Introduction
As we launch the 2024 Regional and Global Women in Tech Awards, it’s valuable to reflect on the significant impact of last year’s celebrations. The 2023 Women in Tech® Global Awards not only highlighted individual achievements but also inspired future generations of women in technology.
The Power of Visibility
Celebrating women in tech brought much-needed visibility to their contributions and achievements. In an industry where women are often underrepresented, showcasing success stories can help combat stereotypes and misconceptions about women’s capabilities in technology fields. The Women in Tech® Global Awards provided a platform for these role models, demonstrating that women can and do excel in various tech domains, from artificial intelligence to space technology (Women in Tech® Global Awards, 2023).
Honoring our Past winners:
The 2023 awards showcased exceptional talent across various tech domains and countries:
- Aspiring Teen Award: Masego & Matlhogonolo Mphahlele (South Africa)
- Most Impactful Initiative Award: Epic Queen (Latin America)
- Best Ally Award: Edison Tsai (Philippines)
- Woman in Web3 Award: Dina Sam’an (Bahrain)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mamokgethi Phakeng (South Africa)
- Women in Tech® Start-Up Award: Heidi Wyle (USA)
- Global Leadership Women in Tech® Award: Ana Nakashidze (Georgia)
- Most Disruptive Award: Marcela Ruiz Aguilar (Chile) and Barbara Belvisi (France)
- Arts Award: Flavia Sparacino (USA)
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the most significant impacts of recognizing women in tech was the inspiration it provided to young girls and women considering careers in technology. By highlighting diverse success stories, such as those of Masego and Matlhogonolo Mphahlele, teenage innovators from South Africa, the awards showed that there are no age or geographical barriers to making an impact in tech (Women in Tech® Global Awards, 2023). This representation can encourage more girls to pursue STEM education and careers, helping to close the gender gap in the tech workforce.
Fostering Innovation and Diversity
Celebrating women in tech also underscored the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative and produce better outcomes (Hunt et al., 2018). By recognizing women who are pushing boundaries in fields like AI, biotech, and space exploration, the Women in Tech® Global Awards highlighted how diverse perspectives contribute to groundbreaking advancements in technology.
Creating Networks and Opportunities
Events like the Women in Tech® Global Awards provided valuable networking opportunities for women in the industry. These connections can lead to mentorships, collaborations, and career opportunities that are crucial for professional growth. For example, the recognition of leaders like Ana Nakashidze, CEO of AzerTelecom, could open doors for other women aspiring to leadership roles in the telecoms industry (Women in Tech® Global Awards, 2023).
Challenging Industry Norms
By celebrating women who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated areas of tech, these awards challenged industry norms and encouraged companies to reassess their hiring and promotion practices. The recognition of entrepreneurs like Barbara Belvisi, founder of Interstellar Lab, demonstrated that women can lead innovative startups and secure significant investment in cutting-edge technologies (Women in Tech® Global Awards, 2023).
Conclusion
The celebration of women in tech through events like the Women in Tech® Global Awards 2023 was more than just an acknowledgment of individual achievements. It was a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable tech industry. By increasing visibility, inspiring the next generation, fostering diversity, creating networks, and challenging norms, these celebrations played a vital role in shaping the future of technology. As we continue to recognize and support women in tech, we pave the way for a more diverse and innovative technological landscape that benefits everyone.
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