IWD 2025: Female coders empowered through culture and connection

Technology is integrated into every part of work and life, transforming our society and economy, but the sector remains largely male dominated. Businesses realise the importance of digitalisation to enhance processes, increase efficiencies and gain a competitive edge. Individuals, on the other hand, are picking up new tech skills such as low-code, not only to stay relevant but gain an advantage and further their career prospects. However a professional journey in technology is not an easy one, especially for a woman. In Southeast Asia, only up to 40% of the technology workforce are women, with a lower proportion in technical roles (20-30%) and even lower proportion in senior leadership roles (8%)

It is a dynamic industry filled with ever-evolving parameters that require continuous training and learning, oftentimes with short time periods to catch-up to the latest demands. I have experienced it first hand, when I started my career 20 years ago in technology. Now, looking back, I had to overcome numerous challenges as a woman in tech and gained many key lessons that have helped me to get to where I am today. Here are my three key learnings and aspirations for women in tech, particularly in low code technology.

Creating a supportive environment for women

One of the key challenges for any woman in the predominantly male tech industry is hesitation or uncertainty when it comes to sharing their views and experiences. These feelings may be heightened especially if she is in a new work environment or early in her career. Therefore, creating a supportive environment for women in the coding field goes beyond just technical skills. It is about fostering a culture of inclusion where everyone, including women, feel valued and connected. This involves challenging stereotypes, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating spaces for women to learn, collaborate, and thrive.

I am involved in Step IT Up, a 'hire, train and place' programme that is running in our firm in Singapore. It brings a fresh approach to solving the tech industry's talent gap and commitment to talent acquisition, development and retention of skilled tech professionals. This year's programme will focus on training individuals in low-code, a practice that I am leading. I believe that a supportive and empowering culture will encourage more women, including those re-entering the workforce or changing careers to discover the value of low-code.

Building a community and mentoring the next generation

Our mission towards a more diverse tech industry starts by breaking down existing barriers and cultivating a community so that all women are empowered to join a career in coding.

Firstly, initiatives such as mentorship programs and workshops can spark interest in coding and ignite a passion for technology among young women. These initiatives also help dispel stereotypes associated with the tech industry from a young age. 

Secondly, there must be ongoing support for women as they navigate their coding journeys which includes mentorship with senior leaders, networking opportunities and access to resources – ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment for everyone. 

Finally, it is important to acknowledge and highlight the accomplishments of women in tech and to demonstrate their impact on the industry and society. By taking an active role in encouraging girls to code, we can motivate and inspire future generations of female coders.

Strong commitment and collaboration in the industry

It is crucial to address the systemic biases that exist in the tech industry and create pathways for women to advance into leadership roles. This requires a commitment from companies, educational institutions, and individuals to work together to build a more equitable and inclusive future for women in coding.

Organizations of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations, need to collaborate to create meaningful change and foster a more inclusive environment within the tech industry.  This goes beyond simply making commitments or issuing mandates; it starts with the actions of each individual.  We all have a role to play in supporting and empowering women in tech. This can include advocating for them, amplifying their voices, and actively supporting their career advancement.

Furthermore, developing the next generation of tech talent will require a concerted effort from both men and women to reshape workplace dynamics. This involves challenging stereotypes, breaking down biases, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. By working together, we can build a tech industry and future of coding that is truly representative of the diverse world we live in.