Women at the Center of Technological Development in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is stepping up its efforts for making its technology ecosystem more inclusive and supporting women in technology development.

FREMONT, CA: In recent years, technology has unlocked several extraordinary growth opportunities for Southeast Asia, accelerating its economic development. In its technology-driven business landscape, women have been invaluable contributors to its digital economy. The participation of women in the region's tech community has proven to be extremely beneficial.

Heavily investing in education, Southeast Asia has shown encouraging signs of contributing to gender equality, where women make up to 56% of graduates across all degrees compared with global statistics. Indonesia, significantly, has outmatched its peers, with women making up to 59% of all university students. Women currently account for 38% percent of the entire workforce in Southeast Asia, which is 2% more than the global average. In the region, 32% of professionals in tech are women, which is higher than those of the UK and Australia and equal to that of the USA. On several occasions, researchers have highlighted that gender diversity contributes value to overall success. It can improve the innovative capabilities and agility of a company while improving business performance and efficiency. 

Southeast Asia's business ecosystem has identified that boosting women in technology will play a crucial role in improving its efficiency. Countries of the region are focusing more on improving their educational system and making it more inclusive. Several governments are also forming structured diversity programs that engage female talents and encourage women to participate in technology. They also include legislations around workplaces that offer benefits such as maternity and paternity leaves, nursing rooms, and childcare supports.

Gender equality is one of those rare issues where the solution has comprehensive benefits for everyone. Women not only add value to a company and improve its performance, but they also help businesses realize their corporate objectives. Southeast Asia is developing a gender-diverse technology ecosystem where women are rewarded and supported on their journeys, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work culture.