Why female voices are essential in shaping our tech

Technology shapes almost every aspect of modern life, yet the industry responsible for creating it has historically been dominated by male voices. That is slowly changing - but there's always more that could be done. As someone who has spent more than a decade bringing consumer technology to market, I have seen first-hand how essential it is to have more female voices influencing the decisions that guide the technology people rely on every single day.
My career in technology began in 2010 in product sourcing and development - I worked across global supply chains, creating in-house brands, and learning the technical foundations of product lifecycle management. What has kept me in the industry was the realisation that technology, at its best, takes you to places that can truly help people – it has the ability to facilitate connection, improve accessibility, even democratise health. Working to pull brands in a direction that gives people what they want and is important for culture as a whole is something that continues to inspire me in the technology space. 

Working with Samsung in particular has shifted my understanding of what is possible. Large scale R&D investment gives you the opportunity to build something from scratch - there's space to rethink (and sometimes fail) - and to ultimately create products that genuinely improve people's lives. I've always valued the freedom to drive my own strategy, experiment, and work across a breadth of product categories that few industries can offer. These experiences have not only shaped me as a leader, but also strengthened my belief that diverse voices create better technology.

Balanced representation matters

Women approach and experience technology differently. We balance multiple roles, multiple demands, and multiple contexts - often simultaneously. That perspective is invaluable in product development, especially when we represent half the population. 

When women are part of the room, I've seen the conversation shift from purely technical specifications to how real people, with real responsibilities, will use the technology. We consider how a device supports a carer juggling family needs for instance, or how health features integrate into the rhythm of someone's day rather than adding to their cognitive load. It's not about designing "for women"; it's about broadening the lens and adding a balanced perspective so that our suite of products is able to service the full spectrum of the human experience – not half of it. 

This is especially important in wearables and accessories. Wearable products like Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds sit at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle and technology. Products like these represent the kind of incredible innovation that Samsung is known for and open the door to a broader audience - from health-minded users to wellness communities and young Australians who see their phone as a fashion statement. To speak to all these audiences, our industry needs female voices to ensure that their voices are heard and by extension, shape the technology products they want to see. 

Changing the narrative

There has always been this lingering assumption that women are simply not interested in the technology industry, but my experience has been the opposite. There are countless women who not only enjoy this space, but absolutely thrive once given the opportunity to have their voices heard. From what I've seen – the issue isn't about interest, it's about visibility and access. The technology space has been male-dominated for decades but that is shifting and we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to facilitate the change. 

Early in my career, I learned that women are often overlooked unless they confidently put themselves forward. I've walked into international meetings as the most senior person in the room and still found eyes directed at my male colleagues. These moments are confronting, but they also reinforce the importance of backing yourself, respecting cultural differences and not taking things personally. Confidence and resilience are essential tools for any woman navigating this industry.

Leading with openness, trust and courage

Today, I lead a team that I am incredibly proud of and together we've built a culture that is grounded in openness and collaboration. I don't believe in hierarchy for hierarchy's sake. I want people to feel trusted, supported and empowered to make decisions - not micromanaged. Failure is not something to fear; it is a necessary part of innovation and something I've loved about my time with Samsung and I hope to pass this on. For me, the role of a leader is to create an environment where people feel safe to try, to learn and to grow.

Across the industry, I hope to see more women represented in product and category roles. The future of technology depends on diverse thinking, and when women's voices are included at every stage of development, the result is better outcomes for everyone.

Female voices aren't a bonus. They're not a "nice to have". They are essential to building technology that reflects the world it serves. This International Women's Day, in line with this year's theme "Give to Gain", my hope is that we continue to champion those voices, amplify their impact and open more pathways for the next generation of women shaping the future of tech – because when we all thrive, we all rise.