Empowering women through technology: bridging the digital divide

Christina Naidoo

South AfricaIn traditional finance, capital is a key driver of economic power. Similarly, digital access is a foundational form of capital for women today. It determines access to opportunities, economic participation, and social mobility. Those with tech skills, digital access, and a strong industry presence secure their futures and shape the global landscape. However, without intentional action, we risk deepening the gender gap rather than closing it.

This International Women’s Day, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we must go beyond acknowledging these disparities and take decisive steps to drive measurable progress in gender equality within the digital economy. Technology is the new currency, and women must have equal opportunities to earn, invest, and influence its value.

Tech access as capital

Connectivity to the internet, access to smart devices, and digital literacy determine a woman’s ability to engage in the economy through entrepreneurship, remote work, or education. Yet, the digital divide remains a significant barrier, disproportionately affecting women, particularly in underserved communities. Bridging this gap is about economic progress. Investing in digital access for women is akin to injecting capital into high-growth markets, yielding returns in innovation, workforce diversity, and inclusive economic expansion.

Tech Skills are a high-yield investment

With artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, tech skills have become one of the most valuable investments women can make in their futures. These skills open doors to lucrative job markets, career advancement, and financial independence. However, the gender gap in STEM fields persists, with women underrepresented in critical technological roles. Prioritising education, upskilling, and mentorship enable women to claim their stake in the future economy. When women invest in tech skills, they increase their earning potential and gain the autonomy to design their careers on their terms.

My journey into the tech industry was not without its challenges. Early in my career, I realised that mastering digital tools and acquiring tech expertise was beneficial and essential to staying competitive. That realisation has fueled my commitment to advocating for broader access to digital education for women worldwide.

Influence in Tech is True Wealth

Wealth extends beyond assets; it’s about influence, and the same holds true for technology. Technology’s future is shaped by those who wield influence over it, making representation essential. Women’s presence in decision-making roles, whether as startup founders, executives, or policymakers, determines technological advancements' inclusivity. As AI continues to transform industries from healthcare to finance, the absence of diverse perspectives risks embedding existing biases. Women in leadership positions within tech industries are not just breaking barriers; they are setting new industry standards and ensuring technology serves all of society rather than a select few.

Networks as the new currency exchange

Financial markets thrive on the exchange of assets and ideas. Women’s networks in tech function as dynamic ecosystems, fostering innovation, career growth, and opportunity. Similar to how financial markets thrive on asset and idea exchange. Connecting, collaborating, and sharing knowledge accelerates career growth and entrepreneurship. Women’s participation in tech ecosystems, incubators, and digital communities unlocks access to mentorship, funding, and global opportunities. A strong professional network is a powerful currency that facilitates upward mobility and market expansion. Women must participate in these ecosystems and build them, ensuring the next generation has greater access to opportunity.

Advocacy as credit for societal change

Advocacy, like credit in financial systems, has the power to unlock future opportunities and drive societal change. Advocacy is a strategic tool that drives policy changes, representation, and cultural shifts that create lasting benefits for women in tech. From pay equity to parental leave policies, women’s voices must be amplified to ensure the industry reflects the needs of all its participants. Change happens when advocacy is persistent, and when women advocate for themselves and others, they create a credit system that benefits future generations.

Investing in women’s digital futureThe global economy is shifting towards a digital-first reality. Women who harness technology, develop digital skills, and build strong networks will lead. This is more than an individual responsibility; it is a collective imperative. Governments, corporations, and educational institutions must prioritise digital inclusion, skill-building initiatives, and equitable workplace policies.

The 2024 Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme participants

One example of accelerating action is Huawei’s Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme. The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and government leaders with digital skills in cloud computing, 5G, and artificial intelligence (AI). The programme has seen hundreds of women advance their careers, foster innovation, and become advocates for change in South Africa’s digital landscape.

Additionally, Huawei's "Seeds for the Future" programme has been instrumental in empowering women in tech. This initiative provides young talents, especially women, training in the latest technologies, fostering innovation and leadership. In such programmes, women can gain the skills and networks needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Technology has become the new currency, and women must attain and define its value. Ensuring women have equal access, investment, and influence in the tech space paves the way for a more inclusive economic future.

Christina Naidoo is the chief operatings officer at Huawei.

BUSINESS REPORT