The face of science and technology is changing. Across the globe, more women are entering and shaping the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). From developing algorithms that power our daily lives to leading research in clean energy and artificial intelligence, female talent is increasingly visible.

But visibility is not the same as equality. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women, and in Europe, women make up only about 20% of ICT specialists. This underrepresentation is not due to a lack of talent, but rather systemic barriers: early stereotypes, limited encouragement to pursue STEM studies, unconscious bias in hiring and promotion, and a shortage of female role models at senior levels.

Reducing gender asymmetries in STEM is not just a matter of fairness, it is an innovation imperative. Numerous studies (including McKinsey and Deloitte research) have shown that diverse teams are more creative, better at solving complex problems, and achieve stronger financial performance.

When only part of the population is fully represented, technology risks being designed through a narrow lens. Examples abound: early voice recognition systems that struggled with women’s voices, or health technologies developed without accounting for female physiology. Greater inclusion ensures that technology serves the needs of all, not just a privileged majority.

Encouragingly, the landscape is shifting. Universities are reporting higher enrolments of women in computer science and engineering courses, while many companies are investing in programs that support female talent. Initiatives such as mentorship schemes, scholarships, and leadership development are creating new pathways for women to thrive in tech.

But to accelerate change, action is needed at every stage:

• In education, by inspiring girls early to see themselves in STEM careers.

• In recruitment, by ensuring inclusive hiring practices that remove bias.

• In career development, by providing visibility, mentorship and fair evaluation.

• In culture, by creating workplaces where women feel safe, respected and empowered to grow.

At Celfocus, we believe we have a responsibility to drive this change. This is why we proudly support the Women Shaping Tech Award, launched by APDC. This award provides financial support to STEM projects that have a proven impact on advancing female talent in the technology sector, particularly initiatives that encourage girls to pursue education in STEM fields.

By contributing to this award, we are not only supporting projects with measurable impact, but also sending a strong message: female talent is critical to the future of technology. We want to help build an ecosystem where women not only enter STEM careers, but thrive, progress, and inspire the next generation.

Alongside this, Celfocus has also been actively engaged in initiatives such as Technovation Girls, which empowers girls to become tech entrepreneurs, and the PWN Mentorship Program, where we provide mentorship opportunities that support women’s career growth and leadership development. These initiatives, combined with our support for Women Shaping Tech, reflect a broader commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities across different stages of the STEM journey.

Closing the gender gap in STEM will not happen overnight. It requires systemic change and long-term commitment. But it is also a source of hope: every step we take creates more role models, more opportunities, and more diverse voices shaping the technologies of tomorrow.

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This article is brought to you by the Diversity & Inclusion team.