As South Africa accelerates digital transformation, the conversation around women in technology must shift. It needs to become more practical and outcome-focused. Although access to digital tools has improved, a deeper issue remains. Women still lack meaningful participation in decisions, development and leadership. These areas shape how technology operates in the world of work. This reality demands a move toward moving beyond inclusion.
“Having women present is not the same as giving them real influence,” says Seugnet van den Berg, co-founder of Bizmod. “If women aren’t actively shaping decisions and outcomes, digital transformation reinforces the same structures organisations aim to dismantle. Inclusion alone isn’t enough.” Her perspective reinforces why moving beyond inclusion must become a strategic priority.
Drawing on insights from the financial and technology sectors, van den Berg identifies three areas requiring focused attention. Addressing these areas will help South Africa build a sustainable and future-ready digital economy.
Beyond corporate tick boxes
Closing the digital gender gap cannot sit on the margins. Organisations should not treat it as a peripheral Corporate Social Investment initiative. For real progress, inclusion must embed itself into daily operations. It must influence decision-making processes and technology deployment. This shift represents a practical step toward moving beyond inclusion.
When women actively participate in developing and implementing emerging technologies, their impact becomes clear. This applies especially to generative AI. Women bring perspectives that shape adoption, usability, and long-term value.
“Technology has real human consequences,” explains van den Berg. “It changes how people work, learn, and access opportunity.” When organisations ignore these impacts early, systems struggle to gain traction. Including women in design and decision-making improves adoption. It also delivers stronger business outcomes.
At the same time, empowerment remains a shared responsibility. Organisations must create enabling environments. Individuals must also step forward with confidence. Participation in the digital economy does not require permission. It requires digital literacy, capability, and belief in the value of one’s contribution.
Rebuilding the talent pipeline
Preparing for the future of work requires early and deliberate intervention. Many young women disengage from technology careers too soon. This often happens long before tertiary education. Limited exposure and outdated perceptions play a major role.
Early exposure changes this trajectory. Schools, community initiatives, hackathons, and digital bootcamps help reshape understanding. These programmes demonstrate that technology extends beyond coding. They highlight problem-solving, creativity, and real-world impact.
“Teachers can only guide learners toward careers they understand,” says van den Berg. Business has a clear opportunity here. Partnerships with schools and communities can expose educators to emerging technologies. In turn, educators can better support young women exploring these career paths.
Leadership in a rapidly changing world
As AI and automation redefine work, participation must expand further. It must reach into creation, leadership, and governance. Representation alone cannot meet this demand. Once again, the focus must shift toward moving beyond inclusion.
Women in leadership carry additional responsibility. Mentorship and sponsorship now matter more than ever. The next generation needs guidance that reflects lived realities. These include ambition, identity, cultural expectations, and structural bias.
“Change happens when women lead visibly and with confidence,” says van den Berg. Supporting one another sets a new standard for leadership in practice.
Women’s participation in technology is not symbolic. It is essential. The future of work depends on diverse thinking, ethical leadership, and solutions people trust and adopt. Without women actively shaping the digital economy, these outcomes remain unattainable. This is precisely why moving beyond inclusion must guide the next phase of South Africa’s digital transformation.
This perspective aligns with Bizmod’s work in advancing inclusive digital transformation strategies that ensure women are not only included but empowered to influence technological outcomes.
Learn more at https://www.bizmod.co.za/.
