In France, women account for approximately 24% of the digital workforce and less than 30% of technical roles (INSEE, 2023; Grande École du Numérique, 2024). In strategic fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure, their visibility in decision-making circles remains limited.

In this context, The Ambassador Circle – Women & Diversity in Tech, led by Tech Show Paris, is not merely another symbolic initiative. It is a deliberate effort to build a network of committed female experts determined to make their voices heard over the long term.

The findings are well known. So are the numbers.
What deserves to be heard today are the voices of those who are already taking action at the heart of the tech ecosystem.

Diversity and Performance: A Fundamental Issue

For Gabriela Belaid, who is committed to addressing issues of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty, the issue goes far beyond that of representation. She believes that the tech industry “cannot be effective, ethical, and sustainable without genuine diversity,” noting that many female experts remain largely invisible when it comes to strategic issues.

This view is shared by Ana Catarina de Alencar, an expert in artificial intelligence governance and regulation. According to her, the diversity and perspectives of the younger generations can “profoundly transform the way we design and develop technology.”

In other words, diversity is not just about the composition of teams. It directly influences the design of solutions. Without a variety of profiles and perspectives, systems—particularly those involving artificial intelligence—risk reproducing existing biases and amplifying blind spots that were not addressed earlier in the process.

So it is not just a matter of balance or image, but of the very quality of the technologies produced and their impact on a large scale.

Visibility as a Driver of Change

While diversity influences the design of technologies, visibility influences career paths. In an industry where women are still underrepresented in positions of expertise and decision-making, making their career paths visible is essential to breaking the cycle of invisibility that persists. The lack of representation at conferences, on panels, or in strategic bodies is not merely symbolic; it shapes perceptions, ambitions, and opportunities. Conversely, showcasing legitimate and diverse career paths helps redefine what is perceived as possible.

Emma Colliot, a cybersecurity lawyer, believes that “visibility is a powerful tool for advancing the role of women in cybersecurity.” Showcasing legitimate and diverse career paths not only encourages others to pursue careers in the field but also builds confidence among those who are already working in these sectors.

In the same vein, Adia Diarraye Danso, founder of the Tech With Women Club, emphasizes the practical aspect of this commitment. For her, it is essential “to increase the visibility of women in technology fields and open the door to more opportunities for them.”

Visibility, therefore, is not a matter of appearance. It determines access to networks, positions of responsibility, and career advancement opportunities.

Moving from Intention to Action

Beyond just principles, some ambassadors are taking direct action on the ground.

Neela Tibayrenc, Program Director at Pays Basque Digital, emphasizes that promoting women’s participation in the digital sector cannot remain merely a topic of discussion. It must translate into concrete initiatives, whether through conferences, company visits, highlighting female employees in technical roles, or the creation of educational materials.

She also points to a documented reality: “In France, women make up about 30 percent of the digital workforce and less than 20 percent of those in technical fields. Taking action means creating visible role models, opening up concrete opportunities, and strengthening the collective performance of the ecosystem.”

For her, moving from intention to action means sustaining this momentum over the long term and turning it into tangible results. This approach is also reflected in a structured initiative led by Tech Show Paris, whose actions and commitments are presented on the dedicated Women & Diversity in Tech page.

A growing trend

The Women & Diversity in Tech network continues to grow today. The professionals joining the network come from fields as diverse as cybersecurity, law, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and regional innovation. This diversity of expertise reflects the reality of today’s technological challenges, which can no longer be addressed in isolation.

This progress reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that expert visibility is sustained over the long term, beyond a single highlight on the calendar. It also reflects a more fundamental conviction: in the face of challenges related to performance, regulation, sovereignty, and trust, a diversity of perspectives is not merely symbolic. It has become a key factor in the quality of how technologies are designed, regulated, and deployed.

Transforming Technology, in Practical Terms

What these statements reveal is not just a stance.
It is a direction.

Diversity as a factor in quality in systems design.
Visibility as a driver for access to leadership roles and decision-making.
Community as a sustainable catalyst for addressing challenges related to performance, regulation, and trust.

In a context where technological choices have long-term implications for organizations and society, broadening the range of expert voices is becoming a strategic priority.

Giving a voice to women experts isn’t just about adding another chapter to the debate.
It means recognizing that the transformation of the technology ecosystem also depends on the women who are already shaping it.

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