Experts highlight the need to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM on Ada Lovelace Day

As the world experiences rapid advancements in AI and technology, the need for diverse voices to shape these developments is critical. Yet, the digital skills gap still poses a challenge, often excluding talented individuals—especially women—from participating in the next wave of innovation. This is why, on this year’s Ada Lovelace Day, the call to support women and girls in STEM to continue breaking down barriers is more urgent than ever.

This article examines the crucial importance of fostering diverse networks and promoting equal opportunities for women in technology.

Driving innovation: The importance of a diverse network

Claire Montgomery, Senior Director, Software Engineering, G-P, says: “In moving up from a technical background to a leadership role, I’ve realised leadership isn’t just about having the right technology skills – it’s about driving positive change and making a lasting impact on others’ careers. For me, a key part of this has always been helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Naturally, how this is done can differ widely across regions, particularly within global teams. G-P’s 2024 ‘World at Work’ report found 84% of U.K executives report finding skilled talent in their existing market is very or extremely difficult, and are shifting their focus towards global hiring. Near three-quarters are ready to look to other countries to meet their talent needs.”

Dawn Rogers, Chief Legal Officer, Veracode states: “Gender diversity plays a key role in cybersecurity and software development – diverse teams bring varied perspectives, enabling them to spot unique threats and devise creative solutions to emerging challenges. In an era where cybersecurity requires constant advancement over increasingly sophisticated threats, this range of insights is essential for identifying vulnerabilities that homogenous teams might overlook. As AI reshapes our industry, entirely new skillsets are required, meaning organisations can open up more opportunities than ever for women to succeed. Innovation thrives when diverse minds work together.”

Sue-Ellen Wright, Managing Director of Sopra Steria’s Aerospace Defence and Security Business, Sopra Steria agrees: “We know better diversity is integral to improved technological innovation which is increasingly impacting our day-to-day lives. The diversity of thought that a more balanced workforce will bring means more ethically designed technology and improved innovation. Not only this, but more women in STEM will widen the talent pool and narrow the skills gap currently faced. As such, women must be encouraged to build their digital skills, aim for senior decision-making roles around technology, and join the sector no matter where they are in their life or careers. Failure to do this will see the STEM industry stagnate.”

Catherine Ramsdale, SVP Technology, Pragmatic, emphasises: “It’s been demonstrated time and time again that diverse companies are more successful. At Pragmatic Semiconductor, I’m lucky enough to work with bright minds from all over the world, with a percentage of female employees significantly higher than the industry average, and a dedicated programme – Female Leaders in Technology – to ensure we’re empowering our women to be the best they can be. As a recently elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, I have both the responsibility and the pleasure of working to promote greater equality in the workplace, but early intervention is equally important.”

Removing barriers in STEM industries and building inclusive environments

Lori MacVittie, F5 Distinguished Engineer, F5, discusses the challenges women often face in the workplace: “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how women can often become excluded from important conversations or have their voices or ideas overlooked or, worse, misattributed. These imbalances are more common than we’d like to admit. In facing these situations, it’s important to remain focused on the outcome of the meeting or the project. If a contribution from a woman is ignored, or misattributed for instance, it’s important to speak up – whether by repeating, expanding on the idea in the moment, or following up with stakeholders afterward.”

For Oana Jinga, CCO&PO and Co-Founder, Dexory, visibility and representation are crucial: “While the rhetoric around diversity in STEM being vital to improved products and solutions is true, we must talk about how we can make this industry more appealing to women and girls. Thankfully, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry but female leaders need to be more visible, the female workforce celebrated, and barriers regularly being broken if we’re to encourage better diversity. Remember, inclusion isn’t optional.”

Sophie Cox, EMEA Director Enterprise, SMB & International Sales, and Chair of DEI Council, Ricoh Europe, emphasises the need to improve female representation in STEM industries: “I believe the key to this, and to improving diversity in all manner of speaking, is allyship; when someone outside an underrepresented group supports others within it. Authentic allyship goes beyond words and drives change through action. This can manifest in various ways, both big and small. It can be as simple as recognising and challenging microaggressions in the workplace, to investing in specific initiatives and diversity targets that benchmark and track progress.”

Creating a diverse future starts in schools

Julie Kae, VP Sustainability and DE&I, Qlik, says: “I believe that it is business leaders’ responsibility to lead on the efforts to attract and retain women in STEM roles. In the AI industry, for instance, only 20% of the roles are held by women, which reflects the imbalance across the tech sector. As more technologies are developed, maintaining a gender balance will become more important. The gender imbalance in technology starts with STEM education at school, and it is imperative that we do whatever we can to balance these numbers.”

Clare Loveridge, Vice President and General Manager EMEA, Arctic Wolf highlights: “Schools and businesses need to make a conscious effort to tackle this gender imbalance by encouraging more women into these careers. This starts with increasing the number of female role models and recruiting employees from a diverse range of backgrounds. This will allow businesses to attract a wider range of talent, perspectives and ways of thinking, contributing to the development of highly innovative solutions to the challenges facing leaders today.”

By tackling gender disparities, organisations can expand the talent pool and pave the way for a more inclusive, forward-thinking tech industry that empowers women and fosters innovation for future generations. Creating diverse teams not only enhances creativity and problem-solving, but also reflects a broader range of perspectives that drive meaningful change. It’s a win-win for all: businesses strengthen their competitiveness, while contributing for a more equitable society with many more women in STEM fields.