Reflections on International Women's Day

Read the inspiring accounts of women from the MVP program, as they share their perspectives on leadership within the tech community and the importance of International Women's Day.

Pragati Jain, United Kingdom “Being in the industry for over a decade, my key advice to aspiring women community leaders is to believe in yourself. Trust the process, follow your heart, and you can achieve anything. Remember, good things come to those who work hard with 100% dedication.”

Gulnaz Mushtaq, Pakistan “International Women's Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women while acknowledging the ongoing work required to achieve gender equality. It’s a moment to honour the strength, creativity, and contributions of women in technology, education, leadership, and more.  For me, IWD serves as a reminder to uplift and support women in professional communities, particularly in technology by advocating for equal opportunities, mentorship, and representation. It’s a day to reflect on our progress, confront biases, and commit to creating a more inclusive future where everyone, regardless of gender, can succeed. My journey in technical training began in 2014 at a USAID office, training civil society organizations. This sparked my passion for teaching, leading to further certifications. I became Pakistan's first female MCT Lead in 2022 and received the Enrique Lima Award, recognizing my community contributions as the first Asian woman recipient.  I’m also a Microsoft Learn Expert and run the MCT Community Pakistan Learning Room. I organize training sessions for to empower women in tech and have launched the Global Cloud and AI Community to connect women worldwide for knowledge sharing.”

Indira Bandari, New Zealand “International Women's Day is a powerful reminder of the potential within every woman. It’s a day to celebrate strides made in fields like data and AI, where women lead innovation. But it's also a call to action to break down barriers and ensure equal access to education and opportunities. As a Data Platform and AI MVP, I strive to mentor and empower women to pursue careers in these transformative fields.  My experience as a woman in tech and a community leader has been deeply intertwined with mentorship and empowerment. I've been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me, and I'm committed to paying it forward. As an MVP, I've focused on creating opportunities for others to learn and grow, particularly women and underrepresented groups. Building a strong and supportive community is essential for fostering innovation and driving positive change.”

Haimantika Mitra, India “My journey in tech began with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program. Before that, I received little support from my peers in school. The program and its support taught me what I was capable of achieving. It's wonderful to have a day dedicated to celebrating women across industries. Throughout my career, I have initiated efforts to uplift and share the stories of women. In 2025, we still face many struggles daily. My biggest learnings have been to be my own cheerleader and to be vocal about my capabilities and achievements.”

Olajumoke Toriola, Nigeria "Celebrating International Women’s Day provides a moment for me to reflect on my 20-plus years in the tech industry. It’s a time to honor the progress we’ve made, the resilience we’ve shown in the face of challenges, and how we’ve transformed the impossible into incredible success stories. I’ve often remarked that being a woman is merely a description of gender, not a measure of one’s uniqueness or abilities. That’s why I strive to amplify my voice for those girls hesitant to enter STEM fields and for women questioning their potential in tech. I want to remind you that you’ve got what it takes to excel. Just have faith and join the community of women in tech who are defying the odds, transforming the narrative, and making a significant impact."

Anouck Fierens, Belgium “Being a woman in tech is more than just a career choice—it’s a statement that we belong in this field just as much as anyone else. Throughout my journey as a  consultant, I’ve worked with many different people, and I’ve sometimes noticed that some men weren’t fully confident in my expertise—until they actually started talking to me.  International Women’s Day is about celebrating all women, whether they work in tech or not. But more than that, it’s about shining a light on their achievements, their struggles, and the progress we’re making. It’s not just about one day—it’s about recognizing and supporting women every single day. I hope to inspire more women to explore careers in technology. That’s why I founded Belgium Women IT Circle—a space where women can find support, connect with like-minded peers, and speak freely without fear. Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment is key to making tech a place where everyone can thrive.”

Tricia Sinclair, United Kingdom "Having been in the technology space for over 15 years, I have seen the changes and growth in what tech looks like. People who make technology - they are behind the decisions, the innovations and the shifts in society that come with it. Having diverse people in the room from different areas of life, genders, races, countries can and has led to more robust solutions which engages even more people!  We celebrate International Women's Day to celebrate the women in the room speaking up, opening doors for others so that these rooms continue to be more diverse and people continue to learn from each other.”

