Women in Tech: Why we need strong role models to bring about real change

Particularly in light of the current skills shortage, there is simply no getting round the need for female talent in IT; yet the tech world remains heavily male-dominated. This makes visible role models all the more important – role models who demonstrate the opportunities the industry offers and who encourage other women.

We speak to Dr. Stephanie Metzner about this. She is Sales Director, Build Ecosystem & AI Partnerships DACH at IBM and has first-hand knowledge of the specific challenges faced by women in the industry. At the same time, as the first female board member of Women in Tech e.V., she is committed to greater visibility, better opportunities and real change in the tech world.

This combination of in-depth industry expertise and personal commitment makes her the perfect person to talk to. She discusses her experiences as a career changer, how long-standing structures can be broken down in everyday life, and what needs to happen to inspire more women to follow this path.

How did you get into the tech industry? What makes this field so exciting for you to this day?

I’m actually a career changer. Even whilst studying for my dual degree in business administration, I realised just how exciting the field is and how much can be automated through technology. IBM turned out to be exactly the right employer for me to use technology specifically as a lever and make a real impact on customers and partners.

What drives me most to this day is the topic of AI, particularly the question of how we can simplify our everyday lives through its meaningful and ethically responsible use. I want to play an active role in shaping this development.

Did you, or do you, feel that, as a woman in the male-dominated tech industry, you have to prove yourself in a different way?

Unfortunately, yes. Especially at the start of my career as a manager, I was often twice as well prepared for meetings because the pressure to prove oneself goes a step further for women in leadership roles. What’s more, women often feel they have to justify themselves and are then quickly labelled as being too loud or too emotional. This constant need to prove one’s worth takes an enormous amount of energy – though, fortunately, it does ease off over time.

This is precisely why specialised talent programmes for women are so important; women simply need a safe space to exchange ideas and share things that might not even come up in a male-dominated setting. But it’s also about actively promoting talent and creating the right structures. We need to highlight such positive examples much more strongly so that others follow suit and we can position women even better.

Why are you involved with Women in Tech e.V.? What motivates you drive this mission forward – and how do you go about it?

I want to drive forward the mission of making women in tech more visible, beyond IBM. According to McKinsey & Company (article ‘Women in tech and AI in Europe: Can the region close its gender gap?’, March 2026), the proportion of women currently stands at around 20 per cent – and we can change that.

As someone who switched careers, I want to allay other women’s fears and show how easy it is to get started in the tech world; many have long been using AI tools in their everyday lives. With Women in Tech e.V., we aim to break down the barriers to entry in the DACH region: we organise events, facilitate mentoring and convey the message that tech is more than just IT and plays a major role in many industries.

As a board member, I use this platform to talk about ways into the industry; my motto is: Have a go and just give it a try! What’s the worst that can happen, apart from learning something new and finding out whether you like it or not?

Why should women work in the tech world? Do you have any tips for those interested in entering the IT or tech sector?

In my view, the tech sector is where the biggest societal issues are decided, be it climate protection, health, education or work. Anyone working in this field can really make a difference and have a say in decisions. AI, in particular, is currently giving rise to entirely new job roles, so the playing field is being completely reshaped at the moment. Where else can you find so much flexibility, great career opportunities, a good salary and the chance to help shape your own workplace?

Right now is the time when it’s being decided who will be playing on this field of the future. My advice: just get started and see what opportunities there are for career changers! And: make use of free opportunities to try things out and gain some initial experience.