Happy International Women’s Day from the team at Women Love Travel!
Every year, we produce a powerful and inspiring video series for our site, Women Love Tech, inviting female leaders from around the globe to share their views on shifting the status quo. This year’s resounding theme is “Balancing the Scales”: a profound call to action that challenges us to rethink inclusion, not just in the global tech landscape, but everywhere we go, including the spaces we travel and explore.
You can watch the incredible compilation of over 25 plus senior tech leaders sharing their truths here:
As well as a dedicated interview with Motorola’s Praveena Raman here:
Drawing from the wisdom of these global leaders, here is what “Balancing the Scales” truly means for women today, whether we are navigating a boardroom or navigating a new continent:
Equipped, Not Just Included
Balancing the scales means that women shouldn’t just be invited into the room; they must be equipped to thrive there. As Praveena Raman wisely points out, talent is equally distributed, but opportunity often isn’t. Gender equality has moved far past being a “nice-to-have”, it is a strategic imperative.
Standing Out in a Sea of Uniformity
One tech leader recalled walking into a room of tech men all dressed in black, wondering where she fit in. But she realized the real question was: Where do I stand out?
Instead of shrinking to fit a system we didn’t design, we are called to be the color in the room. This applies so beautifully to travel. When we journey to new places, we shouldn’t just blend into the background; we should authentically take up space, share our unique perspectives, and boldly lead our own adventures.
Kate McKenzie is the Chief Executive Officer of the ENTECH Roadshow, recalls: “My introduction to the industry where I work was a sea of men in black.”
Equality Happens by Design, Not by Accident
Progress doesn’t just happen; true equality happens by design, says Lisa Claes , President of Cotality
While progress has been made, true equality doesn’t happen by accident it happens by design, says Lisa Claes , President of Cotality. Often, women are expected to be “strategic and likable,” while men are simply expected to lead. Women who are direct are sometimes unfairly labeled, while their male peers are praised as “decisive,” adds Mariette Syman, Marketing Director for ANZ at IFS.
Balancing the scales means redesigning these environments and our own mindsets so that women have the absolute freedom to lead authentically without double standards.
Amplifying Diverse Voices and Opportunities
Currently, only a fraction of global venture capital goes to startups founded by women, yet women continue to innovate, build, and shape tomorrow. When we empower women to lead—whether they are building resilient tech communities, directing films, or creating economic independence for refugee and migrant women through initiatives like The Social Outfiit – we strengthen entire industries and communities.
A Heartbeat Throughout the Year
Tipping the scales toward a more inclusive future isn’t achieved through one giant, grand gesture, nor should it be confined to a single day of celebration. It relies on a continuous “heartbeat” throughout the year, said Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners. It is the everyday choices we make—the small actions, the mentorships, the transparent pay structures, and the daily accountability.
The Future We Want to See
As one leader Silke Barlow, Country General Manager Australia, Lenovo beautifully stated, ‘leadership is a choice, not a title”. We all play a role in tipping the scales.
“For the young girls of tomorrow, we want a world where they are safe, heard, and completely free to shape their own futures,” said Sara Elmstrøm, CEO, CXO2.
Just as these incredible women advocate for taking up space and driving innovation in the tech world, we at Women Love Tech encourages you to boldly take up space globally. Find the clarity of your purpose, never hesitate to speak up, and let your unique perspective expand what leadership looks like for us all.
When the tide rises, everybody lifts. Happy International Women’s Day!
