The culture of tech companies cannot change if women aren't in the room.

The quote "The culture of tech companies cannot change if women aren't in the room." by Reshma Saujani underscores the crucial role of gender inclusion in transforming the technology industry. Saujani points out that for meaningful, lasting cultural change to occur within tech companies—particularly when it comes to equity, innovation, and workplace values—women must be actively involved in decision-making, leadership, and product development. Without their presence, the environment remains shaped by a narrow perspective that lacks diversity of thought and experience.

Reshma Saujani, a lawyer, politician, and the founder of Girls Who Code, has been a prominent advocate for closing the gender gap in STEM fields, especially in technology. This quote is rooted in her years of activism and experience working to empower young girls to pursue coding and engineering. Saujani has witnessed firsthand how tech culture often reflects the interests and biases of its predominantly male workforce, and she argues that this will not shift unless women are represented at all levels.

The phrase "in the room" is symbolic—it doesn’t just mean being employed in tech but having a seat at the table, where major decisions about culture, policies, and innovation are made. When women are excluded from these spaces, the industry misses out on valuable insights and risks perpetuating systems that alienate or disadvantage others. Saujani believes that only by including women in these critical conversations can the tech world become more inclusive, ethical, and responsive to the needs of a diverse global population.

Ultimately, this quote is a call to action. It challenges the tech industry to reexamine its structures, prioritize gender equity, and recognize that diverse leadership is not just a moral imperative—it’s a driver of progress and success. Saujani’s words reflect a broader movement demanding not only representation but also real influence and agency for women in shaping the future of technology.