Empowering Women in Tech: Highlights from International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 brought a vibrant, forward-thinking energy to the tech landscape as Microsoft UK, in partnership with LinkedIn, hosted an event with a powerful theme: Investing in Our Future – Enable, Empower, Elevate. This celebration reflected not only on the significant strides women have made across the industry but also on the persistent work required to foster inclusivity in today’s hybrid work environment.

Celebrating a Shared Vision for Empowerment​

The event, held on March 6 in London, was more than a one-off gathering—it was a statement of purpose for the future. Attended by an enthusiastic cohort including Microsoft’s 3,000-strong Employee Resource Group network, the day underscored that supporting diverse talent isn’t just about symbolic celebrations. It is an ongoing commitment to creating opportunities, deepening mentorship, and enhancing career development.
Key session topics ranged from “Investing in Female Founders” and “Levelling Up Careers” to discussions on “The Evolution of Allyship,” “Diversity and Inclusion in the Digital Age,” and even “The Interplay of Climate and Gender.” Each session illustrated a commitment to not only sharing success stories but also tackling stubborn challenges that continue to affect many in the workplace.

A Day of Insights and Shared Journeys​

At the heart of the celebration was a personal narrative led by Keyonda Gallardo, Microsoft UK’s HR Director. Reflecting on her transition from an eight-year career in the US to a new chapter in the UK, she shared experiences from her first International Women’s Day in London. She described an atmosphere charged with inspiration—one where the synergy of in-person and virtual engagements created an environment brimming with ideas and energy.
Gallardo’s reflective insights touched on several key points:
• The transformative power of shared learnings, where stories of both triumphs and setbacks can illuminate new paths for others.
• An honest discussion on the pressures of perfection. Like many professionals, she admitted to the inclination to check every box before stepping forward. In her words, the overemphasis on perfection sometimes stifles growth. Instead, embracing learning and risk-taking can open doors to new opportunities.
• The persistent need for a culture where continuous support is the norm. She questioned how workplaces can maintain the momentum of empowerment beyond annual celebrations. After all, shouldn’t every day be an opportunity to “show up to make a difference”?
In sharing these reflections, Gallardo not only highlighted the achievements of the day but also underscored the areas where gap-bridging still needs rigorous attention. The event was an invitation to rethink conventional workplace norms and to create environments where every individual can thrive.

Building Networks, Mentorship, and Sponsorship​

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of human connections in career development. In an era of hybrid work, forging and nurturing professional relationships can be challenging, yet it remains crucial. Attendees discussed practical approaches to expanding mentorship networks and the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship—each playing a unique role in professional growth.
Several points emerged during the discussions:
• Networking in a Hybrid World: With many colleagues working remotely, it’s more important than ever to prioritize building genuine connections. Whether through scheduled virtual coffee chats or focused in-person gatherings, the creation of a robust support network is essential for career development.
• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: While mentorship provides guidance and advice, sponsorship actively advocates for individuals. Both elements are fundamental in a diverse and inclusive work environment, helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Creating Sustainable Support Systems: Rather than consigning the spirit of International Women’s Day to an annual event, participants emphasized the need for continuous collaboration and support. The goal is to weave empowerment into the fabric of everyday work life.

The Role of Allyship in Fostering Inclusivity​

One of the most powerful takeaways from the day was the importance of allyship—and not just from women, but from all colleagues, including male allies. Creating a nurturing work environment means that support isn’t one-sided. During the event, discussions revolved around how male allies can help bridge gaps, understand unique challenges, and lend their support to female co-workers.
Key points on allyship included:
• Consistent Engagement: Allies need to show up regularly, not just on special occasions. Continuous, supportive interactions build trust and foster a sense of inclusiveness that benefits everyone.
• Shared Learning Experiences: By engaging in candid conversations about challenges faced on both sides, allies can develop a deeper understanding of how to contribute effectively. This two-way street of learning enriches both mentors and mentees and strengthens workplace cohesion.
• Championing Diversity: An inclusive environment is one where every voice is heard. Regular interactions between diverse teams—blending insights from different experiences—risk breaking down silos and paving the way for a more equitable future.
Allyship, as discussed during the event, isn’t about temporary gestures. It’s about embedding a culture of empathy and support into the day-to-day operations of teams and companies.

