This International Women's Day, tech leaders reflect on the urgent need for gender equality in STEM and how AI can amplify or reduce bias.
As International Women's Day 2025 approaches with its theme "Accelerate Action for Women's Equality," technology leaders emphasize that progress for women in tech cannot wait. The call for acceleration comes at a critical time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, making diverse representation more crucial than ever.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Equality
Hope Wang, Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Alluxio, sees an opportunity in the current technological revolution. "As an Asian woman in tech, I've witnessed firsthand the barriers women face in STEM fields," Wang states. "I'm optimistic about how the AI revolution democratizes access to technical education by lowering entry barriers that have historically kept diverse voices out."
This democratization effect could be transformative, with AI tools becoming "great equalizers, opening doors for women to learn, create, and innovate on their terms," according to Wang.
However, Phyllis Rhodes, Director of Sales and Business Development at Parallel Works, warns of the risks if diversity isn't prioritized in AI development. "When AI systems are developed predominantly using content or voices that are homogenous or largely representative of the most dominant figures in a room, they risk reinforcing existing biases rather than breaking them down," Rhodes explains.
The stakes are high. As Rhodes notes, "Without a diversity of perspectives, these biases become amplified within AI models, perpetuating inequality instead of fostering inclusivity."
Beyond Representation: The Business Case for Diversity
The push for women's equality in tech isn't just about fairness but building better technology. Rhodes makes a compelling business case: "A diversity of perspectives is not just a checkbox—it's the foundation of innovation. The more viewpoints we bring, the more dynamic and effective our solutions become."
Research consistently shows that diverse teams produce more innovative solutions. "A team rich in varied experiences and views can generate more creative ideas, challenge ingrained biases, and ultimately lead to better, more informed, and more equitable technology," Rhodes adds.
Creating Pathways to Leadership
For Julia Astashkina, Senior Director of Growth at StarTree, the urgency is personal. "My daughter is growing up in a world where women continue to push boundaries in science, technology, and leadership, yet true equality remains just out of reach," she shares.
Her vision requires concrete action: "Progress requires action, not just words or promises, but tangible steps that create opportunities for women at every level. This means actively tracking representation, fostering mentorship, and ensuring women have well-defined, well-supported pathways to leadership."
Molly Presley, SVP Global Marketing at Hammerspace and Director of Communications and Outreach for Women in High-Performance Computing (WHPC), emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her career journey. "My tech career trajectory has been greatly influenced by exceptional leaders who have pushed me to achieve beyond my expectations," Presley recounts.
She now pays it forward: "A significant aspect of my journey has been mentoring women in technology and giving back to those who have mentored me."
Breaking the Silence in Male-Dominated Spaces
A persistent challenge for women in technology is being heard in environments that are still predominantly male. "Too often, valuable insights go unnoticed simply because the voices behind them are quieter or less assertive in male-dominated spaces," Rhodes observes.
The solution requires allies who recognize when someone feels intimidated and make efforts to amplify their voices. As Rhodes puts it, "Recognizing when someone may feel intimidated and making an effort to draw them into discussions is a simple but powerful way to promote equality."
Accelerating Action: What Needs to Happen Now
The consensus among these tech leaders is clear: the pace of change must increase. Astashkina says plainly: "We can't afford to wait for change to happen gradually."
Presley frames the challenge as a call to leadership: "This year's IWD theme is 'Accelerate Action' for gender equality. It is a worldwide call for strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women's advancement, support, and elevation of their implementation."
She adds that responsibility falls primarily on those with influence: "It's also a call for all of us, especially those in leadership positions, to step forward in solidarity and accelerate the rate of progress worldwide."
The Path Forward
As technology transforms society, ensuring women's equal participation isn't optional—it's essential. "When we create inclusion through accessible technology, we forge a more equitable future for all women in STEM," Wang concludes.
Ultimately, as Astashkina powerfully states, the goal is a world where women "belong in every room" they enter. "Let's stop waiting for progress and start accelerating it," she urges, "ensuring that future generations inherit a world where inclusion isn't an initiative, but a given."
For the technology industry to reach its full potential in solving humanity's most pressing challenges, it must tap into humanity's full range of perspectives and talents. International Women's Day reminds us that we can't afford to wait another generation for gender equality in tech—the time to accelerate action is now.