IWD 2025: Breaking Barriers: building an inclusive tech industry where women thrive

A quarter into the 22nd century but the conversation remains as relevant as ever: the tech industry must take deliberate action to promote an inclusive culture where women are valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

Creating this environment starts with ensuring psychological safety—where women feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and taking risks without hesitation or fear of being overlooked.

One impactful way to support this change is by increasing representation in leadership. When women see others like them in executive roles, it reinforces their own aspirations and career growth, proving that leadership is not only possible but also encouraged. Representation at the top sends a powerful message that diverse perspectives are valued and essential for innovation and success. As employers, we can be more intentional about mentorship, sponsorship, and professional development to ensure women have clear pathways to leadership.

Beyond hiring, retention is equally important. Women returning to work after career breaks- whether stepping away for caregiving, personal development, or other life circumstances, these professionals bring invaluable experience, leadership skills, and fresh perspectives that can strengthen teams and drive innovation. Yet, too often, they encounter challenges such as outdated hiring practices, skill gaps, and biases that make re-entry difficult.

To bridge this gap, companies can implement flexible work arrangements, including hybrid models, part-time roles, and phased returns, allowing women to re-integrate into the workforce in a way that suits their evolving needs. Upskilling programs, mentorship, and structured returnship initiatives can help women refresh their skills and regain confidence in their abilities. Additionally, promoting strong peer support networks and employee resource groups can provide encouragement, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

Early exposure is key to closing the gender gap in tech and ensuring that the next generation of women feels confident in pursuing careers in the industry. Many young girls do not consider technology as a viable career path simply because they lack role models, exposure, and encouragement from an early age. By actively engaging with students and providing hands-on experiences, we can help remove barriers and create more opportunities for women in tech.

How Companies Can Inspire Future Women in Tech:

• Partner with Schools and Offer Internships – Collaborate with educational institutions to provide workshops, hackathons, and internship opportunities tailored for young women.
• Mentorship & Role Models – Connect female tech professionals with students through mentorship programs and career talks. Highlight women leaders through company blogs and panels.
• Hands-On Learning – Support coding bootcamps, robotics clubs, and online courses that give girls practical experience in tech.
• Engage Parents & Educators – Provide resources to help teachers integrate tech skills into early education and encourage parents to support girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

And most importantly, we should celebrate women's accomplishments loudly and often—because when their voices are heard and their achievements recognized, the entire industry moves forward together! When we highlight the achievements of women in tech, we reinforce the message that their voices matter and that their work is driving real impact in the industry.

Ways to Celebrate and Elevate Women in Tech:

• Public Recognition and Storytelling – Feature the achievements of women in company newsletters, blogs, social media, and industry events to ensure their contributions are visible.
• Awards and Leadership Spotlights – Establish awards or recognition programs within organizations to honor women leaders, innovators, and rising stars.
• Panel Discussions and Speaking Opportunities – Invite women to share their insights and experiences at conferences, webinars, and internal company events to showcase their expertise.
• Internal Career Growth and Sponsorship – Support career advancement by actively sponsoring high-potential women for leadership roles, promotions, and executive training programs.
• Community Engagement – Partner with organizations that champion women in tech and participate in initiatives like International Women's Day or Women's History Month.

Creating a more inclusive and equitable tech industry is not just a moral imperative, it's a business necessity. Diverse teams drive innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. By promoting psychological safety, increasing representation in leadership, supporting women returning to work, and investing in early exposure initiatives, companies can build an environment where women can thrive at every stage of their careers. Change doesn't happen overnight, but every step toward inclusivity makes a lasting impact.