As Asia undergoes rapid digital transformation, the gender gap in fields such as technology, cybersecurity, research, and innovation has become increasingly evident. Despite some progress, women's participation in these critical areas remains limited, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to bridge this gap. Recognizing the importance of gender parity for both social and economic development, the upcoming event aims to address these challenges head-on.

This fireside chat will bring together leaders from key Asian institutions, member states, and the tech industry to discuss how stakeholders can create an environment that supports women's success in policy and technology. The session will explore the following key topics:

• Challenges: Identifying the barriers that hinder women's participation in technology and policy sectors, including cultural barriers, lack of mentorship, work-life balance, and limited training opportunities.
• Opportunities: Highlighting the potential opportunities for women in the tech sector and the importance of their participation in driving innovation and economic growth.
• Strategies: Discussing strategies to foster an inclusive culture, offer mentorship programs, support flexible work arrangements, and provide continuous learning opportunities to promote gender equality.
• Actionable Recommendations: Discussing actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, educators and other stakeholders to promote women’s participation and advancement in these critical fields.