Tech leaders advocate for gender equality on International Women's Day

International Women's Day on March 8th serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, particularly within male-dominated industries such as technology and cybersecurity. Women across these sectors continue to advocate for equity and inclusion, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

Ghazal Asif, Vice President of Global Channels & Alliances at Rubrik, highlights the urgency of accelerating progress towards gender parity. "At the current rate of progress, it is estimated that it won't be until 2158 that we achieve full gender parity," she states, citing data from the World Economic Forum. Asif advocates for more ambitious efforts to increase representation in cybersecurity, a field where diverse voices remain underrepresented. She emphasizes the importance of fair hiring practices and an inclusive culture, noting that a third of Rubrik's channel organisation consists of women.

Hope Wang, Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Alluxio, expresses optimism about the role of artificial intelligence in breaking down barriers to entry in tech fields. "As an Asian woman in tech, I've witnessed firsthand the barriers women face in STEM fields," she says. Wang believes the AI revolution, accelerated by Generative AI (GenAI), is helping to democratise access to technical education. "AI tools are becoming great equalizers, opening doors for women to learn, create, and innovate on their own terms," she asserts, celebrating how technology can amplify women's voices and accelerate inclusion.

Helen Masters, Managing Director for APJ at Smartsheet, underscores the importance of mentorship and diverse networks in professional growth. With over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, Masters shares insights into overcoming challenges through guidance from both female and male mentors. "It is essential to have diverse mentors," she notes, recounting how such mentorship helped her navigate early career challenges and build the confidence needed to rise to a leadership position in the male-dominated technology field.

Asif's and Masters' comments indicate a broader recognition of the need for structural change within industries, promoting environments where diverse talent can not only be hired but also thrive. The commitment to building an inclusive workplace, where individuals from varying backgrounds feel empowered to contribute and are provided with opportunities for advancement, is a common thread in their narratives.

This International Women's Day, leaders across sectors take stock of progress while acknowledging the long journey ahead. Technology is seen as a critical enabler of change, with the potential to bridge gaps and create a more equitable future for women in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. The voices of Wang, Masters, and Asif offer a glimpse into the efforts being made to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, as they call on organisations to harness both innovation and earnest commitment to accelerate these goals.