Women Transform Tech #1: Dutch tech reputation vs. reality, insights from our Director of WIT NL, and an event not to be missed

Good news! The wait is over.?

We wish we would refer to the gender gap in tech ??, but today we’re talking about the Women in Tech newsletter.

So welcome to this first issue of Women Transform Tech - a newsletter coming out on each last Wednesday of the month, dedicated to every woman in the tech industry, from established professionals to aspiring newcomers. You’ll get the latest insights and essential knowledge to drive your career and contribution towards a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future in technology.

Our aim is to equip women in tech with the tools, resources, and inspiration needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry, while championing diversity, equity, and sustainability within the Netherlands' tech ecosystem.

Before digging in ??, hit that subscribe button to stay up to date.

Tech O’Clock

?? Today’s spotlight is on the stark reality: despite the Netherlands' reputation for innovation and progressiveness, women remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurial roles.

Diversity as key to success in Dutch tech sector : The figures speak volumes: female (co)founders are severely underrepresented in the Dutch tech sector. With only 10% of founders being women, the Netherlands lags behind countries such as Germany, Sweden and the UK. This gender gap not only affects funding, but also extends to other areas. A large number of Dutch startups have never tracked gender diversity in key business processes such as hiring, interviews and promotions. This lack of awareness and accountability may contribute to the persistence of industry imbalances.?

Diversity in the Dutch tech sector is “very important” but hardly visible in practice : Almost half of men (47%) think the importance of diversity in the workplace is exaggerated, compared to a quarter (24%) of women. Moreover, a third of men (34%) do not see the added value, while 9 in 10 women (86%) do believe that diversity, equality, and inclusion are vital for business success.?

The Gender Gap In Tech: Analyzing The Current State And Future Directions : Despite comprising 35% of STEM students worldwide, women only represent 35% of individuals in STEM fields, highlighting a leaky pipeline from education to employment. This difference draws attention to underlying problems related to confidence, societal norms, and inadequate support in the industry.

It's evident that addressing the gender gap in tech is not merely a matter of equality, but a strategic imperative for the Netherlands' tech industry.?

What’s there to do, you ask? Nurturing an inclusive culture, empowering women in tech, and confronting prevailing norms and biases would be among first steps to unlock the full potential of our workforce and ensure a more prosperous future for all.

In practical steps: become our partner and leverage workshops on diversity and inclusion straight from our team - contact Mariska Kleiss for more info.

Women Talk Tech

So glad you’re still here! In this section we celebrate the contributions of women driving innovation and transformation in the tech industry. Each newsletter, a Woman in Tech will be here to inspire you, give you courage & ideas and maybe something to think about.

And how better to kick-off our first edition, but with finding out more about Lieke (Cornelia) Lamb , Director of Women in Tech?Netherlands ? This woman embodies resilience, creativity, and leadership in the world of technology. Join us as we explore her journey, insights, and the impact she's making in shaping the future of tech in The Netherlands.

What inspired you to start and lead Women in Tech Netherlands?

I had a blog for many years about work-life balance for women and their position in the Dutch society. I spoke a lot about it in my keynotes, had a lot of experience as a woman in the tech and as a woman in the business world myself and I have one son and three daughters where I also saw some contrast in their opportunities. It made me eager to look for possibilities to make a difference. So when Ayumi Moore Aoki came to The Netherlands to launch the Dutch chapter of her Global Women in Tech organisation, I decided to join the board.

Three and a half years later the chapter was looking for a director and asked me to consider. I decided to go for it, since I see the difference and impact we can make if we unite and organise well.

In your opinion, what would a truly inclusive and diverse tech industry look like in the Netherlands, and how can we work towards that vision?

For me, a truly inclusive and diverse tech industry starts in schools with children being encouraged to choose the directions they want, even if their grades aren’t the best and the (unconscious) bias of a teacher in a subtle way bends them away from tech. The whole field has been formed by years, if not centuries, of male atmosphere, often unconsciously and in a subtle way giving off signs to women that they don’t belong and not helping them to feel at home. It’s with this realisation that we should start. Apart from laws about equal pay, quota etc., it is especially important that men and women see this subtle challenge and are willing to look at it differently. Create space for each other and communicate. Attitude is key.

