Technology needs every voice: Why gender equity is essential for ethical innovation

Across the world, technology is shaping everything from healthcare to education to the way we move through cities. But who gets to shape the technology?

Globally, women continue to be underrepresented in information and communications technology (ICT). Fewer women pursue computing degrees. Fewer still continue into postgraduate research or stay in the workforce long-term. And yet, digital systems are being built for and used by everyone.

When only a narrow group of people design the tools that influence our lives, we risk reinforcing old biases in new ways. From search engines to facial recognition to health diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence, the gender gap in tech is no longer just about employment numbers. It's about outcomes, fairness, and trust.

As a woman in technology, I have experienced both the challenges and the immense opportunities that come with pursuing a career in this field.

My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. Like many young high school graduates, I made my decision based purely on interest, unaware of how profoundly it would shape my future or of the stereotypes often associated with this field.

Over time, that initial curiosity evolved into a deep passion, guiding me through a Master’s in Engineering Science and a PhD in Information Technology.

Today, I work as a lecturer and researcher in AI at Monash University. This path has been shaped by perseverance, purpose, and the invaluable support of mentors who believed in my potential.

ICT is incredibly broad. It spans software development, user experience design, cybersecurity, AI, and so much more. Yet even today, only a small fraction of women are choosing these paths.

It's not always because they aren't interested. Stereotypes that label technology as a “male-dominated” field might discourage young women from pursuing careers in computing, cybersecurity, or AI. I’ve seen it first-hand. Early in my academic journey, I became aware of how few female peers I had in engineering classrooms.

However, based on my own experience, I have found that while the gender gap in ICT is undeniable, those of us who entered the field were given the same opportunities, regardless of gender.

My current research sits at the intersection of AI, human-computer interaction and privacy. These are fields that raise questions not just about what technology can do but who it serves and how fairly it works.

It’s an exciting space, but it’s also where representation matters deeply. If the data used to train these models isn't diverse, or if the teams building them don't reflect a range of perspectives, the results can be skewed or even harmful.

This is where diversity is more than a buzzword. It becomes a matter of ethics, safety and real-world impact.

In developing systems that are meant to be responsive to human needs, gender-balanced input isn't just ideal. It’s essential. Women bring unique insights to the table, whether in designing responsible AI systems, enhancing user privacy, or developing technology that addresses real societal needs. In fact, everyone has their own valuable perspective, and women should not be excluded from the picture.

The bright side of this issue is that gender equality is being emphasised, and the number of female students and academics is also slowly increasing.

Though the gap is still profound, my experience has shown that the ICT community is generally welcoming and supportive of greater female participation.

As an educator at Monash University, I aspire to create an inclusive environment where both genders feel comfortable sharing their perspectives in a respectful and supportive manner, as I firmly believe that gender equality does not come from invariably uplifting any of the genders. However, it comes from respect and opportunities for both genders.

At Monash University Malaysia, we've been working to make this shift tangible, including outreach to schools where we aim to spark interest in tech among girls before self-doubt has a chance to take root.

Through Monash’s School of IT engagement programs, we give students opportunities to explore coding, AI and computing in ways that are creative, collaborative and socially relevant. I believe that these initiatives can spark interest in ICT among young women.

But it's not enough to simply increase the number of women in ICT. We need to build cultures of respect. Every voice should be heard. Gender equality isn't about elevating one group over another. It's about recognising the different strengths we all bring, and ensuring no one is shut out of the conversation.

This includes creating space for women in leadership and mentorship roles. When students see people thriving in these fields, it changes what they believe is possible. And when female students seek guidance, they often find it easier to connect with someone who's lived some version of their experience. That is why I believe it’s important for those of us already in the field, especially female academics, to be that bridge.

It's easy to think of tech as cold or clinical. All numbers and code. But at its best, technology is about people. The most impactful innovations come from teams that bring different perspectives together across gender, background and experience.

Like all disciplines, the ICT field benefits from diverse voices: women’s perspectives have shaped my work in AI ethics and privacy, just as male collaborators have enriched it.

True equality emerges when we focus not on gender alone but on fostering mutual respect, equal opportunity, and shared purpose. With growing awareness of gender equity, I believe true equality is only a matter of time, and I look forward to being part of that change.