IWD 2026: Give to Gain - My Experience as a Woman in Tech

International Women’s Day has always meant something deeply personal to me.

As a woman in technology, working in service delivery, I understand what it feels like to step into rooms where you may be the only woman. I’ve experienced the quiet calculations and feelings of needing to prove myself more than my male peers. What I’ve always chosen to do is show up and have a voice regardless of the environment. I’ve learned that presence matters and that confidence often grows in the moments when you decide to contribute, even when it feels uncomfortable. You and your voice matters - especially as it can have a positive impact on the growth of other women around you.

The 2026 theme for International Women’s Day, "give to gain", resonates strongly with me. Throughout my time at Robiquity, I’ve gained confidence, resilience and opportunity because others chose to give their time, their trust, their sponsorship and their belief in my potential. At Robiquity, I have always had people around me who have showed up at the moments that mattered. They challenged me, backed me and created space for me to grow. These allies were male and female. I have recently joined the Robiquity Mentoring scheme which has further helped me both personally and professionally.  All that support has shaped not only my career, but how I choose to lead today.

Now it’s time for me to continue on this path, and it’s my responsibility to do the same for others.

Give To Gain

To me, "give to gain" means:

• Giving encouragement when someone doubts themself
• Giving a voice to women whose ideas deserve to be heard
• Giving honest feedback to help someone grow
• Giving opportunities that stretch capability and build confidence
• Giving space for others to share feedback with me, so I can continue to grow as a leader

In return, we gain stronger leaders, more innovative thinking and teams who carry that mindset forward. In other words, gaining allows everyone to give to others in turn – the process continues. It creates a culture where support is not the exception - it’s the norm.

Representation is Powerful

Representation matters to me. When women see other women leading complex programmes, driving transformation and delivering results, it reinforces something powerful. As women we belong here. Not as exceptions, but as contributors, decision-makers and leaders.

I am proud to represent women in our industry, and proud to be a woman at Robiquity. I am proud to lead in spaces where diverse perspectives drive better outcomes. I am committed to creating environments where women feel empowered to step forward, speak up and own their ambition without hesitation.

At Robiquity, transformation is what we do. This International Women’s Day, I’m reminded that real transformation doesn’t just happen through technology or programmes - it happens when we invest in people and lift each other up. When we give intentionally, we all gain.