Changing the “Face“ of Tech Leadership: Celebrating Women with Disabilities who are Leading the Way

To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019, ITU, UN DESA, UN OICT and partners are arranging a session highlighting the participation and leadership of women with disabilities in the tech sector. More specifically, this session celebrates women entrepreneurs with disabilities in the tech sector and initiatives supporting the participation and leadership of women with disabilities in the sector.

Around the world, women generally and women with disabilities are underrepresented in the sector as a whole and in leadership positions in particular. Nevertheless, there are many women with disabilities making important contributions to the sector as entrepreneurs and employees at all levels who are not currently receiving the recognition and visibility that they deserve. To attract more women to join and want to stay in the tech sector, it is important to increase the visibility of women already in the sector – to literally change the “face” of tech leadership and participation, and to help break stereotypes. The urgency of taking action is building rapidly as the sector continues to grow fast and it is the source of many rewarding jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Moreover, the positive business impact of greater diversity and inclusion in all sectors has been frequently reported on.

Leading