Actions, not words, will open doors for women in technology

South Africa celebrates Women’s Month in August every year in memory of the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956 to protest against the extension of apartheid pass laws to Black women.  

We’ve come a long way since, and this year I’ve been reminded of the journey that brought me into the technology industry – and the importance of trust in creating opportunities for women at NTT DATA and in our industry more broadly.

Trust is more than just a value for us. It’s the foundation of our brand. It’s why people work with us and for us, and it motivates us to empower women and invest in the future.

My journey so far in technology

I never consciously decided to go into technology – it happened naturally. My mom ran a marketing company focused on the IT industry, so I was exposed to technology and its potential from a young age.

After university, I started working in marketing for an international technology company – and I was instantly hooked. The constant change and fast pace of innovation in the industry resonated with my naturally curious nature. Fifteen years later, I’m still here and excited about what’s next.

But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, there have been challenges, from battling self-doubt to juggling the demands of being a working mom. Yet, each challenge has presented opportunities for me to learn, grow and reinforce the importance of trust – in myself, in my team and in the work we do.

Change starts with us

The reality is that there are still not enough women in technology, especially in deep technical or business management roles. Too often, women are steered toward HR, marketing and other support roles.

In the US, for example, women held only 35.1% of jobs in computer systems design and related services by May this year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, while in South Africa, just 23% of jobs in technology are held by women, Women in Tech ZA has reported.

This needs to change, and it starts with us. We have to create more opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, from the classroom to the boardroom.

But change doesn’t just happen. It requires commitment and action.

One of my guiding principles is: if not us, then who? If not now, then when? This mindset has guided our efforts to mentor young women, to advocate for more diversity in technology and to create a culture where everyone, regardless of their gender, is valued for their talents and contributions.

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How we put words into action

At NTT DATA, we understand that to change the landscape, we must start early – by exposing young women to the possibilities of technology and giving them the tools, guidance and support they need to succeed.

One of the ways we’re doing this is through our Young Talent Graduate Program, designed to empower young people and create opportunities for young women in technology. It offers graduates extensive exposure to various functions in specific business areas.

Our investment in women goes beyond addressing the gender gap. We want to build a better future and create opportunities for women to explore, experiment and innovate, knowing that they have the support and trust of their employer.

Women’s Month should be about more than raising awareness, which is why we’re taking action. We’re amplifying the voices of women in technology, celebrating their achievements and showing the next generation what’s possible – and we will keep doing it. It’s how we will make our industry more inclusive and more empowering for all.