Maíra D'Eleutério, Brazil “This day represents empowerment. Not just for me, but for all women around the world. It's about strength and resilience. It's about giving space and power for women to overcome the cultural challenges imposed by society.  It's also a day to celebrate and recognize our achievements, reminding us that the fight for gender equality and rights is not over yet.  I am very proud of the path I have taken so far. Being a partner in a technology company, as a woman, Microsoft MVP, and mother, is a breaking down barriers. I hope to inspire the community and exemplify the strength, passion, and innovation that women can bring to the tech industry.  If I could give one piece of advice, it would be: just start and don't give up. The journey will be difficult, but it will be rewarding for your inner self!”

Chantal Bossé, Canada “International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart, not only as a day to honour the incredible achievements of women before me but also as a personal milestone—my birthday. This day compels me to reflect on my journey as a woman in tech and a community leader.  Over the years, I have seen my passion for technology transform into a fulfilling career. From authoring the second edition of my book on PowerPoint to training thousands through group sessions and LinkedIn Learning courses, I have dedicated myself to empowering others to harness the full potential of their M365 environment. My recent venture into helping organizations adopt M365 and Copilot has been particularly rewarding, allowing me to witness firsthand the positive impact of these tools on productivity and collaboration.  For women in technology and aspiring community leaders, my key insights are simple yet profound: believe in your abilities, seek continuous learning, and build a supportive network. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never underestimate the power of your contributions. Together, we can pave the way for future generations of women in tech."

Ivana Tilca, Argentina “International Women’s Day is a reminder that while we’ve made progress, the fight for equity isn’t over. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women in tech but also to recognize the barriers that still exist. For me, it’s about visibility—ensuring women’s contributions are recognized and that we continue breaking down obstacles for the next generation. Being a woman in tech means constantly proving yourself. I’ve often been the only woman in the room, facing bias and resistance, but I refuse to let that define my path. Instead, I channel it into action—mentoring, building communities, and pushing for change.”

Kathrin Borchert, Germany “Women in technology face unique challenges but also have immense opportunities. My key recommendations are to build a strong network, develop technical and leadership skills, advocate for yourself, champion diversity and inclusion, leverage visibility, embrace continuous learning, and maintain resilience and confidence. For aspiring community leaders, lead by example, empower others, and create platforms where women can collaborate and grow. Representation matters—be the change you want to see!”

Sucheta Gawade, United States “International Women’s Day, to me, means more than celebrating women! While it highlights the incredible achievements of women, it also emphasizes the challenges women worldwide face in various aspects of life, including workplace equity and access to opportunities. It is a day of recognition and advocacy for gender equality and women's rights.  For women aspiring to grow in technology and leadership, my advice is to take the lead and never stop learning. Don’t underestimate your skills or hesitate to take up space. And most of all, surround yourself with a strong support system of peers and mentors, and as you evolve, uplift others. Every woman who steps forward strengthens the future!”

Shrushti Shah, India “International Women's Day holds a deep personal and professional significance for me. As a woman in the IT service industry, I am reminded of the strides that women have made in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. It's a day to reflect on how far we've come, acknowledge the challenges we've overcome, and celebrate the remarkable contributions women continue to make in technology and beyond.  As an exceptional community leader, I believe in the power of mentorship and collaboration. I’ve worked hard to create spaces where others, particularly women, feel empowered to share their ideas, overcome challenges, and excel in tech. It's been incredibly rewarding to foster a sense of belonging and support within the community, encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology and leadership roles.”

Yiting Zhu, China “International Women’s Day, for me, is more of a reminder—a reminder to focus on gender equality, especially in the tech industry. As a female CTO, whenever I meet new clients for the first time, they often can’t help but point out, “You’re a female CTO,” as if it’s a label that needs to be highlighted. While they always come to recognize my abilities after working with me, and I personally haven’t experienced workplace inequality, I know many women in the tech industry still face significant challenges.  I’m an RD and MVP in developer technologies, as well as a co-founder and CTO of a startup. I built a tech team from scratch and led them in developing cutting-edge XR technology, serving thousands of architectural design firms and 200,000 designers across China. But there was a time when I felt lost, facing a career crisis at my previous company and losing confidence in myself. Everything changed when I participated in a Microsoft hackathon and won the national championship. That experience not only helped me regain my confidence but also led me to meet my current business partner, opening a new chapter in my career. Because of this journey, I deeply understand the power of tech communities. Since then, I’ve actively organized community events, hoping to provide more opportunities for women developers who, like me, are searching for their path.”

