In a world where technology plays an increasingly dominant role, the contributions of women in tech have become more important than ever. The tech industry, historically seen as a male-dominated field, has seen remarkable changes in recent years thanks to the incredible work of women who have broken barriers, led innovations, and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to create a truly unbiased environment for women in tech.
This year, the annual Women in Tech Summit, happening on November 27-28, provides an incredible opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in technology, learn from industry leaders, and foster meaningful discussions about the future of the tech industry. If you're a woman in tech or an ally, this summit is an event you won’t want to miss. You can still register via this link and join a powerful gathering that aims to empower women and drive positive change in the industry.
The Women in Tech Summit is more than just a conference; it is a movement toward inclusivity, diversity, and the recognition of women’s accomplishments in a field that often overlooks them. The summit is a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another while celebrating their unique contributions to the tech sector. Events like this are critical because they not only shine a light on the challenges women face in the industry but also offer practical solutions to overcome these barriers.
The summit will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops led by top women executives, entrepreneurs, and engineers from various tech sectors. These sessions will cover a wide array of topics, including leadership development, the future of work, technological innovations, and how to cultivate more inclusive tech environments. Whether you’re an established tech leader or just starting your career, the Women in Tech Summit provides an invaluable space for learning, networking, and personal growth.
One woman who embodies the spirit of perseverance in the tech industry is our CEO and founder, Nada Ali Redha. Nada's story is one of grit, innovation, and determination. Her journey, like that of many other female tech entrepreneurs, has been full of challenges that stem from navigating a male-dominated space. Despite these challenges, Nada's tenacity and ability to innovate have positioned her as a leading fintech expert and a pioneer in the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) market within the medical aesthetics sector.
“I started building my business portfolio after my years in academia, where I earned a BA in International Finance from Franklin College in Switzerland and a certification in the Professional Education Program at Harvard,” Nada explains. Her strong educational foundation provided her with the tools she needed to navigate the complex business world, but it was her resilience and innovative mindset that truly set her apart.
For Nada, the road to success wasn’t straightforward. She faced significant hurdles when trying to secure funding for her first business, encountering systemic biases that make it harder for women to gain access to capital. “In my first business venture, it was made very apparent that trying to acquire funds as a businesswoman was almost impossible,” she recalls. This experience revealed the structural barriers that continue to exist in the tech and business world.
Despite these setbacks, Nada did not let rejection deter her. Instead, she used it as a source of motivation. Her ability to innovate, adapt, and build strong networks of supporters helped her secure the funding needed to launch PLIM Finance, a platform that addresses the financial needs of patients in the medical aesthetics industry. PLIM Finance is a testament to her drive to solve real-world problems and her commitment to making a lasting impact in both tech and healthcare.
Her advice to women entering the tech space is clear: “Embrace rejection. The more you fail, the more you learn to adapt, innovate, and become resilient enough to acquire success.”
One of the biggest challenges that women in tech face is the underrepresentation in leadership roles and the lack of access to capital for entrepreneurial ventures. As Nada’s story demonstrates, women have to work harder to prove their value and overcome ingrained biases. According to research, 48% of investment teams have no female representation, and only 1% of venture funding in the UK goes to all-female teams. This disparity underscores the importance of initiatives like the Women in Tech Summit, which seeks to change the narrative and open doors for women in technology.
Overcoming these challenges requires a combination of networking, persistence, and access to the right resources. “Networking is incredibly helpful when it comes to hiring, securing funding, or simply expanding your reach,” Nada emphasises. She credits much of her success to the networks she built with like-minded business owners, investors, and women founders. By fostering strong professional relationships, she was able to break through barriers that would have otherwise held her back.
For women aspiring to start their own businesses, Nada suggests focusing on building a strong reputation and actively seeking out investors who are already aligned with supporting female founders. There are now more venture capital firms and funding initiatives designed specifically to support women in tech, and making the right connections within these circles can be a game-changer.
Another key element for women in tech is creating a support system that fosters growth and confidence. Whether through mentorship, partnerships, or employee networks, having a community of supporters can make all the difference. The importance of a strong support system is particularly relevant in times of crisis, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic highlighted both the resilience and adaptability of women in tech. As businesses shifted to remote operations and digital solutions became critical to survival, women leaders played pivotal roles in steering companies through unprecedented challenges. Hybrid working models, increased reliance on technology, and the rise of embedded finance are just a few examples of how the tech landscape has evolved in the post-pandemic world.
“Hybrid working has become more prominent, alongside a notable change in the public’s relationship with money and spending,” Nada observes. “With online shopping becoming a necessity during the pandemic, businesses were forced to offer their services in new ways, and PLIM was needed more than ever.”
Her experience underscores how women in tech have not only kept pace with rapid technological changes but have also led the way in creating solutions for an increasingly digital world.
The Women in Tech Summit serves as a powerful reminder of how far women have come in the industry and how much potential there is for future growth. The event celebrates the accomplishments of women who have pioneered technological innovations, broken glass ceilings, and created opportunities for future generations. Yet, it also recognises the work that still needs to be done to ensure equity in the workplace and provide equal opportunities for all.
As Nada Ali Redha’s journey illustrates, resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are key ingredients to success in the tech world. The Women in Tech Summit is a place where these stories are celebrated, and where the next generation of women leaders can find inspiration, guidance, and the tools they need to succeed.
With the summit approaching at the end of this month, now is the perfect time to reflect on how we can continue to support women in tech, whether through mentorship, investment, or simply by raising awareness of their achievements. There is still time to register for the event on November 27-28, so don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this powerful movement. Together, we can create a tech industry where women are not just participants but leaders and innovators.
Let’s continue to celebrate, support, and uplift the incredible women driving change in the tech world.
