Breaking barriers: women are changing the game in technology

When I completed high school as head girl, everyone had high expectations of me. But I didn’t follow a direct path to obtaining a traditional university degree.

My story has a twist: because I couldn’t immediately go to university, I settled for an “IT college” – which then proved to be the catalyst for my love of technology and introduced me to the neverending thrill of innovation. When I stepped into the corporate world, however, my lack of a degree made me constantly doubt myself.

Fast-forward four and a half years, and I got the opportunity to pursue an honors degree and then a master’s. I felt deep gratitude and gained a new insight along the way: studying isn’t about seeking external validation. Rather, it’s about having the grit to persevere and arming yourself with knowledge that will help you to conquer challenges.  

No impostors here

Impostor syndrome is the feeling that you don’t belong or aren’t good enough. I’ve often questioned my abilities or felt like an outsider. To overcome these feelings, I’ve had to acknowledge them, focus on my accomplishments and build a strong support network.

Recognizing that my background doesn’t define my potential has also been an important part of this process.

For instance, moving from the world of finance and debt collection – where I was first employed – to the technology industry was a significant leap. Yet, I discovered a surprising overlap in core skills. Whether you’re selling financial products or technological solutions, it’s about understanding the needs of the customer, crafting a compelling narrative, building relationships and closing deals.

But the transition wasn’t without its challenges. I had to acquire technical expertise, so I learned programming languages and got to grips with industry-specific tools. Moreover, adapting to the fast-paced, innovative culture of the technology industry required a shift in mindset.

So, if you’re considering a similar transition, identify your transferable skills, start building a strong network within the technology industry and be open to continuous learning.

Breaking down the stereotypes

When you enter the technology industry as a woman, you’ll soon encounter the persistent stereotype that it’s the exclusive domain of young, white, male engineers. However, the reality is very different: women have made groundbreaking contributions to technology, from pioneering programming languages to leading technology giants.

To challenge these biases, we must promote diverse representation, implement inclusive hiring practices and foster a culture of belonging.

Initiatives like Women in Tech and the nonprofit organization Girls Who Code play key roles in spotting and nurturing talent. Leaders like Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, and Melinda Gates, former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have championed women’s representation in the industry.

These and countless other trailblazers have broken barriers, inspired young women and inspired innovation. Their impact is undeniable. Their stories will continue to motivate new generations of women technologists.

Strength in diversity

Beyond the basic gender-based stereotypes, women of color, LGBTQ+ women and those with disabilities also face other unique challenges in our industry.

Women of color often encounter the double bind of racial and gender bias. They experience microaggressions, are underrepresented in leadership positions and may encounter challenges related to cultural differences.

LGBTQ+ women navigate the complex intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation as they face discrimination, harassment and a lack of inclusive policies, while differently abled women face barriers related to accessibility and may lack career-advancement opportunities.

Creating safe and affirming environments for all these women is crucial for their personal wellbeing and for the health of the industry, and it requires a multifaceted approach:

• Leadership commitment: Strong leadership is essential to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives.  
• Employee resource groups: These groups can provide support and a sense of community for underrepresented employees.  
• Training on unconscious biases: Educating employees about biases can help create a more inclusive workplace.  
• Accessibility: Employers need to facilitate physical and digital accessibility for all employees.
• Mentorship and sponsorship: Organizations should provide career-advancement opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• Data collection and analysis: Employers who don’t track diversity metrics can’t identify areas for improvement.

Only by addressing these challenges can the technology industry harness the full potential of its diverse talent pool.

Making parenting work

Balancing a demanding career in technology with the responsibilities of parenthood is another challenge many women face. Employers that offer supportive policies and an inclusive culture are essential for parents to thrive. I am lucky to work for NTT DATA, where the importance of work–life balance is acknowledged. Consider the following:

• Parental-leave policies: Comprehensive parental leave for both mothers and fathers benefits the parents and helps them foster a stronger bond with their children. Shared parental leave also promotes gender equity in the workplace.  
• Flexible work arrangements: Remote work, flexible hours and job-sharing options are invaluable for parents. These arrangements allow for a better work–life balance and reduced stress.  
• Private rooms: Dedicated private spaces at the office for nursing mothers create a supportive workplace.  
• Mentorship and support networks: Connecting new parents with experienced ones can provide invaluable support in the workplace.

So, what’s the secret? It’s about prioritization, time management and having the support of partners, family and friends. Set boundaries and avoid overcommitting, and remember, it’s OK to ask for help and to prioritize self-care. Balancing a career in technology and parenthood is a marathon, not a sprint.

The future is yours

My achievements thus far aren’t just mine. They belong to every child who has struggled: those with single parents, those who tried to break free from the cycle of poverty, those who left everything familiar behind to pursue new opportunities in a big city, and all those for whom giving up was not an option.

To these children, I say: we may not control the hand we’re dealt, but we can reshuffle the deck and forge the future we want. So, keep pushing, keep striving and remember, the world needs your unique voice and unwavering spirit. You, too, can achieve the seemingly impossible.