Historically, the role of women in the labor market has been conditioned by social, cultural, and economic barriers.

For much of the 20th century, women were mostly associated with support roles, while men held positions of leadership and innovation.

A long path has been paved, and over the past few decades, we have witnessed a significant transformation, driven by gender equality movements, access to education, and changes in the labor market.

But let’s be honest: in the current technological and digital landscape, women are still significantly underrepresented.

In fields such as AI, Data Science, Digital Strategy, and Innovation, women continue to be a minority.

Studies show that less than 30% of tech positions are held by women, and the disparity is even greater in leadership roles and software engineering. This situation makes it essential to invest in specialized training and empowerment programs, ensuring that more women have access to digital skills.

The digital revolution has created new opportunities for women to excel in areas previously dominated by men. Access to information, the possibility of learning remotely and the flexibility of digital work have allowed more women to stand out in this environment, undertake and lead innovative initiatives.

For many women, access to digital training can mean a career change, or even the creation of their own business, with women representing agents of change.

Diverse teams are not just a checkbox for corporate social responsibility – they are proven to be more creative, efficient, and better reflect the real needs of society. A greater gender balance in technology and digital marketing helps eliminate biases in products and services, making them truly inclusive.

But… change doesn’t happen on its own.

Companies, educational institutions, and organizations have a duty to create accessible training and empowerment spaces so that more women can build successful careers in digital. Mentorship programs, scholarships for tech courses, and incentives for female leadership are some of the ways to accelerate this process.

Education and training play a critical role in this transformation.

At Lisbon Digital School, this concern is part of our agenda, in a challenge of transformation, creating a more competitive and innovative corporate fabric, and a more inclusive society.

We believe that qualification is the key to breaking down barriers and empowering more women to enter and grow in the digital sector. From acquiring technical skills to digital leadership, continuous training enables professionals from all fields to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Digital has been, over the past few decades, a space of innovation, disruption, and accelerated growth.

As a woman and CEO of Lisbon Digital School, I witness every day the impact that training has on empowering professionals and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.

The digital transformation cannot be built by just one part of society. We need more women creating strategies, developing technologies, leading teams and driving innovation.

Companies, schools and organizations must make a commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive digital education, ensuring that no one is left behind on this journey.

Digital belongs to everyone, and training is the first step in ensuring that all voices are heard. It’s up to us, as leaders, trainers and professionals in the field, to pave the way for a new generation of women who will lead the future of digital.

Do you want to be part of this change? 🙂

Article by Natacha Gama Pereira, CEO at Lisbon Digital School.