Today we reflect once more on how far women have come, how much remains to be done, and the role everyone plays in making progress happens.
Who is Ada Lovelace?
Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, was a visionary mathematician and writer who, in the early 1800s when machines were thought of as calculators, could see a future were technology could do so much more than crunch numbers.
It is because of Lovelace’s curious mind and poetical spirit that the first computer program – an algorithm designed to be carried out by a machine – was written. Whilst her male counterparts saw the computer purely as a calculation machine, Lovelace saw its ability to express abstract ideas and solve problems. Questioning this idea and, intrigued, she wondered how individuals and society would relate to technology as a collaborative tool. Thus, her notes – which she added to a transcription she was commissioned to complete on the analytical engine – describe an algorithm for the analytical engine to compute. It is considered the first algorithm specifically designed for a computer, thus laying the foundation for modern computing.
Today we annually celebrate her curious mind, her vision, and her enduring symbolism as a pioneering woman in technology. This day not only honours her achievements, it also celebrates the role of all women in technology, and how unique vision drives innovation forward. It offers comfort in not being afraid to speak up and ask questions because curiosity gets you places – being a pioneer means being the first one to try.
The Lovelace legacy
Lovelace’s work remains relevant, not just because of her contribution to early computing, but because of the inspiration her story continues to provide.
Claire Nouet, COO and Co-founder of Pathway, comments: “Ada Lovelace Day is a powerful reminder of the prowess of female pioneers in STEM. Often called the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace’s Analytical Engine laid the foundation for modern computing and has been a guiding light for us at Pathway. We have honoured her legacy throughout our business journey, from our first funding round where we gave our investors stuffed animals named after inspirational scientists to now working in a building with a room dedicated to her.”
Gabi Matic, Co-Founder of Metta, also reflects on the importance of this day: “Ada Lovelace Day serves as both a celebration of how far we’ve come and an important reminder of the work still to be done. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the immense potential of women and girls in STEM, whose contributions are essential to the breakthroughs that will shape our future.”
Liina Adov, PhD, personal coach & DEBI Manager at Pipedrive said: “As a figure, Ada Lovelace was widely regarded as the first computer programmer, blazing a trail for generations of women in technology. At Pipedrive, we take pride in championing women across all levels of the organisation and empowering them to lead, innovate, and inspire. We have had the honour of holding the Diverse Workplace label since 2020, when the initiative was launched by the Estonian Human Rights Centre. The recognition highlights our commitment to building an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We believe that when women are supported and represented, teams are stronger, creativity flourishes, and innovation accelerates.”
Lovelace’s legacy is a reminder that women have always played a role in innovation – even when their contributions were overlooked. But by celebrating Lovelace and her achievements, we also celebrate the countless women whose efforts have pushed science and technology forward despite the obstacles they’ve faced.
The ongoing gender gap in STEM
However, the celebration is bittersweet. While women have made considerable progress in terms of being visual in technology and engineering, the gender gap persists.
As Claire De Bie, Principal Product Manager at Orbus Software, highlights: “The percentage of women in tech leadership roles trending down, currently at 28%.
“According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers. This lack of diversity is hindering the technology sector and compounding the skills gap.”
This gap isn’t just about fairness – it’s about the untapped potential of women who could drive innovation and creativity if given the opportunity. The absence of women in STEM narrows the perspectives that can lead to new breakthroughs, and this is a challenge that requires collective action, beginning with encouraging girls to explore STEM from a young age.
Ayesha Iqbal, Senior IEEE Member & Engineering Trainer, MTC (Manufacturing Technology Center) Training, said: “There are several solutions to tackling the gender gap in STEM, one of which is addressing gender biases in learning materials. For example, biographies of women who have succeeded in male-dominated fields can alter the career aspirations of females from traditional to non-traditional careers. Another way is to engage parents of young girls in STEM, as this can help contribute to reshaping parental attitudes towards the participation of girls in engineering. Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities such as STEM events, visits, workshops, competitions and clubs, for example, could help foster interest in STEM among young girls.
“Additionally, companies and organisations must provide equal career opportunities for both women and men. Selection and promotion criteria should be fair; it should be solely based on capability, talent, and the skill of a person. There should be no difference in salary based on gender.”
“Ada Lovelace Day is more than a celebration of a pioneering mind in computing. It’s a reminder that women have always been part of the foundation of technology and continue to play a key role in driving innovation. It encourages us to challenge biases, highlight role models, and create environments where diverse voices can thrive,” said Adov.
Investing in women
It has been commented on time and again, there have been reports to the affirmative, and so it is no secret that diverse perspectives bring fresh ideas. A more inclusive workforce can address global challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Not only that, but a diverse workforce is also a healthy workplace and leads to a more profitable bottom line.
Francesca Boem, Associate Professor with the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department at UCL and IEEE Senior Member, said: “Ada Lovelace Day is a chance to celebrate the contribution of women in STEM – and to acknowledge the barriers that still exist. Unconscious bias and gender stereotypes still shape our experience, whether it’s being overlooked for leadership roles or expected to take on extra responsibilities to ‘fill a quota’. At the same time, challenges around childcare and work-life balance remain acute, with the burden of organising family life often falling to women.
“The solution is not only to attract more women into STEM, but to create environments where they can thrive and progress. That requires inclusive cultures, fair access to leadership opportunities, and practical support that makes balancing home and career a realistic option.
“The media also has an important role. By changing how women in science and technology are represented, we can create visible role models and normalise the idea that STEM is a natural career path for girls. That, to me, is the real legacy of Ada Lovelace – making way for women not just to enter this space, but to lead it.”
How allies can help
Supporting women in STEM is everyone’s responsibility, not just women’s. Male allies can help create inclusive environments by challenging biases and advocating for policies that promote diversity.
As Matic notes: “Men can make a difference by challenging biases, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that women and girls have equal access to funding, mentorship, and leadership roles.”
“Looking ahead, it’s equally important to open fair and equitable learning opportunities for the next generation of tech talent. As AI-driven environments evolve, ensuring that young people – especially women – have access to coding education and mentorship is essential. Through initiatives like our School of Code, a hands-on software engineering internship, we’re creating an environment where early-career talent can take their first steps into tech, fostering confidence, skills, and community from the very start of their journeys. It’s encouraging to see a clear trend of growing participation and interest among women entering the field,” said Adov.
Moving forward with Lovelace’s spirit
Ada Lovelace Day should be a day to inspire the future women in technology and engineering, to encourage them to step into STEM with confidence if that is what they truly want to do. Because doing what you love is the only thing truly worth doing.
Lovelace’s curiosity and bold thinking didn’t just break ground in computing; it opened a door for everyone to reimagine what’s possible.
Moving forward means creating spaces where women can thrive, knowing that the future depends on the diversity of ideas and perspectives they bring.
