In the run-up to the G(irls) 20 Summit in Munich, I've been reflecting on the reasons why it's more critical than ever to invest in the future of women and girls in technology.
Thanks to the unprecedented pace of change in the market, we are now at a moment where anything is possible. To seize this opportunity, it's important to recognize that the power base is shifting. The new technology buyers of today have extremely high expectations, and increasingly, only want to do business with companies that mirror their own diversity. Woman have a vital role in this shifting landscape -- but we need to create the openings for them to succeed. The new digital economy is the catalyst for action.
However, we cannot sit back and expect this revolution to automatically change the lives of working women. Leaders in organizations must proactively take steps to make this happen.
From a business point of view, diversity has a measurable positive impact on long-term business results, creating an environment which fosters the creativity and innovation required the keep pace with the fast-changing market.
Organizations should prioritize diversity by creating strategies that:
- Educate leadership teams on the importance of diversity: According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.
This is in an incredibly exciting time to be at the forefront of the technology industry. The digital economy is creating enormous opportunities, but to seize them, now is the time to embrace a more diverse workforce. The market will not wait.
By Pamela Maynard, Area President, Europe, Avanade
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