Embracing the Transformative Power of AI​

A significant highlight of the event was the conversation around artificial intelligence and its potential to break down barriers. Microsoft’s Chief AI Transformation Officer, Pam Maynard, shared insights during a fireside chat alongside Gallardo. Their exchange illuminated several promising trends:
• Inclusive AI for Inclusive Outcomes: Maynard passionately noted that for AI to be truly successful, it must be built on the principles of inclusivity. From recruitment to career development, technology has the potential to level the playing field.
• Empowering Women Through Technology: By leveraging AI-driven systems, companies can create tools tailored to support network building, mentorship matching, and personalized career mapping. Imagine AI not only suggesting jobs suited to an individual’s profile but also helping to identify career paths that emphasize growth and learning opportunities.
• Removing Traditional Barriers: Microsoft UK’s CEO Darren Hardman captured the essence of this discussion when he remarked on AI’s promise to remove barriers that have long stifled opportunities. Self-awareness tools powered by AI can help individuals understand their strengths, map out developmental goals, and align themselves with promotional opportunities.
In essence, the integration of AI into career development strategies is more than a technological advancement—it’s a catalyst for systemic change. By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can democratize access to opportunities and create ecosystems where every professional, irrespective of gender, can truly flourish.

Taking a Reflective Look at the Journey Ahead​

The day’s discussions resonated with a forward-looking optimism. International Women’s Day 2025 was not merely a celebration of past achievements; it was a call to action for future progress. The event emphasized that true transformation requires more than symbolic events—it demands an ongoing commitment to equity and empowerment.
Here are a few key takeaways for organizations and professionals alike:

• Continuous Support Matters
  Empowerment isn’t a seasonal activity. Companies should strive to create environments that support their employees day in and day out. This involves regular discussions, open channels for feedback, and opportunities for professional development beyond annual events.
• Growing Through Learning, Not Perfection
  The drive for perfection often stifles innovation. As highlighted by Gallardo, the willingness to take risks and learn from setbacks is invaluable. Encouraging a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities can unlock untold potential in the workforce.
• Leveraging Technology to Bridge Gaps
  With a shift towards hybrid work environments, technology plays an essential role in bringing people together. AI-driven tools and digital platforms can facilitate mentorship, foster networking, and ensure that diverse talent is recognized and nurtured.
• Cultivating Authentic Allyship
  Allyship is more than a buzzword—it’s a critical element in building an inclusive workplace. By championing diversity and engaging in continuous dialogue, allies help create a culture where every individual, regardless of background or gender, can thrive.
• Investing in the Future
  Whether it’s supporting female founders or using technology to enhance career development, the focus remains on investing in the future. Companies that embrace these values are not only better positioned for success but also help shape a more equitable society.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Ongoing Action​

