Avril Howes | Strategic Head | BCPlus+ | Braintree | mail me |
Back when computers filled entire rooms, diversity was barely a conversation. The gender gap in technology remains significant.
According to the Skillsoft 2024 Women in Tech Report, women make up less than a third of the global technology workforce. Currently, only 25% of the industry consists of women, with lower numbers in artificial intelligence (22%) and engineering (28%).
An industry gender shift in pushing boundaries
Despite these figures, I see a positive shift. Women in tech report higher job satisfaction, a stronger sense of belonging, and a greater willingness to ask for raises. While the sector still struggles with gender balance, those who work in it are increasingly content with their roles and opportunities. This transformation reflects a broader trend.
Since the early days of enterprise technology, South African women have been shaping the industry. We have been quietly pushing boundaries and redefining expectations. McKinsey and Company confirm this trend, stating that “companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians”.
Although South Africa has not achieved full gender parity, it performs better than global averages. The World Bank reports that 38.43% of ICT graduates are women. The Commission for Employment Equity shows that 45% of the technology workforce consists of women. We have been breaking barriers for decades, stepping into roles that shape both our careers and the industry.
Women driving tech
My journey started in an era when senior executives were just learning to use a mouse. I remember patiently teaching a German CEO how to navigate the digital world. Every time he moved the mouse, the pointer disappeared beyond the screen, leaving him confused.
I have seen business technology evolve, and I have grown with it. Beginning with Microsoft’s NAV version 3.7 – now Business Central – I moved from basic implementations to designing solutions for South Africa’s fastest-growing retailers. Over time, I learned not just the technical side but also how technology drives business growth.
Recently, I helped the Otto Brothers expand from 100 to more than 300 stores. I ensured their systems remained relevant by automating processes, enabling transformation, and reducing the time needed to access insights from weeks to mere hours.
Inclusive tech leadership
Working in a male-dominated industry, I never relied on authority alone. Instead, I led through technical expertise, mentorship, and a deep understanding of business needs.
Many professionals I mentored have since built successful careers across the globe. When they consider returning to South Africa, they look to our organisation first. Their careers have been shaped by the knowledge I shared, proving the power of mentorship.
My journey has now led me to product development. It’s about taking our IP and making it more accessible. We have built similar solutions for different clients over the years. Now, it is time to streamline these solutions into predictable, efficient products. This shift is not just for our business but for how enterprise technology is delivered across South Africa.
I have seen the landscape change. More women are stepping into leadership, driving innovation, and proving that technology is not just for men. My career has shown that women can navigate this industry from start to finish. We are not only making a difference for other women but also transforming the business world as a whole.
