Making tech more accessible
The career histories are brief but show another important quality. It’s the ability that many of these women have to close the gap between technology and its users. Their skill makes the applications less daunting and more accessible. Consequently, the technology is more likely to be adopted, producing the desired results.
This is an important point for developers to understand. In general terms, there are differences between how men and women approach and use technology. If adoption strategies have a male-centric focus, half of their potential users could be discouraged – not a good strategy in a highly competitive sector! Software plays an increasing part in all our lives. It drives everything from our banking systems to our healthcare. Women must be active in shaping both software and the way it’s used.
The Top 50 list celebrates those women judged to be leading the way. But there are many, many more making a significant contribution who also deserve recognition. Across the world, women are coding, testing, shaping and delivering software that’s used in accounting, finance, property, social care, defence, aerospace, marketing and education – every sector. They’re working within major Silicon Valley enterprises, in seats of learning and in start-ups in local communities. Despite the gender imbalance, the Top 50 List is just the tip of an incredible iceberg.
