Women in IT

International Women Day is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of women around the world and recognize their contributions to shaping the world we live in today. In honor of International Women's Day, we'd like to highlight some pioneering women who have led the way in IT, telecommunications and technology development - while also celebrating the incredible talent of our female colleagues here at Tallence AG who continue to drive innovation and excellence in the digital landscape.

After all, although the proportion of women in the technology industry is slowly growing, there is still much to be done. Currently, only 30 %of women work in IT and only 21 % of students and 12 % of trainees in IT are female (Bitkom 2024, Bundesagentur für Arbeit 2024, Statistisches Bundesamt 2023). These figures show that there is still a lack of widespread involvement of women in the technology sector. However, these numbers are not only an incentive for change, but also a wake-up call to get more girls and women interested in technical professions.

The history of technology is rich with remarkable women whose contributions have laid the foundations for our digital world. Here's a brief look at some of these pioneering women:

• Ada Lovelace, often referred to as the first female computer programmer, wrote the first algorithm for a machine in the mid-19th century. Her visionary ideas laid the foundations for modern computing and show that women have been at the forefront of innovation from the very beginning.
• Grace Hopper, a brilliant mathematician and later US rear admiral, revolutionised software development. She developed the first compiler and pioneered the creation of COBOL, a programming language that fundamentally changed the way business software was written.
• Radia Perlman, often referred to as the ‘mother of the Internet’, invented the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). This technology is still a cornerstone of modern network infrastructure and has contributed significantly to the development of the Internet.
• Shafi Goldwasser revolutionised the field of data security with her ground-breaking work in the field of cryptography. Her research forms the basis for many modern encryption technologies.
• Hedy Lamarr, known as a Hollywood star, was also a brilliant inventor. Her development of frequency hopping technology laid the foundation for modern wireless communication systems such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Megan Smith, former Chief Technology Officer of the USA, is a passionate advocate for women in the technology industry. She is a driving force behind the use of technology to solve societal challenges.

These impressive women have not only broken barriers, but also paved the way for future generations of female innovators. Their stories show that diversity and inclusion are critical to progress in the technology industry.

On International Women's Day, we look at what has been achieved and the challenges that lie ahead. At Tallence, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive and lead. We firmly believe that a diverse workforce leads to greater innovation and profound change - both in our industry and beyond.

To all the women who have shaped the world of IT, telecommunications and technology development, and to our talented female employees at Tallence AG, thank you for your tireless efforts, vision and contributions. Together we are shaping the future of technology.