Closing the technology sector's gender gap

I am a woman, and I am proud to say that I work in technology. But I also recognize that the combination of those two facts puts me in the minority.

Tech is a key driver of social and economic change, and around the world, women like me are transforming businesses, industries, and communities. Sadly, our ranks remain a small fraction of the total workforce. Not only do we need more women in the technology sector; we also clearly need to refocus energy on improving gender equality in the global economy.

Among the many reasons to take this seriously is one any executive should understand: employing women is good for business. In 2013, the European Commission estimated that 9 billion ($11 billion) could be added to the European Union's annual GDP if gender parity was achieved in technology companies. Similarly, a 2014 Credit Suisse report found that firms with greater gender diversity on governing boards performed better in the stock market, with higher valuations and dividends.