When You See Us, You Can Be Us: Why Visibility of Women in Tech Matters for Girls and Boys

By Teresa Conroy-Roth

“When you see us, you can be us.”

Those words are more than a slogan—they’re a call to action. Representation isn’t just about diversity numbers or photos on a website. It’s about possibility. It’s about reshaping the stories that children tell themselves about who they are, what they’re capable of, and where they belong.

It’s critical that both girls and boys see women leading and advancing in technology. Here’s why:

1. It Expands What Girls Believe They Can Do

From a young age, girls absorb subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—messages about what careers are “for them.” When girls see women thriving as software engineers, CIOs, cybersecurity experts, or tech entrepreneurs, it chips away at the outdated narrative that tech is a man’s world. It tells them: You belong here. Your ideas matter. Your contributions are essential.

2. It Teaches Boys That Talent Has No Gender

Boys who grow up seeing women in powerful, technical, and leadership roles learn that talent, innovation, and expertise are not defined by gender. They’re more likely to become men who respect and support women as equals in the workplace. That’s how we build truly inclusive cultures—by raising boys who see equality as normal.

3. It Fuels Innovation and Progress

When diverse perspectives shape technology, we create solutions that better serve the world. Half the population can’t be left out of designing the tools that shape our future. Visibility of women in tech ensures that the next generation of innovators, regardless of gender, will build products and services that are more equitable, ethical, and effective.

4. It Changes the Leadership Pipeline

Representation at the top matters. Women in tech leadership roles signal to younger professionals that growth and advancement are possible. It helps close the gender gap not just at the entry level, but in executive suites, boardrooms, and founder circles.

The future of technology depends on a workforce as diverse as the problems we’re solving. So let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep sharing our stories, mentoring others, and speaking out about the paths we’ve taken and the obstacles we’ve overcome.

Because when you see us—you really can be us. And that changes everything.