International Women’s Day 2025 was a celebration of both achievements and future possibilities. It demonstrated that through community, collaboration, and the strategic use of technology, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable. As organizations like Microsoft and LinkedIn lead the charge, the message is clear: every day is an opportunity to enable, empower, and elevate one another.
The event served as a reminder that the journey towards an inclusive and innovative future is ongoing. Whether by building diverse networks, embracing learning over perfection, or leveraging cutting-edge AI tools, every action counts. As the tech world continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for fostering an environment where every individual can reach their full potential.
For tech professionals, especially those navigating the challenges of a hybrid work model, the lessons from this event are both timely and transformative. How can we, in our own spheres, harness the power of technology to create more inclusive and supportive spaces? This is the invitation that International Women’s Day 2025 extended—a call to show up, not just on one day, but every day, to make a lasting difference.
The themes of enabling, empowering, and elevating are more than just words; they are a blueprint for building a future where innovation thrives on inclusivity. As we navigate the ever-changing tech landscape, these principles remind us that our greatest strength lies not just in our technology but in our collective commitment to support one another.
By embracing this dual commitment to technology and community, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that every individual in our industry has the support and tools needed to succeed. International Women’s Day 2025 is a landmark in this ongoing journey—one that inspires us all to invest in our future with unwavering resolve.
Through reflections, shared experiences, and actionable insights, the event has set a high bar for what can be achieved when we unite our efforts. And in the spirit of continuous progress, let’s carry this energy forward into each day, using every opportunity to support, learn, and grow together.
Ultimately, the day left attendees not just with memorable stories and thoughtful discussions, but with a renewed determination to create lasting change. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the call to “show up and make a difference” resonates across every level of our industry. Let this be the spark that ignites ongoing efforts to redefine what workplace inclusivity means—and to ensure that every voice is heard in our march toward a brighter, more equitable future.

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Source: Microsoft International Women’s Day 2025: ‘Show up to make a difference’

 

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In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the underrepresentation of women in technology remains a persistent challenge—and perhaps one of society’s greatest missed opportunities. Against this backdrop, Microsoft’s TechHer initiative has emerged as a dynamic catalyst, designed to empower women to not only participate in shaping the future of technology but to lead, innovate, and redefine its trajectory. The recent live-broadcast TechHer event, connecting audiences in London, Manchester, Reading, and Edinburgh, showcased how collective energy, purposeful strategies, and the power of visibility are creating tectonic shifts in the industry. The lessons and stories emerging from this event, and the wider TechHer movement, offer both inspiration and actionable insights for individuals, organizations, and the tech sector as a whole.

Reframing the Gender Gap in Tech​

While gains have undeniably been made, statistics underline the ongoing gap: Women represent just 26% of the tech workforce in the UK—a figure that has remained largely stagnant in recent years. This underrepresentation extends across sectors, from financial engineering to AI research, and underscores an urgent need for intervention. At the heart of the TechHer programme lies a belief that diverse perspectives drive better innovation, and that the tech industry’s most complex challenges—ranging from algorithmic bias to sustainable development—cannot be conquered without gender parity.
Emma Tolhurst of Accenture, opening the event, distilled this imperative into a call to action: “In a world where technology is evolving at lightning speed, ensuring women are empowered and represented in the tech industry is more critical than ever. The need for diverse perspectives, emotional intelligence, and inclusive innovation has never been greater.” Her words echo the consistent findings from academic research: teams with greater gender diversity demonstrate higher collective intelligence, greater creativity, and more robust financial outcomes.
Crucially, the conversation at TechHer went beyond the realms of opportunity and fairness, touching on the essential role of women in correcting AI bias, spearheading sustainable tech initiatives, and shaping products and platforms with purpose. As Tolhurst emphasized, “It’s time to be visible, take the leap, and lead the change we want to see.”

The Power and Practice of Focus​

One of the most compelling themes uncovered at the TechHer event was the role of focus in driving genuine innovation. Francesca Parmigiani, a research leader at Microsoft, highlighted the importance—and difficulty—of achieving deep work in distraction-heavy environments. “Focusing on work is a practice,” Parmigiani explained, advocating for deliberate, distraction-free periods. “That means no mobile, no Teams calls or messages, no filling the dishwasher.” The reward for such rigour, she said, is transformative: enhanced productivity, creativity, and a sense of meaningful accomplishment.
This perspective resonates with recent productivity research, which consistently finds that multitasking undermines cognitive performance, whereas ‘single-tasking’ and deep focus lead to higher-quality work and satisfaction. For women in tech—who often navigate complex professional and domestic roles—cultivating focus transcends mere efficiency. It becomes a form of personal empowerment, enabling them to lead and innovate in ways that are sustainable over the long term.

