At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158—roughly five generations from now—to achieve full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. This stark projection underscores the persistent barriers to gender equality, despite strides made in recent years. However, with decisive action and unwavering support, transformative progress remains possible.
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, observed on March 8, brings renewed attention to the urgency of accelerating change. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls upon businesses, policymakers, and communities to implement effective strategies, provide essential resources, and foster empowering activities to support women and girls in STEM and leadership roles.
Women in Tech: The Challenge of Underrepresentation
One of the significant barriers hindering women’s career progression, particularly in technology, is their underrepresentation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI). Linda Saunders, Salesforce Country Leader and Senior Director of Solution Engineering Africa, stresses the importance of fostering inclusivity across all sectors.
“Across all industries, systems need to become more welcoming and equitable. Specifically, in technology, businesses must address gender equity by starting with education. Encouraging more women to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields will help bridge the gender gap in critical areas like cloud computing, engineering, data, and AI,”
says Saunders.
She envisions a future where discussions around women in ICT are no longer necessary because equality has been achieved. While some progress has been made, sustained efforts are needed to make ICT careers more accessible and appealing to women, ensuring they receive support throughout their professional journeys.
Digital Inclusion: An Economic Imperative
Digitisation and emerging technologies are among Africa’s most transformative opportunities. However, women remain at a disadvantage in accessing quality education and employment in the digital economy. Lohini Moodley, Communications, Media, and Technology Partner at Oliver Wyman, highlights the economic urgency of digital inclusion.
The 2025 Representation Matters Report by Oliver Wyman Forum reveals that increasing female workforce participation could boost global GDP by nearly 20%. Women’s leadership in business and policymaking is not just a social issue—it is an economic necessity.
Despite this potential, digital inclusion remains a formidable challenge. Research from GSMA shows that nearly 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to mobile broadband. Additionally, the 2023 Mobile Gender Gap report indicates that women in the region are 36% less likely than men to adopt mobile internet.
“Key barriers such as affordability, digital illiteracy, and infrastructure challenges continue to limit women’s participation in the digital economy,”
Moodley explains.
“To close this gap, the telecom sector must collaborate with governments and private stakeholders to drive inclusive solutions—affordable data, accessible smartphones, targeted digital literacy programs, and investments in infrastructure to connect underserved communities.”
She also emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership in telecoms and technology.
“Diverse leadership fosters innovation and ensures solutions are designed for everyone. By prioritizing mentorship, skills development, and equitable hiring, we can accelerate digital transformation in a way that includes and empowers women.”
The Leadership Gap in Tech
Despite the rapid advancement of the digital economy, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles as innovators and decision-makers in technology. This imbalance not only hinders gender equality but also limits the potential for progress and innovation.
Vanashree Govender, Media Relations and Communications Manager for Huawei South Africa, highlights the importance of targeted investment in female talent within STEM fields.
“Achieving gender equality extends beyond education—it depends on expanding access, promoting mentorship, and creating leadership opportunities. Removing barriers to participation enables more women to step into roles that shape the future,”
she asserts.
Huawei is actively working to bridge the gender gap in technology through initiatives like the Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme and the Huawei ICT Academy Programme, which equip young women with essential skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
“Collaborating with universities and industry creates clear career pathways, ensuring that women are not merely part of the workforce but positioned as leaders driving innovation. Diversity fuels innovation, and empowering women with the tools and platforms to lead will drive meaningful change,”
Govender adds.
A Call for Immediate Action
The journey to gender parity requires immediate and sustained action. The digital economy presents a unique opportunity to close gender disparities—but only if stakeholders commit to preventing the exclusion of women. As IWD 2025 emphasizes #AccelerateAction, leaders across industries must take tangible steps to ensure that no one is left behind.
By addressing the root causes of inequality, fostering inclusivity in STEM, and driving digital inclusion, society can move closer to a future where gender parity is not a distant goal but a lived reality. The time to act is now.
