Women’s Progress and the Path to Equality
It is the setbacks in the most challenging of times that offer us real growth.
It’s hard to celebrate progress toward equality when we once again witness a woman presidential candidate lose her shot at the Oval Office. Coming from Chile, where women’s rights were, until recently, given little importance, I have a broad perspective on the struggle for equality. My mother had to fight for her right to keep her children when she bravely moved to the United States.
While the U.S. still grapples with the idea of a woman in its highest office, Chile has already broken that barrier by electing Michelle Bachelet as its first female president. Bachelet, who served two terms from 2006 to 2010 and 2014 to 2018, proves that change is possible—a reminder of the important strides women have made and continue to make. History shows us that setbacks in the toughest times often fuel real growth.
When I first entered the high-tech industry, email didn’t exist, 'the cloud' referred to those puffy things in the sky, and believe it or not, the fax machine was the fastest way to share visual and critical information. The tech industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated, and women executives were rarely seen at the boardroom table. Ironically, I didn’t initially recognize the inclusivity or equality issues. New to technology, I was eager to learn, driven to prove myself, and full of tenacity and ambition.
Reflecting on those early years in tech, I can now admit I didn’t always feel comfortable sharing my opinions, challenging others' ideas, or even imagining writing an opinion piece like this. But with age and experience, I’ve come to appreciate what I’ve learned and contributed to companies over the past few decades. My goal is to help the next generation of women in tech advance equality within the industry.
It takes more than a few Oscar nominations for Barbie, bold bids for the White House, or the valuable contributions of women across sectors to truly reshape norms. As we look forward, let's also take a moment to honor some remarkable trailblazers who paved the way and continue to inspire us all.
Celebrating Women’s Transformative Contributions to Equality, Global Impact, and Technology
Throughout history, women have driven change and made remarkable strides across all sectors, advancing gender equality, fostering innovation, and inspiring future generations to tackle global challenges. From technology and science to leadership and advocacy, women are not only breaking barriers but also setting new standards of achievement. Here, we highlight some trailblazers whose contributions continue to reshape our world and expand possibilities for women everywhere.
1. Pioneering in STEM and Science
Women have long been foundational in science and technology, paving the way for the innovators we celebrate today. Early trailblazers like Edith Clarke, the first female electrical engineer in the U.S., overcame initial rejections to inspire generations of women to enter STEM. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant NASA mathematician, made vital calculations for historic space missions, including Apollo 11, establishing herself as a key figure in space science.
Building on this legacy, Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College, has championed STEM for diverse students, significantly increasing the number of women in computer science. Mae Jemison, an engineer, physician, and astronaut, became the first Black woman in space in 1992, reshaping perceptions of who can excel in STEM fields. Her trailblazing journey on the Space Shuttle Endeavour continues to inspire women and people of color to pursue careers in science and technology. Similarly, Gitanjali Rao, named TIME’s Kid of the Year in 2020, has used her inventions to tackle real-world issues like water quality and cyberbullying, showing that innovation has no age limit.
These women’s contributions remind us that women have always been, and continue to be, essential to progress and innovation in science and technology.
2. Icons of Equality and Women’s Rights
Few names resonate in the fight for equality as strongly as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1993 until 2020. Known for her landmark rulings that shaped gender equality, Justice Ginsburg’s legacy lives on in every battle for women’s rights. Malala Yousafzai, who survived a 2012 assassination attempt for advocating girls’ education, has since become a global voice for women’s education rights. As the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala continues to inspire a new generation committed to equal access to education and opportunities for all.
3. Leading Global Change and Climate Action
In the realm of environmental activism, Greta Thunberg has become a symbol of youthful resilience and determination. Her passionate calls for climate action have influenced millions and challenged world leaders to prioritize environmental policies. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also showcased the power of compassionate leadership, responding to crises like the Christchurch mosque shootings and COVID-19 with empathy and strength. Ardern’s legacy underscores the need for inclusive leadership in tackling the world’s most pressing issues.