AI as a Lever: Productivity and Problem Solving​

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversation in the tech sector, both as a disruptor and as an enabler. At TechHer, Alkim Mete, Microsoft’s Azure Data and AI Lead, provided a nuanced take on AI’s role—not as a novelty, but as a powerful tool for optimizing workflows and solving complex organizational pain points. Mete described using AI to enhance her own productivity and address issues that would otherwise consume disproportionate time or resources.
This focus on practical AI—not just cutting-edge machine learning, but everyday tools that streamline communication, automate repetitive tasks, or provide data-driven insights—reflects a broader industry trend toward simplification. AI, when thoughtfully deployed, empowers workers to focus on high-value, creative endeavors and, as Mete noted, supports a better work-life balance.
Yet it’s crucial to recognize that the same AI systems can perpetuate bias or amplify inequity if not carefully designed and tested by diverse teams. The role of women in co-creating and scrutinizing these technologies cannot be overstated. Their lived experiences provide essential context for building AI solutions that are ethical, reliable, and broadly beneficial.

Meetings with Meaning: Rethinking Team Collaboration​

Lina Chan, Director of Women’s Health at Holland & Barrett, unpacked one of the more deceptively simple innovations discussed at TechHer: the “purposeful meeting.” By setting clear agendas and desired outcomes for every meeting, teams create space for targeted discussion and minimize wasted time—an approach that has cascading benefits for both productivity and morale.
The discussion also touched on digital tools—such as scheduled messaging and out-of-office replies—that enable autonomy and asynchronous work. These tools allow for customization of workflows, supporting individuals to work on their own terms and timelines. In a remote or hybrid environment, this flexibility is a game-changer, particularly for women managing caregiving responsibilities or other commitments outside of work.

Navigating Work-Life Balance: Divider Activities and Self-Care​

Perhaps nowhere is the challenge of work-life balance felt more acutely than among women working from home or across flexible schedules. For many, the lines between professional and personal life blur uncomfortably, risking burnout or chronic stress. Alkim Mete advocated for the use of “divider activities”—rituals or routines that facilitate transition and decompression, such as exercise, meditation, or conversation with family.
This advice aligns with current research in occupational psychology, which underscores the importance of boundaries, rest, and intentional pauses for sustaining resilience and well-being. TechHer’s panellists universally agreed on the value of stepping back—taking time to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively—both as a means of self-preservation and as a strategy for more effective leadership.

Authentic Networking: Vulnerability as Strength​

One of the core differentiators of the TechHer movement is its embrace of vulnerability and authenticity. Jalila Keita, Global Contracts Manager at CGI, candidly shared feelings of self-doubt that, she noted, are common even among the most senior leaders. “The feeling of not being enough is so personal,” Keita observed, “We all have insecurities – even the most confident board member. It’s part of being human. We’ve all got things we need to deal with.”
Such honesty is more than a moment of catharsis—it serves as a powerful counterweight to the imposter syndrome that disproportionately affects women in male-dominated industries. By surfacing these experiences publicly, TechHer helps dismantle stigmas and fosters a culture where professional growth and vulnerability can coexist. According to a Harvard Business Review meta-analysis, workplace cultures that value openness and authenticity have higher employee retention, and promote more risk-taking and innovation.
Networking—often framed as a transactional or superficial activity—was recast at TechHer as a mechanism for genuine connection, mentorship, and collective impact. This sense of community not only accelerates individual careers but amplifies the reach and influence of women across the sector.

Concrete Impact: Measurable Goals, Tangible Change​

Setting ambitious targets, the TechHer programme aims to offer digital skills training to more than 6,000 women in the UK in the coming year. This is no small feat, and it’s worth contextualizing such numbers: Although hundreds of diversity initiatives exist in the tech sector, few boast transparent, measurable outcomes or sustained engagement. Microsoft’s focus on both scale and quality—leveraging its resources to deliver training, mentorship, and networking at multiple touchpoints—is a model that other organizations could emulate.
Crucially, the blend of large-scale events, focused workshops, and ongoing community spaces distinguishes TechHer from mere representational efforts. Participants not only receive skills training but are also inducted into a living network of support and opportunity.

