Reshma Saujani
As the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in tech. Her organisation has empowered thousands of young women to pursue careers in computer science and technology, challenging stereotypes and advocating for greater diversity in the industry.
Priya Lakhani OBE
Priya Lakhani OBE has made significant strides in the fields of AI and education as the Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech. Her innovative approach to personalised learning tools has revolutionised education technology, making learning more accessible and engaging for students around the world.
Daphne Koller
Daphne Koller, co-founder of Coursera (of which I am currently completing one of their brilliant courses!), has been instrumental in democratising access to education through online learning platforms. Her pioneering work has transformed the way people learn, providing opportunities for lifelong learning and skill development on a global scale.
Barbara Oakley PhD
I first came across Barbara Oakley when in my role as a form tutor, I worked through her “Learning how to Learn” course with my tutees. It was excellent. Her journey from linguist to electrical engineer exemplifies resilience and determination. Her groundbreaking work in neuroscience and social behaviour has challenged traditional sector boundaries and inspired others to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Dr Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth’s research on grit and perseverance has had a profound impact on the field of education. Her insights have helped children thrive and succeed, through the Character LAB website demonstrating the power of passion and perseverance in achieving goals. Character LAB is transitioning to its “sunset” this year, but we can’t wait to see what Angela does next!
Despite their remarkable achievements, women in tech continue to face significant challenges in a male-dominated industry. The statistics paint a stark picture of gender disparity and systemic barriers to entry and advancement:
- 27.6% Representation: Women make up only 27.6% of the technology workforce, highlighting the ongoing need for efforts to increase gender diversity in the industry.
- 17% Female CEOs: Roughly 17% of technology companies currently have a woman serving as CEO, underscoring the importance of promoting more women into leadership positions.
- 91.88% Male Software Developers: Shockingly, a 2022 survey found that 91.88% of software developers are men, emphasizing the need for initiatives to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.
- 65% More Likely to Lose Jobs: In the ongoing wave of layoffs in the tech industry, women have been 65% more likely than men to lose their jobs, highlighting the need for equitable employment practices and support systems for women in tech.
Despite these challenges, women in EdTech and tech are making significant strides. Initiatives focused on education, mentorship, and advocacy are helping to empower women and create more opportunities for them in the industry. From founding successful startups to leading innovative projects, women are driving change and shaping the future of technology.
On this International Women’s Day, TripPA expresses gratitude to the women who have lit the way as EdTech entrepreneurs. Their vision, innovation, and dedication have transformed the landscape of education technology, creating opportunities for learners worldwide.
It was challenging to select just five women to highlight in this post, as there are countless others who have made significant contributions to the tech industry. We honour their legacy and celebrate their achievements, knowing that their impact will continue to inspire future generations of women in tech.
