tl;dr: The tfn Community spotlighted challenges and solutions in tech for women, emphasizing mentorship, inclusion, funding, and innovation to empower women in technology and social impact.
Women in Tech | Women in Social Impact | Digital Inclusion | Inclusive Innovation

Introduction

This report provides an overview of the key discussions and poll results from our Women's Month initiative held throughout March 2025. Each week we featured a distinct theme focused on the intersection of women, technology, and social impact. Engaging participants in discussions and polls in our WhatsApp community, the initiative aimed to spotlight challenges, celebrate achievements, and identify opportunities for empowering women in the tech and social sectors.

Women in Tech for Social Good 

Discussion Overview:
The first week focused on the pivotal role of women in driving social good through technology. Participants underscored several challenges, notably:

• Lack of Mentorship: Many shared experiences where the absence of guidance and visible role models hampered career progression.

• Gender Bias & Stereotypes: Instances of technical expertise being questioned and women being steered toward non-technical roles were commonly reported.

• Work-Life Balance: Participants emphasized that the disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities significantly interferes with managing demanding tech roles.

Digital Inclusion & Bridging the Gender Gap 

Discussion Overview:
First week the 🔗tfn Community delved into the profound impact of digital exclusion on women, particularly in underserved communities:

• Educational and Career Impact: Many highlighted limited internet access in rural and low-income regions as a huge blocker to educational opportunities and digital skill acquisition necessary for career advancement.

• Financial Exclusion: Without consistent access to the internet, many women can't use online banking or digital financial tools, making it even harder to build financial independence or grow their businesses.

• Success Stories: On a brighter note, several women highlighted digital literacy programs that truly work—programs designed around their daily routines, responsibilities, and learning styles. These are proving to be powerful examples of what inclusive innovation looks like.

  Such as 🔗Digital Playbook Africa - bridge the gender gap in internet usage and access for girls and women in rural Kenya and 🔗The Action Foundation – Digital Literacy for Young Women with Disabilities.

An overwhelming 92.8% of respondents cited gender bias and stereotypes as the biggest barrier in the tech and social impact space, reinforcing the urgency for inclusive digital transformation strategies.

Tech Solutions for Women’s Empowerment 

Discussion Overview:
Participants explored innovative technological solutions that empower women and promote gender equity:

• Emerging Technologies: The use of AI in creating unbiased recruitment processes, blockchain for ensuring secure financial transactions and property rights, and big data for identifying discrimination trends were discussed in depth.

• Practical Innovations: Mobile applications for personal safety and online educational platforms offering flexible learning opportunities received significant praise.

• Considerations: While the potential of these technologies was widely acknowledged, concerns over privacy and the need for diverse development teams were also raised to ensure these solutions serve all women effectively.

Poll Insight: Inspiring Women-Led Tech Innovations

Half of the participants (50%) identified Healthcare/MedTech as the most inspiring sector for women-led tech innovations, with sustainability and education also receiving noteworthy attention.

Funding & Supporting Women-Led Innovations

Discussion Overview:
The final week centered on addressing the financial and structural hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs:

• Investment Bias: Persistent gender biases were reported to negatively affect investment decisions, with women founders receiving disproportionately lower venture capital despite often delivering superior returns.

• Networking Gaps: Limited access to investor networks was highlighted as a critical barrier, restricting women’s ability to secure essential introductions and endorsements.

• Holistic Support Needs: Beyond capital, participants stressed the importance of mentorship, corporate accelerator programs, and supportive networking environments in driving sustainable growth.

Poll Insight: Effective Support for Women in Tech

Poll responses indicated that 64% of participants believe that enhanced mentorship and networking programs are vital, while 52% support increased funding for women-led startups.

Conclusion & Recommendations

The Women's Month initiative has underscored both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities:

• Comprehensive Support Systems: There is a clear need for structured mentorship programs, digital literacy initiatives, and inclusive networks to tackle both personal and systemic barriers.

• Enhanced Funding Mechanisms: Expanding women-focused venture funds, government grants, and corporate accelerator programs is critical to empower women-led innovations.

• Inclusive Tech Development: Developing technology with diverse teams will ensure that digital solutions are equitable and truly beneficial to women.

• Policy & Advocacy: Advocacy campaigns are necessary to drive policy reforms that create a favorable ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

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🔗Connect with the Author, Keith Karani