TechHer as Movement: Beyond Skills, Toward Transformation​

Lauren Dixon, Chair of TechHer, described the programme as “more than a programme—it’s a movement to empower women to shape the future of technology.” This distinction is subtle but significant. While skills training is the backbone of TechHer’s offering, the broader ambition is cultural transformation: to normalize female leadership in tech, dismantle barriers to participation, and celebrate the unique contributions of women at all stages of their careers.
By focusing on resilience, intentionality, and connection, TechHer sets out not merely to prepare women for existing roles, but to empower them to reshape the industry itself. “Through initiatives like TechHer, women are not just participating in technology, they are transforming it, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future,” Dixon concluded.

Strengths of the TechHer Model​

The achievements and promise of TechHer rest on several notable strengths:

• Scalable, Open Access: By offering free events and resources across the country, TechHer lowers barriers to entry and democratizes access to opportunity.
• Real-World Relevance: Training and discussions are anchored in current industry challenges, ensuring practical value.
• Community and Networking Focus: The programme recognizes that professional success in tech hinges on community, not just credentials.
• Visibility and Advocacy: Featuring high-profile leaders and thought-provoking conversations, TechHer normalizes women’s presence and leadership in tech, inspiring others to follow suit.

Risks and Potential Limitations​

No initiative exists without risks or room for improvement. Several watchpoints emerge upon close analysis:

• Sustainability: Maintaining high engagement year-on-year requires ongoing innovation in content, delivery, and participant support.
• Scaling Impact Beyond Events: The transition from event-based connection to sustained mentorship and career advancement must be thoughtfully managed.
• Avoiding Tokenism: There’s a risk that high-visibility programmes may be misinterpreted as a panacea. Transformation in tech requires structural change—including hiring, promotion practices, and pay equity—not just skills workshops.
• Global Applicability: While TechHer is built around the UK market, global expansion would need to be tailored to local cultural and industry contexts.
• Impact Measurement: Transparent monitoring and publication of outcomes (e.g., career advancement and pay progression stats for alumnae) will be key for credibility and long-term impact.

The Broader Context: Why Women’s Voices Matter in Tech​

TechHer’s lessons come at a pivotal moment for the industry. The past decade has shown that technology is never neutral; the values, biases, and priorities of its creators are deeply embedded in every algorithm, product, and service. From mitigating AI bias to designing health-tech solutions that recognize gender-specific needs, women’s participation is both a moral and strategic imperative.
Research from McKinsey, Catalyst, and the AnitaB.org Institute continues to demonstrate that companies with diverse leadership—across gender, race, and other identity lines—consistently outperform their peers on profitability, innovation, and employee engagement. Meanwhile, the absence of women’s input has led to avoidable errors in product design, research, and public policy. The story of “crash-test dummies” built around male geometry—leaving women at greater risk of injury in car accidents—is but one oft-cited example.

The Road Ahead: TechHer’s Promise and the Call to Action​

The conversation in London, Manchester, Reading, and Edinburgh was just one moment in a larger, ongoing movement. Empowering women with digital skills is a necessary foundation, but the ultimate prize is a tech sector where diversity is not an afterthought, but a fundamental driver of progress.
As organizations increasingly recognize the business case for inclusion and the vital importance of interdisciplinary, empathetic innovation, TechHer’s message resonates: Now is the time for women to be visible, to take the leap, and to lead the change we want to see.
For tech employers, this means investing not only in recruitment but in workplace cultures that value focus, flexibility, and purpose. For individual women—at all career stages—it means seeking out communities like TechHer, sharing stories with honesty, and supporting one another’s ambitions.
Ultimately, the future of technology will be written by those who dare to shape it. With initiatives like TechHer gaining ground, that future looks—finally—more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant than ever before.

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Source: Microsoft UK Stories TechHer: Empowering women to shape the future of technology