“As I stepped into my new role of Director of Consumer Engagement and Policy at Transreport, I felt a sense of responsibility – not just for myself, but for every woman in tech who has experienced barriers. International Women’s Day reminds us of our progress, but the sector must continue to shift from a day of recognition to a year-round commitment. Gender equity isn’t a checkbox; it’s a journey.”
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— Emma Partlow, Transreport Director of Consumer Engagement and Policy
Women made up only 28% of the global tech workforce in 2022.
Projections suggest gender equity for women in the workplace will take 50 years to achieve.
Yet, companies with gender-diverse leadership teams see a 27% increase in long-term value creation.
With diverse teams 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders.
These statistics underscore the critical need for ongoing focus on gender equity in the workplace that extends beyond a single awareness day.
Emma comments, “In the tech sector, women represent 35% of the workforce, a huge improvement from the early 2000s. There is a real opportunity, and responsibility, to accelerate this progress to create professional environments where women can thrive.”
“The data reinforces the benefits of gender diversity: organisations with gender-diverse teams outperform their peers and foster innovation that drives real change,” Emma continues. “Tech companies have a corporate-social responsibility to prioritise investment in women’s representation and leadership - and they also see better outcomes."
Emma’s Leadership Journey
Emma’s promotion to Director of Consumer Engagement and Policy at Transreport exemplifies the potential for positive change when companies prioritise diversity and inclusion.
Under Emma’s strategic leadership, Transreport is set to launch its Community Network later this month - a co-creation initiative that will further enhance our feedback loops with the Disabled community to ensure our technology addresses real-world global needs.
Reflecting on her journey, Emma emphasises the need for the tech industry to collectively reject tokenism and instead embed gender equity as a fundamental principle.
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Emma highlights, “At Transreport, we recognise that gender equity is both a moral imperative and a business necessity. When we talk about gender equity in tech, we cannot overlook the intersectionality of race, Disability, and other dynamics that impact the experiences of women in the industry.”
She adds, “To truly champion gender equity, we must advocate for organisational policy that recognises and addresses these intersecting identities. It’s about creating pathways for all women to succeed and lead.”
Closing the Gender Equity Gap
As we reflect on these statistics, we invite you to consider your own organisation:
What steps are you taking to promote gender equity this International Women’s Day and beyond?
Looking ahead, Emma envisions a future where gender equity is an integral part of the tech sector’s identity.
“By consistently prioritising diverse talent, the tech industry will continue to flourish, resulting in products and solutions that ultimately enrich experiences for more people. By embracing gender diversity, we drive innovation and cultivate a tech landscape that is more inclusive and effective for all.”
— Emma Partlow, Transreport Director of Consumer Engagement and Policy
