How Women in Technology Can Advance Gender Equality
Antonio Tejeda Encinas, President of PCDD– Citizen Participation in Defense of Fundamental Rights, Democracy and Digital Rights
The shortage of women in STEM fields creates gender bias in the technology industry, where many problems are approached from a predominantly male perspective.
Historically, notable women in STEM have been pioneers in their fields. These include Marie Curie, recognized for her work on radioactivity and the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific disciplines, and Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician who calculated trajectories for NASA’s earliest crewed spaceflights. Despite their exceptional contributions, their achievements have often been overlooked and underestimated.
Girls face challenges in STEM subjects from childhood. The lack of role models, the mistaken perception that they are supposedly less capable in these fields, and test-related anxiety despite achieving similar grades are some of the reasons why many avoid careers in science and technology. In Spain, only 28% of students choose scientific fields and, of these, only three are girls.
This lack of female representation in STEM not only contributes to bias in technology but also limits access to the talent needed in a field with growing demand. Inclusion and gender diversity are essential to addressing this disparity from an early age, both in education and in the workplace. Companies must ensure equitable hiring and promotion opportunities, as well as an inclusive corporate culture that values and supports employees of all genders.
Companies should commit to creating a workplace culture that promotes gender equality. They can offer flexible working policies and support programs for their female employees’ professional development, while also training their leaders in diversity and inclusion.
By valuing and supporting everyone regardless of gender, companies can drive innovation and business success while creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces. Together, we can make progress toward greater gender equity and improve productivity and workplace outcomes.
