IWD 2025: Why a human approach to tech adoption will help us march forward together

Why a human approach to tech adoption will help us march forward together

In 2025, the conversation inclusion and diversity is front of mind - and not always for the right reasons. This year's International Women's Day theme - March Forward - recognises that women have broken barriers and ignited movements worldwide, and my hope is that soon the rate of change in equity will mirror the pace of technological change. 

I believe that technology could be the answer to empowering people of all genders to 'march forward' together. 

True progress happens when we take a human approach to how we adopt and integrate technology, especially in the realm of DEI and gender equality. Using technology isn't just about efficiency or automation, I believe it's about connection, trust and ensuring no person is left behind.

Technology doesn't replace humanity.

In times of change, it's easy to feel scared about what we might lose.

For example, conversations around AI often focus on job displacement, bias, and the erosion of human decision-making. And while these are valid concerns, there's a bigger opportunity here. What if we focused on how technology can amplify our strengths, rather than replace them?

We've seen throughout history that real progress happens when innovation is used to empower people. Think of the printing press, the internet, or even workplace flexibility. 

All of these advances enabled more voices to be heard, more opportunities to be created, and more equal participation in society. AI and emerging technologies have the same potential if we approach them with the right intentions.

Breaking the invisible codes.

Technology is not neutral. It reflects the biases, beliefs, and structures of the people who create and implement it. This means we have a choice: We can either allow AI to reinforce the invisible codes that have held back progress, or we can actively challenge them.

For example, AI-driven hiring tools have been found to replicate gender biases in recruitment. If we focus only on fixing the problem after the fact, we're missing the opportunity to design technology that actively reduces bias from the start. A human-led approach to AI means asking the right questions before we implement new systems:

• Who is at the table when these tools are being designed?
• Who benefits, and who might be excluded?
• How do we ensure fairness and accessibility in the way we use technology?

This is why leadership matters. 

Leaders who embrace diversity of thought and lived experience will be the ones who steer AI in a direction that serves all of us, not just a select few.

Staying human in an AI world.

The best way to navigate the future isn't to fear AI, it's to double down on what makes us human. 

Creativity, emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning and complex problem-solving remain our strongest assets. Instead of focusing on what AI can do better than us, we need to ask: What can we do that AI can't?

Strengths-based leadership is key.

When we focus on what's strong instead of what's wrong, we shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. We stop trying to 'keep up' with technology and start using it in ways that truly benefit our teams, organisations and communities.

I've seen firsthand how leaders who bring their people together to collaborate on solving challenges can benefit from a human-first approach - and this is especially true when it comes to creating truly inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Marching forward together.

Our challenge now is to make sure the adoption of new technologies aligns with our shared human values. 

If we approach this moment with fear and division, we risk deepening the inequities that already exist. But if we stay human in our approach - and focus on what unites, rather than divides us - we have an opportunity to use technology as a force for good.

This International Women's Day, let's choose to march forward together. Let's focus on the opportunities, on the strengths within ourselves and our teams, and on the kind of leadership that ensures progress benefits everyone.