What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to pursue careers in the tech industry in the Dutch landscape?

Communication and connection are key. Of course, you should have strong technical knowledge. But building a professional network, looking for a mentor, and connecting with Dutch people will certainly help you. Sharing experiences and advice. Most Dutch people speak English, so - depending on your own career wishes and the field you are in - you could decide to learn the Dutch language or not. Having some understanding of the Dutch way of thinking, decision-making and communication could definitely help a lot.? Be assertive and don’t let comments get to you too easily. Stand your ground. Stay updated with the latest technologies, programming languages, and industry trends by reading relevant publications, attending workshops, and taking online courses. And, of course, connect with relevant organisations like Women in Tech NL!

So… Be honest - Lieke’s words must have inspired you to break barriers, challenge conventions, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape.? Let's continue to uplift and amplify the voices of women in tech, as we work together towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and innovate.

Pssst! ?? Do you know a Woman in Tech who’d be perfect for this section of our newsletter? Get us in touch with her and we’ll make it happen.

Events & Community news

Women in Tech?Netherlands is thrilled to invite you to Cloud 9 ?? , our in-person community meetup in Amsterdam. Every first Wednesday of the month, our community gathers for an informal and fun evening of drinks and (tech) talks.

Cloud 9 is:

?? open to everyone

?? a drink after work in a relaxed atmosphere

?? the opportunity to get to know each better and connect with our community

?? tech-related topics as well as personal passions and hobbies

?? made to expand your network

?? designed to engage with people who wants to make a social impact

See more detail on the the event on LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/cloud97185945619218190336/

Join us on Wednesday, May 1st, 5.30pm at Restaurant het Groene Paleis , Rokin 65, 1012 KK Amsterdam,

REGISTER HERE to become a member and sign up to join our event > https://wit-h.com/login

We're over the moon to share that Women in Tech?Netherlands Chapter and Successful Speaker Now! owner Barbara Rogoski have created an exciting new partnership model to support the members of the WIT-NL through communication and presentation skills coaching.

Members will be able to hire Barbara at a discounted rate for coaching to improve their self-confidence, executive presence, and knowledge of public speaking. Needless to say, we will also arrange live or online masterclasses, mentoring, and other activities at discounted rates to support the members and each other’s organizations.?

Women in Tech? is proud to host their 3rd Annual Global Summit in Paris on the 6th and 7th of May. In this year's gathering we will be focusing on the PowHER of Innovation, unpacking the all there is with our top global leaders. Check out the confirmed speakers .

Our Marketing and Community Lead, Reshelle Naidoo , will represent our vibrant community and contribute to this exciting event. ??

Women in Tech? Hub

The Women in Tech? Hub is our community platform to connect, elevate, share, and inspire. Connect with a global network of professionals, access our mentoring program, explore exciting job opportunities on our job board, join local chapters, and stay up-to-date with our events. This community portal is designed to unlock your full potential, offering resources and connections to grow your career and make impactful connections. Start your journey today!

And one last thing…

We're seeking passionate individuals who are committed to driving positive change and advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Whether you're a professional or just starting your journey in tech, if you're a critical thinker and a doer, we want you on our team.

Join us in shaping the future of tech in the Netherlands. If you're ready to make an impact and help build more inclusive pathways for women in tech, apply now by contacting our Marketing Manager Stefana Sopco at [email protected] .

And don't forget to share this with anyone in your network who might be interested in joining our mission of empowering 5 MILLION women and girls in STEAM by 2030 through impactful action in four core areas: Education, Business, Digital Inclusion, and Advocacy.

See you next time! ????

This newsletter is brought to you by Cristina Damian , a creative & critical thinker. Dissects modern social issues with the precision of a mechanical engineer and the passion of a gourmand. She has co-founded successful ventures in sports engineering and sustainable mobility. Claims she can do pretty-much any marketing and project management activity even in her sleep. Unafraid to challenge norms and biases, she’s on a mission not to empower, but to give back the power to women - in tech and everywhere else. Currently she’s part of the team at Addvals and a NeuroMindfulness? coach for ambitious people. And if you're curious, yes, she handles chaos like a pro and refuses to shrink to accommodate egos — because, frankly, who has the time?