Despite being celebrated for over 100 years, Women’s Equality Day remains as relevant as ever. The day is rooted in the celebration of when the 19th Amendment was added to the US Constitution in 1920, officially granting American women the right to vote. Globally, it is now an opportunity to recognise and honour women’s suffrage, as well as inspiring a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
Progress since 1920 is undeniable, yet the work is far from done. In the 2024 Fortune 500, only 9% of CEO roles were held by women, showing how under-representation persists even at the very top. Furthermore, the gender pay gap in the UK has narrowed but remains stubborn, with research suggesting it may take up to 40 years to close.
And the story is no different for women in tech, with many still striving for equality. It’s important to take the time to hear from these women, and learn from their experiences of making it in the industry.
Culture of empowerment
The workplace culture at an organisation can make all the difference to how women experience work, so it’s undeniably crucial to ensure this culture is one of positivity and empowerment. Becky Wallace, Head of People at LearnUpon, recognises this: “As leaders, we have the privilege of creating a culture where everyone belongs. When we talk openly about biases and give our teams the tools to challenge and tackle them, we foster an inclusive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”
“At LearnUpon, learning is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud of the inclusive culture we have created,” adds Wallace. “We know that we are more successful as a company when everyone brings their unique perspectives so these conversations not only educate, they help create an open space where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Women’s Equality Day is a reminder of just how much a difference women make in the workforce and how important it is to keep promoting gender equality through education and empowerment.”
Jessica Shorten Hood, Product Manager C&I at Epson UK, echoes this sentiment: “Just as important as the solutions we deliver is the culture that drives them. When women are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute at every level, we create not only stronger teams but better outcomes for our customers. Being a woman in tech comes with challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to help redefine leadership and open doors for others. Representation matters. Not just for equity, but because it leads to better ideas, better solutions, and better results.”
It’s argued by Louise Clements, Global Chief Marketing Officer at WorkJam, that if employers want to truly champion gender equality, they must have “open cultures where different approaches and perspectives are embraced.” Clements also emphasises how networking with other women in other teams or departments creates “wonderful, supportive working environments”. She adds: “Women’s Equality Day is a powerful and meaningful reminder of the significant progress women have made – and yet, how far we still have to go. To me, it’s both a celebration of achievements and a call to action: to amplify female voices, embrace inclusivity, and continue advancing equality.”
Encouraging diversity
Discussions around equality often also come hand-in-hand with diversity, with both being just as important to foster success. “Organisations should continue to hire from diverse talent pools”, emphasises Charis Thomas, Chief Product Officer at Aqilla. “We know that greater diversity leads to increased revenue, fosters new thinking, and drives innovation. Change is happening, driven by the increasing need for diverse roles in Tech and Finance.
Thomas continues: “I’ve worked in Tech/Finance for just over two decades, often in environments where accountants and developers dominate – making it largely male-dominated. Initially, being in the minority can feel intimidating, but focusing on delivering quality work helps create commonality. Like anyone, you eventually find your tribe.”
Lisa Healey, Sales Director at Node4, agrees that fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women is something that companies should strive for: “Diversity in the workplace is essential, as it brings a wide range of perspectives, opinions, and approaches to problem-solving. Women should feel empowered to engage fully, share their ideas on projects, and contribute meaningfully to their organisations.
However, despite being encouraged by the positive progression that has been made in the technology sector, Healey still voices some concern: “We are moving in the right direction but the reality is that there is still more we can do. Many women still encounter obstacles and challenges due to their gender and equally have their own limiting beliefs, whether this be through an experience or that way in which businesses encourage them. I always advise young women starting a career in tech to seek out strong mentors who can support their growth and progression. Having someone who can guide you through the complexities of your career, advocate for you and provide expert insight is invaluable.”
Acting assertively
Along with empowerment, diversity, and mentorship, another piece of advice offered by Rebekah Lawrence, Senior Technical Writer at StorMagic, is for women to act assertively in their roles: “My main message to women in the workplace would be: don’t be afraid to assert yourself. Call out sexist language or behaviour, while understanding that you need to educate the speaker as often it isn’t a conscious attitude. And actively connect with other people who inspire you – whatever their gender is – and learn from them.”
Lawrence also explains how seeing more women in positions of power can make a difference: “As a woman born in the 1960s I was privy to a time where girls were excluded from so many things. But now, nearly sixty years later, I find myself working for a company with a female CEO. And while some of the current political and social discourse is disturbing, her leadership gives me hope for the future, particularly because she embraces her feminine side in her role.”
By listening to the women who are working across the tech industry, we can use past experiences to accelerate achieving gender equality in the future. There is no better advice than that from those who have seen first-hand what it takes to work in such a historically male-dominated industry, and hopefully this can be used to encourage and empower the next generation of female talent in technology.
