received from colleagues who value individuals based on merit rather than gender. Simone Mink, a product operations lead at Mendix, praises the EU Pay Transparency Directive as a positive step and urges leaders to lead by example in addressing gender disparities.

Kams Narayan, a director at SnapLogic, sees International Women’s Day as a platform to celebrate the resilience and leadership of women in male-dominated industries, emphasizing the need for mentorship and empowerment to bridge talent gaps. Emma Seymour, CFO at Deputy, advocates for inclusive workplaces that foster innovation and empower every team member, stressing the importance of financial literacy and career development to nurture future leaders.

Encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology and cybersecurity, Seymour underscores the significance of visible mentorship and industry engagement in schools. She also highlights the attractive reward schemes in these fields and the support available for career growth and work-life balance. Grace Ensell, a sales manager at Western Digital UK, emphasizes the importance of creating an equitable environment where everyone has equal opportunities and responsibilities.

In the quest for gender equality, Charlotte Lucy Hall, co-founder and CMO at Zinc, underscores the importance of balance and self-care, highlighting the need for personal time amidst professional responsibilities. Franziska Ferraz, VP of Media Owner Development EMEA at Criteo, emphasizes the role of inclusive cultures in organizational success, urging individuals to own their achievements and build a strong support network for growth.

As women in tech continue to navigate challenges and strive for equality, it is essential to recognize their contributions, advocate for inclusivity, and empower the next generation of leaders. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to break biases, build a future where gender equality is the norm, and create a tech industry that thrives on diversity and innovation.