International Women’s Day is a key moment in the calendar to focus efforts on recognizing the fundamental role of women in the tech sector. Their achievements, resilience in overcoming challenges, and pursuit of new opportunities—both nationally and internationally—deserve recognition every day of the year. However, March 8th stands out as a dedicated day to reflect on and highlight these accomplishments.
Significant progress
In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in female representation in technology. According to Grant Thornton’s Women in Business report, women hold 32% of senior management positions in the global tech sector. This growth reflects ongoing efforts to close the gender gap and foster more diverse and innovative teams.
Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. The gender gap in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is still a reality, with lower female representation in these fields, which also translates into fewer women in technical and leadership roles.
Fortunately, Spain is making strides towards greater gender equality in the sector. Currently, 21% of IT systems managers and 16% of technology leaders in Spain are women, positioning the country above the European Union average and aligning it with global figures (21% for CIOs and 14% for CTOs).
Looking at the Valencian Community, a 2024 study by the Chair of Digital Gender Gap at the University of Valencia shows both progress and areas for improvement. According to the report, in 42% of tech-related companies, women hold less than 24% of leadership positions, and only 17% have achieved gender parity in research and development roles.
However, the startup ecosystem presents a more optimistic picture. More than 40% of startups in the Valencian Community have at least one female co-founder, and the Valencian tech sector ranks as the third-largest startup hub in Spain in terms of women-led startups, with approximately 127 companies founded by women.
Opportunities and role models
The visibility of women leaders is essential to inspire future generations. That is why it is so important to amplify the voices of successful women and support programs that encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM.
‘Women in Tech’ has been a key theme in every edition of VDS, the international tech event organized by Startup Valencia at the City of Arts and Sciences. This annual gathering showcases female talent in the tech industry, positioning women as role models and industry leaders. Additionally, VDS promotes the creation of spaces to foster this talent, where female professionals can exchange experiences and build meaningful connections.
Another major initiative in this area is Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 with the mission of closing the gender gap in technology and computer science. This initiative is dedicated to empowering girls and young women through coding education, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in STEM.
With Valencian roots but an international scope, Atenea is another standout initiative. Developed by the Universitat Politècnica de València, this research project serves as a collaborative network for women in the seven arts and STEAM disciplines. It is a cross-disciplinary and collaborative initiative, bringing together academics, researchers, educators, and artists from different backgrounds and institutions worldwide.
Gender equality is not just a social justice issue; it is also a driver of innovation and competitiveness. Supporting initiatives that promote female participation in technology and celebrating the achievements of women who are transforming the industry will help us build a better and more inclusive technological future.
