Commentary from Tamsin Crossland, Principal AI Architect, Icon Solutions
“Women continue to be underrepresented within the payments and technology industries, often shaped by early perceptions that computing is ‘a boy’s hobby’. Real change must start earlier, through inclusive initiatives and education that encourage more girls to pursue careers in technology. Graduate recruitment can still be gender-stereotypical, and this must evolve. Initiatives targeting 50% female graduate intake would help create a more balanced and representative industry.
Within technology, women bring valuable perspectives, particularly in AI training and deployment. Emotional intelligence and empathy, often described as ‘soft skills’, are increasingly critical as AI systems influence real-world decisions. Without gender diversity in AI development, there is a risk of reinforcing existing bias. Diverse teams, guided by ethical thinking and broader perspectives, are better positioned to build responsible AI. Women are already leading important conversations within AI ethics forums. So, the next step is turning those discussions into meaningful industry-wide action.”
Commentary from Kimberley Carriere, Senior Project Manager, Icon Solutions
“International Women’s Day has left many women reflecting not only on progress, but also on where the technology and payments industry still needs to improve. When I first started studying programming, only 4 of the 90 students were women, but now I can see a stronger gender balance in parts of the IT industry. But women remain significantly unrepresented, especially at managerial and c-suite level. Many women enter the industry, but too few progress into leadership roles, despite having the technical and regulatory expertise the sector demands.
One of the biggest challenges is that women’s voices are not always heard. Inclusion is not only about representation, but about creating environments where different perspectives are encouraged and valued. Women often bring intuitive, collaborative approaches that strengthen teams and decision-making, yet it can be difficult to speak up, particularly for those who are quieter or earlier in their careers. Supporting confidence, recognising individual strengths, and actively creating space for women to contribute should be everyone’s responsibility.
My international experience has shown that inclusion looks different across cultures, but the common theme is clear: when women are given the opportunity to contribute, businesses benefit from greater diversity of thought. International Women’s Day reinforces this message. For me personally, it reflects values passed down through generations, that women have a voice, experiences to share, and a responsibility to support others. Through initiatives such as speaking in schools and encouraging young girls to consider careers in technology, we can help ensure the next generation feels confident entering industries where they remain underrepresented today.”
