Springing Forward: Growing the Next Generation of Women in Tech

Spring is the season of change, a time for growth and fresh perspectives. As we welcome the return of some sunshine, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the importance of change in our own industry. With International Women’s Month last month and International Women in Tech Day on April 4th, I’ve been reflecting on how far the tech space has come and the work that still lies ahead.

My journey

I always knew my career would lead me into tech. I studied computer science and music at university, completed a master’s in computing, and then landed my first role as a software engineer. I’ve since spent over 25 years in this industry, honing my technical expertise and building enduring relationships across the channel.

The industry I stepped into looks remarkably different from the one I’m part of today. In the early 2000s, women made up just 9% of the global tech workforce, now that figure is closer to 35%. That’s real progress and it’s encouraging, but it’s also a reminder that there’s still a long way to go and a huge amount of untapped potential still out there.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This is one of the most exciting moments to be entering the tech industry. AI is reshaping what’s possible at a pace none of us have fully grasped yet and the imagination of the next generation will play a huge part in defining where we go next. I would love to see women front and centre in building that future.

But for young women to choose tech, they need visibility into the roles and possibilities available to them. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects is one part of the solution, the other is ensuring they see people like them in the industry.

Visiting schools, speaking at events and careers fairs and staying active on platforms like LinkedIn all help open doors for those exploring their options. I can testify first hand that these interactions are often as inspiring for us as they are for the students.

Cultivating progression

Attracting women into tech is only the beginning; supporting them to stay and grow is just as important. Research reveals the top reasons cited by women for leaving technical roles are a lack of career progression, lack of recognition, and inadequate pay. These challenges won’t fix themselves, and we all have a responsibility to help drive change from within.

We must create environments where women’s ambitions are supported, celebrated, and taken seriously. Relationships and human connections play a critical role here. Mentorship, peer support, and willingness to share candid experiences and advice can change the trajectory of someone’s career.

It’s also crucial that leadership pathways feel within reach. Regardless of gender, we should all be contributing to a culture where women feel deserving and capable of stepping into senior roles. The value of women in the sector is not something to be downplayed or overlooked.

Change doesn’t happen passively, it requires intention and commitment from all of us. The sooner we embrace that, the sooner we can have a meaningful impact for ourselves, for those entering the industry and for the generations still to come.