Female tech leaders discuss challenges & gender parity
In a candid discourse surrounding gender equality within the technology sector, female leaders and visionaries have shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the persistent challenges and the strides made towards gender parity. As International Women's Day draws near, their reflections glimpse the ongoing efforts to level the playing field within this male-dominated industry.
Claire Nouet, COO and Co-founder of Pathway, illustrated some of the gender-based biases encountered within her career. "The combination of being a woman and looking young has resulted in unsolicited advice," she noted. Her experience underscores a broader industry trend where women often feel compelled to adjust their professional personas to be taken seriously. She emphasised the importance of visible female role models in accelerating gender equality. "Women, especially those in their early career stages, need to see others advancing, to dismantle the 'boys club' perception," she stated.
Zuzanna Stamirowska, another Pathway leader, pointed out the double standards that pervade the tech sphere. "A smart and competent man is celebrated, while his female counterpart faces scrutiny and misplaced focus on her appearance," she shared. Her critique extends to the very infrastructure of workplaces, citing the absence of sanitary bins in many VC offices as a subtle reminder of gender disparity. Stamirowska believes that by empowering female venture capitalists with the discretion to invest, true equality can be realised.
Hinada Neiron of aconso reflected on over two decades of witnessing challenges related to gender representation which manifest in feelings of imposter syndrome among women in tech. She acknowledged the progress in enhancing female representation but warned that a truly gender-equal working environment remains unachieved. "Women continue to work harder for the same recognition," Neiron explained. She called for policy-level commitments, such as closing the gender pay gap, to bolster efforts towards inclusivity.
Ewa Kompowska, a VC investor at RTP Global, shared positive developments from within the investment community. With increasing investors backing female-led startups, Kompowska celebrated the diversity of thought that such inclusivity brings to the table. However, she noted that more than just opening doors, mentoring and uplifting women within the industry is necessary. "True success in VC is blind to gender," she affirmed, stressing the importance of inclusive leadership and decision-making from the top down.
Dr Andrea Cullen from CAPSLOCK presented a long-term perspective, reflecting on her 30-year tenure in the tech sector. She recalled the palpable underrepresentation during her academic tenure and the confidence gap this instilled in women pursuing tech careers. Cullen stressed the need for diversity across all levels, calling recruiters to overhaul biased hiring practices. Her vision extends beyond policy—into action—advocating for taskforces that facilitate inclusive hiring and cultural shifts within organisations.
The voices of these influential women reverberate with a clear message: while progress has been made, significant work remains. Representation at every level, from entry to leadership, is vital. Policies addressing gender inequality must be both government-backed and implemented within corporate environments. These tales of ambition, resilience, and advocacy highlight the individual battles faced and serve as a clarion call for continued effort to foster a truly inclusive and diverse technology landscape.