4. Breaking Barriers in Corporate Leadership
Women in the corporate world have also led groundbreaking changes. Indra Nooyi, as CEO of PepsiCo, was one of the few women of color to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her focus on sustainable growth set new standards for corporate responsibility. Similarly, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta, sparked a global conversation about women in the workplace with her book Lean In, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles. Meanwhile, Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, became the youngest woman to take a company public in 2021, championing women’s empowerment in the tech industry.
5. Transforming the Tech Industry
In the world of technology, Susan Wojcicki and Marissa Mayer have been pioneers. Wojcicki, as CEO of YouTube and one of Google’s earliest employees, has advocated for diversity in tech, while Mayer, a former Google engineer and CEO of Yahoo!, set the stage for future women in tech leadership. Their contributions underscore how women leaders in technology can not only shape innovation but also advocate for greater inclusivity and representation.
Honoring the Path Forward
These remarkable women, across decades and disciplines, highlight the power of perseverance, vision, and advocacy. They continue to open doors for future generations, paving the way toward a more equitable and sustainable world. Their stories remind us that achieving true equality requires both courage and resilience—and that the contributions of women are integral to the advancement of society as a whole.
While we’ve made significant strides in advancing women into leadership roles, the road to true equality remains long. Today, women hold more leadership positions than ever before, yet the numbers reveal that we still have a long way to go. Currently, women make up just 8.2% of CEOs in the S&P 500 and 10.4% of those in the Fortune 500—figures that reflect progress but also highlight the ongoing underrepresentation of women at the highest levels of business.
Despite outpacing men in earning degrees for decades, women continue to face barriers when it comes to achieving equal visibility, responsibility, and pay in the workplace. In the U.S., based on data from the US Department of Labor, on average, women working full-time, year-round earn 84% of what men are paid. To put it in perspective, the typical woman would need to work from January 1, 2023, to March 12, 2024, to earn what the typical man made in 2023. The UN reports that across all regions, women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 20 percent globally.
These statistics highlight the ongoing disparity in earnings and the work still needed to achieve pay equity. Closing the wage gap and increasing women’s representation in leadership are essential steps toward creating a more equitable future. We owe it to the next generation of young women to continue pushing for greater visibility, equal opportunities, and fair compensation in all sectors. The journey is far from over, but with continued effort, we can ensure that progress doesn’t stall and that future generations experience the leadership equality they deserve.
I’m proud to share that both in my consulting practice, my startup and among the clients I serve, women hold a strong presence in leadership. I actively collaborate with organizations like The WIT Network and the Athena Alliance to support initiatives empowering women in tech through mentorship, networking, and essential resources.
As the daughter of a driven, intelligent woman who came to the U.S. seeking a better life for herself and her family, I’m reminded that resilience, determination, and a sharp mind make anything possible. I’m grateful for the values she instilled in me—unmatched tenacity, purpose, and integrity—which have guided me through the corporate world and supported my roles as a mother and mentor. I strive to help young women pursue not only recognition but also meaningful acknowledgment of their achievements.
Here’s to my daughter, my colleagues, and all the brilliant women who bring fresh perspectives, passion, and dedication to their work. Let’s continue to celebrate women’s contributions, support each other, and work towards a future where equality in leadership and opportunity is not the exception, but the norm.
And to the many "girl dads," some of whom I’ve had the honor to work alongside—we need you. Your support, encouragement, and advocacy are essential in helping young women be seen, heard, and valued. Your role as champions is pivotal, and your impact will help make equality the standard.
Watch Now: New research reveals that the Dream Gap still exists for young girls, but it’s not a matter of lacking self-confidence or drive; instead, the gaps often arise from the world around them. While strides have been made toward gender equality, societal biases and stereotypes continue to shape the paths girls feel are open to them. The Barbie Dream Gap Project has taken up a global mission to close this gap by actively challenging these stereotypes and working to undo the biases that limit girls' potential. Inspired by this movement, I wrote my recent blog to highlight the importance of supporting young girls and empowering them to envision possibilities without boundaries. This mission reminds us of the work still needed to create a world where every girl can fully realize her dreams.
