Tech for Women Across the Globe

The problems of women in technology extend far beyond Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. On a global scale, women face challenges in gaining access to educational opportunities which emphasize skills often categorized as 21st-century ones (those relating to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, as well as critical thinking and creativity). These barriers make it difficult for women to find and retain employment in the tech industry. Additionally, studies have found that in developing countries, women are 23 percent less likely to have access to the internet than men. In fact, there are almost twice as many men as women online in Africa and almost three times as many in India. This means that women are especially at risk of being left behind on the path to future development with technology as a tool.

What gaps exist globally for women to gain 21st-century skills and how can these best be addressed? What global networks are being created which support women’s access to learning skills both in technology and in critical thinking? What advancements in women's rights are possible with the use of new technology?

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Trish Tierney from WAKE International and Alaina Percival from Women Who Code will discuss these and other questions to understand how technology can be best used to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment globally.

SPEAKERS
Alaina Percival
Chief Executive Officer, Women Who Code

Trish Tierney
Co-Founder, Women's Alliance for Knowledge Exchange

MODERATOR:
Ruha Devanesan
Diversity Business Partner, Google