International Women's Day 2026 – the real reasons young women opt for a career in tech

International Women's Day (IWD) is always a good time to take stock of the tech sector’s progress on gender equality. A raft of studies and workplace data show women still account for only around a fifth of technology roles. To mark IWD26, I spoke to a group of women all at the very early stages of a career in technology to find out what made them join the sector, and how inclusive and welcoming it is in 2026.

Being one of the only girls in her technology class at school was the perfect motivation for Amy Clarke to prove to herself she could be successful. She says:

I have always had an interest in tech and engineering as I was continuously supported and encouraged through school in my Technology and Design classes.

She studied the subject for seven years in secondary school, and her teachers identified her as ...