Promoting inclusivity in tech on International Women's Day

As International Women's Day approaches, the spotlight is again on diversity and inclusion within the technology sector, with calls for companies to reassess their strategies to foster a more inclusive environment. Leaders across the industry stress the importance of diversifying their workforces and creating opportunities that bolster both innovation and equality.

Kumar Mitra, Managing Director and Regional General Manager for CAP & ANZ at Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group, emphasises that 2025 presents a pivotal moment for the tech industry. He notes that while global trends in diversity are powerful, Australia has a distinctive opportunity to forge its own path by reinforcing values of inclusion and innovation. He points to the Australian tech sector's 80% growth in value over the past five years as evidence of how diversity fuels innovation and competitiveness.

Despite significant strides, the gender gap remains a critical issue, with women making up only 28% of the tech workforce in Australia. Mitra underscores the importance of International Women's Day as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality, saying, "Creating an environment where women thrive isn't just about fairness—it's about securing the long-term success and resilience of the industry." Under Lenovo's doctrine of "Smarter Technology for all," the company commits to fostering diverse voices and ensuring that women engineers and leaders are integral to shaping the future.

Rebecca Taylor, Senior Sales Manager at Nexxen, also champions inclusivity, highlighting the essential role of mentoring in preparing the next generation of female tech leaders. She asserts that International Women's Day should galvanise efforts to dismantle outdated norms, promote diverse leadership, and drive significant industry change.

Taylor points to persistent issues for women in tech, such as underrepresentation in leadership roles, limited access to mentorship, and fewer advancement opportunities. Advocating for a cultural shift within companies, she calls for establishing equitable policies and supporting women-led initiatives as vital measures. "Mentorship programs and amplifying female voices in tech are key to creating real, tangible change," she insists.

She elaborates on the necessity of embedding inclusivity within company cultures, stating that real progress is achieved when inclusivity becomes "part of the DNA of a company" rather than just an encouraged practice. Through continuous innovation and advocacy for equal opportunities, Taylor believes the tech industry can evolve to reflect a truly diverse world.

The conversations surrounding International Women's Day are a crucial reminder of the work that still needs to be accomplished. Leaders like Mitra and Taylor stress the importance of integrating diversity across all levels within the tech industry to ensure a prosperous and innovative future. Their message echoes the commitment to gender equality and empowerment, aligning with this year's theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."