#A Call to Action for the #TechCommunity
***I will always cherish the group that welcomed a woman who moved continents to a country with an unfamiliar language, surrounded her with confident and strong mentors, and helped her find the job of her dreams***
The closure of #WomenWhoCode and now today #GirlsinTech is a significant loss for the tech industry. These organisations have been instrumental in driving diversity, inclusion, and equity. Their legacies should inspire the tech community to #reflect on how we can do better support and sustain such critical movements, considering the #majorbias we have out there in tech, in data, AI, ML dev, indeed the inequality is real and about to impact us all on an even greater scale over the next 10 years.
As we bid farewell to these organisations, we must remember that their missions are far from complete. The tech industry still urgently needs diverse perspectives to drive innovation and foster a healthy digital ecosystem that prioritises long-term benefits over short-term profits, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
As #SerenaWilliams continuously highlights the broader landscape of funding for female-led initiatives has been challenging year after year. As of 2023, female-founded startups in the US received only about 2% of all venture capital funding. This stark disparity underscores the systemic issues women face in securing financial support, not just for startups, but clearly for established organisations dedicated to empowering the future of women in tech.
We encourage everyone who has benefited from these communities to #continuetheirwork, support other like-minded organisations, and strive to create a tech industry where everyone can thrive - it all starts at home #empowerment.
As a volunteer, and Global Communication Lead for Women at Adobe, I want to thank both organisations, the volunteers, staff, sponsors, and supporters of Women Who Code and Girls in Tech. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on me personally, and so many many more, I hope what you have started will continue in all of us to inspire future generations of women in tech and build toward equality and diversity in digital.
Dear Girls in Tech Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Girls in Tech. For 17 years, we have empowered and inspired women in tech, working tirelessly to eliminate the gender gap. Together, we’ve reached over 250,000 people across 35 chapters in 30 countries.
Girls in Tech has always been more than an organization—it’s a community built on love and passion for technology. I am immensely proud of what we’ve built together and the lasting impact we’ve made.
Thank you to our members, Managing Directors, Advisory Board teams, headquarters staff, sponsors, and board of directors. Though we’re closing, our mission will live on through your continued efforts.
With love and gratitude,
Adriana Gascoigne
CEO and Founder, Girls in Tech
#GirlsInTech #WomenInTech #Farewell