International Women in Tech Day was celebrated on Saturday, 4 April 2026. The day highlighted the achievements of women in the technology sector and is designed to foster diversity, accelerating gender equality, and overcoming industry challenges.
Commentary by Emily Steen, AI Solutions Developer, Thrive
I did not set out to work in AI. I had my sights set on a business career when I started my degree.
But then I took on engineering internships and fell in love with the work – so much so that I chose to stay in tech; and now I build AI products for clients across different industries. Along the way, I have learned something that I wish more women heard early on. You don’t need to know everything at the start.
For a long time, I felt I had to be 100 percent ready before I could put myself forward. Then a college peer said something that stuck with me: none of us are confident at the beginning, we work it out. That is when I realised the gap is rarely talent but more often, confidence. Too many women feel they need certainty before they step up, while men around them are more likely to back themselves while learning on the job.
That is why I always come back to environment. The places where you learn the fastest and find opportunities – like networking events, hackathons and online communities – are still often male dominated. It can feel intimidating, but the first step is getting into the room. Being surrounded by people who know the industry changes everything. You start to see how conversations work, what skills matter, and how and where you can contribute. Confidence does not arrive first. It builds through exposure.
I will be honest though, early on, being one of the only women in the room came with extra pressure. I felt like I had to prove I belonged, and I worried that if I made a mistake, it would be taken as a judgement on women in tech, rather than a normal part of learning. Over time, I have built the skills and experience to stand strong in technical discussions – and I try to use that position to make the space feel more inclusive for others.
This is personal for me too. I am proud that I have helped my two younger sisters enter the industry. Watching them take those first steps reminded me how much representation and support matter. Being able to be a positive influence for them, guide them through transition periods and watch them thrive in this sector has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my experience.
So, ahead of International Women in Tech Day, my advice is simple.
Proactively expose yourself to the tech world and put yourself in the spaces where learning happens. Go to events. Join communities. Network before you feel ready. Keep learning consistently. Stand up for your ideas and direction in the workplace. Trust yourself and your skills – and speak up with confidence, always.
If you are interested in AI, start building. Download a builder app like Replit or Lovable. Experiment with different large language models. Automate one daily workflow. The first version will not be perfect, and it does not need to be. Small tools can become meaningful products, and meaningful products can change what people think is possible, including who gets to build the future.
