International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8th, is a global day honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while highlighting the ongoing disparities and advocating for equality, ensuring that progress continues. Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for IWD; this year’s theme is ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ This theme emphasises that inclusion is not just a box-ticking exercise and underscores the need for action beyond awareness. By ensuring women play a leading role in shaping business, tech, and innovation, we build a strong pipeline for girls everywhere to be included.
According to The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields – significantly lower than many other sectors[1]. To truly foster inclusion and address this underrepresentation, businesses must move beyond representation and create tangible pathways for leadership, innovation, and lasting impact.
Progress in Gender Diversity
Progress toward equal representation is being made and varies by region. In the MENA region, women are breaking barriers with Epson setting an example within the tech sector – 47% of our management roles are held by women. Recently, four female leaders were promoted to senior management for the META-CWA region, underscoring Epson’s commitment to inclusivity. A Harvard Business Review found that companies with diverse management teams had 10% higher earnings than those without diverse leadership – proving that diversity and equal representation can help companies succeed[2]. Beyond just numbers, our differing experiences and viewpoints offer unique solutions and brings diverse perspectives that lead to better decision-making, innovation, and improved financial performance.
Women at the Forefront of Innovation
When women are in leadership positions they can drive strategic transformation, business growth, and innovation. Christine Chua is one of the women recently promoted to Strategic Planning Director at Epson META-CWA – she plays a key role in shaping our business strategy, sales planning, and operational efficiency. Her work ensures data-driven decision-making and aligns regional priorities with corporate goals, helping us adapt to shifts. Women’s diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving and drive innovation – a critical advantage in the industry considering how fast-paced and competitive it is. Similar to innovation, diversity is important for strategy.
Building a Sustainable Pipeline for Inclusion
True equality in tech requires more than just representation; it demands sustainable inclusion that fosters long-term opportunities for women. Epson is committed to this goal through initiatives like mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive hiring practices. We also collaborate with industry partners, educational institutions, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and professional careers. Our graduate program in Saudi Arabia, for example, achieved equal representation of women, and graduates are excelling in their roles. Gracia Sabbagh, Head of Product Management at Epson META-CWA, frequently highlights the importance of mentorship and career development for women in tech, emphasizing that these initiatives benefit everyone.
Epson is committed to expanding diverse leadership, but achieving true progress requires collective industry-wide effort. This International Women’s Day let’s take tangible steps—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or policy—to break barriers for women in tech. Businesses, educators, and leaders must work together to create inclusive workplaces and meaningful opportunities for women. While challenges like unconscious bias remain, progress requires intentional effort, and lasting change comes when we unite to ensure women in technology can thrive.
This International Women’s Day, let us pledge to turn that future into a reality – because a diverse future is a more resilient, agile and successful one for everyone.