Tag: #WomenInTech

Building inclusive leadership pipelines is a business imperative, not a diversity exercise. South Africa’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries sit at the centre of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. They shape the technologies, systems, and infrastructure that drive business and society forward.

I was promoted three times before I ever asked for a promotion. Each time, it happened because the person above me left. Someone needed to hold the work together. I stepped up, and I didn't campaign or pitch myself for the role. I just did the job that needed doing. Eventually, the title caught up with the work.

As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the conversation around women in technology needs to become more practical and outcome-focused. While access to digital tools has improved, the real issue now is whether women are meaningfully participating in the decisions, development and leadership that shape how technology is used in the world of work.

Despite decades of progress towards achieving equality in the workplace, women remain significantly under-represented in emerging tech. The imbalance between men and women in the technology sector is unlikely to be remedied unless organisations, schools and universities work together to change entrenched perceptions about the tech industry, and also educate young people about the dynamics and range of careers in the technology world.