Pauline Kolde, Germany “As a career changer, becoming a Microsoft MVP was never something I planned—it was the result of curiosity, passion, and a willingness to share what I learn. I’m proud to be one of the few female MVPs in Germany in my category, and I see that as both an achievement and a reminder that we still have a long way to go in closing the gender gap in tech.  International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating progress; it’s about recognizing that inequality still exists and that we need to actively work toward change. While I’m fortunate to work in a team with incredible women and see more diverse representation at community conferences, there are still too many panels, events, and leadership roles where women remain underrepresented. That’s why visibility matters. Seeing other women on stage, leading, and innovating has been a game-changer for me. My mentor and role models are strong, inspiring women, and I wouldn’t be here without them.  To any woman in tech or aspiring community leader: your knowledge, skills, and engagement are what truly matter. Go out there, share your expertise, and be the role model you wish you had!”

Yang Qu, China “International Women's Day provides an opportunity for us to discover and realize our potential in the technology field. As technology evolves, traditional gender boundaries in professional domains are becoming increasingly blurred.  With my skills in aesthetics, perception, and languages, I've created various high-quality technical tutorials. These materials span Chinese, Korean, and English communities, extending my professional influence beyond geographical limitations to reach audiences worldwide.  I believe everyone possesses unique talents and strengths. By fully exploring these special abilities and bravely facing challenges, we can all achieve remarkable success in the tech industry. International Women's Day serves as an important moment to inspire us to recognize our self-worth and break through limitations.”

Fenghui Wang, China “I always remember that when I first entered the workplace and entered the IT technology industry, I was one of the only few women in the conference room, and the nervous hand sweat left on the seat armrest. I recall my career, from the initial Office lecturer to the current Microsoft 365 Copilot lecturer, which is like a journey of weaving stars. Now the workplace ushered in the 17th March 8th Women's Day, AI weaving the future, enabling starlight as a guide - as a digital workplace web weaver, I am gentle and firm female power, committed to using a little bit of "firefly" to pass the modern and latest way of working to more people. The future is here, let's Work Smarter & Shine Brighter!”

Amanda Sterner, Sweden “I never had a female role model in tech when I was younger and studying IT was never an option. But when I later saw how fun it seemed to be I’m glad I studied IT at university. You can be creative, strategic and practical. I love working in IT and I want to be that role model I didn’t have!”

Jessica Engström, Sweden “As a woman in tech, I've learned that representation is powerful. When women see other women thriving in tech spaces, it signals that they too can belong.  My most valuable insight comes from organizing code evenings and hackathons. Initially, we had just one or two female participants. But by creating a genuinely inclusive environment, something remarkable happened: those women brought friends, who brought more friends. Eventually, our events reached 47% female participation. The secret wasn't special treatment. We focused on our shared passion for code rather than gender. Instead of comments like "nice to see a woman here," we asked about programming languages and projects—treating everyone as developers first. By showing up, you create spaces where others feel welcome. Be the representation you wish you had seen. Your presence matters more than you know”

Karen Lopez, Canada “From my first job as a US defense consultant to my volunteer roles as chapter leader, hackathon mentor, and content creator, International Women’s Day (IWD) has inspired my journey as a woman in IT. It’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the challenges we still face. It has inspired me to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and advocate for gender inclusion in the data and technology professions.

For over 30 years, I have been making presentations to girls in grade school to inspire them to take more STEM courses so that they have a faster path to becoming women in technology (WIT) or any other technical profession. I want them to know there is more to tech than what they see in film and TV. I want them to know they can change the world, too. I love that we can help future generations of girls find their tech callings with more role models, especially in jobs they might think are only for others.”

