The Gender Gap in Disruptive Technologies

134: number of years it will take to bridge the gender gap at the current pace.?        

5 generations to reach full gender equity, salary parity, equal opportunities and representation in leadership and politics.

134 years is a long time, but there’s a lot we can today with education, awareness, advocacy, allyship and role models.?

This week, I had the privilege of interviewing a global thought leader from the World Bank on her thoughts on disruptive technologies and the gender gap:?

Carla Ricchetti is a senior investment professional at IFC, the World Bank with over 20 years of experience in global investment in innovation and disruptive technologies.?

Can you tell us a bit about your journey toward building a successful career in global investment in innovation, climate and disruptive technologies?

Carla: I started my career in Mergers and Acquisitions, where my experience in Brazil ignited a passion for emerging market investments. This led me to pursue opportunities abroad and earn a master’s degree in international Affairs and Business at Columbia University in New York.

Joining the International Finance Corporation (IFC), that is the arm of the World Bank Group that invests in the private sector was a natural next step, aligning my finance interests with fields of sustainability and technology.

Now, I serve as the global sector lead for MedTech and Climate and Health Nexus at IFC, leveraging experiences from nearly 100 countries. It’s been a fascinating journey of learning, growth, and positive impact.

What inspired you to pursue an international career in this field?

Carla: ?It all started when I was 15, dreaming of exploring the world.

My exposure to different languages and international experiences sparked an interest in building a global career. Although I was uncertain about the "how" and "what," I had a strong sense of my "why."

This clarity is essential, as we often get so caught up in the details of achieving our goals that we lose sight of the deeper purpose behind them. Your "why"—your driving force—is what inspires you to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

Everything starts with a strong why. What is your “why”?

Carla: Harness finance to drive impact through technology, and sustainability. With this vision, I built a strong academic and professional foundation in investments and deepened my expertise in sectors like climate tech, renewable energy, agritech, and medtech.

Today, I lead global investments in medtech and the climate-health nexus at the IFC. I'm proud to have realized my dream from age 15, contributing to projects that deliver meaningful development benefits in emerging markets.

What kind of challenges have you faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and how have you overcome them?

Carla: The bar is always higher for women—get used to that and use your professional influence to change it. I strongly believe that we, as women professionals, have a moral obligation to build a better, more gender-balanced infrastructure for the next generation.

There are many challenges for women in male-dominated industries. One major issue is gender bias. I see this from both men and women, often without them realizing it because it’s deeply ingrained in their subconscious. We need to challenge stereotypes and promote equal opportunities through education, awareness, and inclusive policies, ensuring everyone is judged by their abilities, not their gender.

Besides biases and stereotypes, women are often conditioned by social constructs and career narratives around gender. Is that something you have come across??

Carla: Absolutely. There is a very interesting Harvard study around this topic by Professor Katherine Coffman that reveals that women often avoid certain careers due to a lack of confidence in their ability to compete in fields where men are perceived to excel, such as science, math, and technology.

However, women are more than qualified for these roles. Despite having strong credentials, many women need to start believing more strongly in their own capabilities. This issue extends beyond mere stereotypes; it reflects thousands of years of societal evolution, and correcting these patterns will not happen overnight.

What other challenges do you see in regard to women in leadership and gender representation?

Carla: Another challenge is the limited number of role models. In male-dominated industries, there are often fewer women in leadership roles, making it harder to find mentors and role models. It’s astonishing that only 5.4% of CEOs globally are women, and in the U.S., only 33% of board members are women—these numbers can be even lower in developing countries. We need more competent women in leadership, not just to influence other women but to become role models.

Lastly, workplace culture can be a significant barrier. Male-dominated industries often exclude women, making it tough for them to fit in. Throughout my career, I’ve had many conversations with young professionals across different organizations who feel like they don’t belong because the culture isn’t supportive. This is unacceptable and shows how culture plays a critical role in building up women’s confidence and leadership skills. We also need more inclusive policies that support women’s career growth.

Let’s talk about the gender gap in disruptive technologies. What does that look like globally?

Carla: The gender gap in disruptive technologies is a significant concern worldwide. Studies show that women make up only about 22% of the workforce in artificial intelligence (AI), 12% in cloud computing, and just 7% in blockchain technology. These numbers point to a broader issue of gender imbalance in STEM fields, where women are underrepresented in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

How can governments, organizations and individuals advocate to address this issue and challenge the status quo?

Carla: To bridge this gap, we must prioritize early education, mentorship programs and the development of an inclusive curriculum. Additionally, implementing supportive workplace policies, providing financial assistance, and fostering professional development are crucial, alongside addressing biases directly. Meanwhile, we can draw inspiration from women who have made significant achievements in STEM. Personally, I find stories of pioneers like Jennifer Doudna, who worked on CRISPR gene editing, and Dr. Fei-Fei Li, known for her contributions to computer vision, incredibly inspiring. It is a great way to spark curiosity and a desire to break barriers.

Finally, what’s one piece of advice you would give to?young women who want to pursue a career in innovative technologies?

Carla: Build strong credentials, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Working with innovation and disruptive technologies are all about trial and error, so resilience is key. Have your own agenda—knowing your priorities helps cut out the noise. Networking is essential at every stage of your career, as it helps build powerful connections and mentorship.

Recognize your strengths. While it's crucial to work on your weaknesses, do not forget to make the most of your talents. Additionally, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Here’s a quote that resonates with me and fits this context very well:

“Great things do not come from comfort zones. Embrace the struggle; it is what shapes greatness."?        

Join the conversation by commenting, asking questions and sharing your experience in the comments.

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