Mako Azumi, Japan “I am a newly awarded Microsoft 365 Copilot MVP. In Japan, the tech community—especially those centered around Microsoft products—is very active. However, most speakers at these events are men, and the majority of participants are also male. This creates an environment where women may find it difficult to voice their opinions or even feel hesitant to participate. Additionally, less than 30% of generative AI users in Japan are women. This imbalance is concerning because it could lead to significant gaps in skills, productivity, and access to valuable knowledge. If this trend continues, AI development and learning may become skewed toward male perspectives, which is a serious issue.  As a female community leader, I am committed to changing this landscape. I want to show that AI is not just for traditionally "masculine" fields like management or technical strategy but can be a friendly, fun, and supportive partner for all kinds of tasks. My goal is to create an inclusive space where more women feel comfortable exploring and leveraging AI to enhance their daily lives and careers.”

Patricia Rodríguez Vaquero, Spain “International Women’s Day is a crucial moment for society to recognize the importance of giving back the spaces that have been taken from us. It’s not just a celebration but a day for reflection, introspection, and deconstruction. It's an opportunity to question the structures that have historically excluded women and to actively work toward a more inclusive and equitable world.  As a woman in tech, my journey has been one of perseverance, continuous learning, and advocacy. I’ve faced challenges: from being underestimated to navigating spaces where representation is scarce, but each obstacle has fueled my determination to uplift others. Building inclusive communities has been my passion, ensuring that women have the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive in technology.  To aspiring women in tech and leadership: step forward with confidence. Your ideas, skills, and leadership are valuable. Create spaces where others feel empowered to grow, and never hesitate to challenge the status quo. Together, we’re not just part of the industry; we’re shaping its future.”

Carike Botha, South Africa “International Women's Day reminds me of the power of representation. When we see women excelling in tech, it inspires others to believe they belong here too.  As a woman in tech, I’ve been blessed with supportive men who understand the importance of inclusion. They are great allies. However, I've also faced moments of discomfort—remarks about my appearance or jokes reinforcing outdated stereotypes. The problem is that we often overlook these moments, and that’s part of the issue.  As a community leader, I celebrate the success of fellow women in tech. While my perspective may not always be popular, I believe in supporting others in the roles they feel comfortable with. My advice to women in tech and aspiring leaders is simple: you are capable of extraordinary things. Never doubt your ability to break barriers. Find your tribe, uplift others, and remember—you don’t have to fit a mould to make an impact.”

María Soto Castro, Spain “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and empowerment in every field—especially in technology. As a passionate advocate for AI and an MVP in the field, I strive to inspire more women to enter and thrive in this space.  The world of AI is fascinating, constantly evolving, and full of opportunities. Staying up to date with technology is crucial, and I firmly believe that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can open doors that once seemed unreachable.  To women in tech and aspiring community leaders: never underestimate the power of your enthusiasm. Passion moves mountains, and the impact of a supportive and inclusive community is immeasurable. Let’s continue breaking barriers and shaping the future together!”

Maki Nagase, Japan “I run JAZUG (Japan Azure User Group) for Women. If you're unsure, join a women-only group to build your network then move to mixed groups for inclusive learning. Your courage makes a huge impact!”

Anja Schröder, Germany “International Women's Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, encouragement, and support for women in all industries—especially in technology. For me, it’s about recognizing the contributions of women in IT, amplifying their voices, and inspiring others to step forward with confidence. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on my own journey, from an unexpected phone call that led me into IT to becoming a leader in my field. This day highlights the progress we’ve made, but also the work that still needs to be done to create an industry where women feel fully included, valued, and empowered. Today, as a Team Lead for Collaboration Platforms, I strive to encourage more women to enter tech and find their voice. My experience has taught me that IT is not just about technology—it’s about people, collaboration, and innovation. Never stop learning and find Your Community – Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support and inspire you. The tech community is a powerful place.”

Belinda Allen, United States “International Women's Day holds special significance for Power BI Women. It celebrates women's achievements, acknowledges challenges, and renews their commitment to gender equality. For the group, it's a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of creating safe spaces where women can thrive.  Whether one person shows up or twenty, every conversation makes a difference. Impact isn’t measured by numbers but by the connections we create and the change we inspire.  Reflecting on our journey as women in tech and community leaders, we are filled with pride and gratitude. Key insights include embracing diversity, seeking mentorship, building a support network, staying curious, and advocating for oneself and others. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive tech industry. Never underestimate the power of community.”