Breaking the Mold, Building the Future: Women in Tech Take the LEAP in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been promoting gender diversity in the tech industry in an inspiring manner. The strides made in this area are a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and growth.

The Saudi government has launched programs aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship, encouraging women to enter the sector, and supporting female-led tech startups. Additionally, many tech companies in the country have implemented diversity and inclusion policies, offering flexible working arrangements, and creating female-focused networking and mentorship opportunities.

Furthermore, events like LEAP, which is co-organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, have helped to raise awareness about the importance of women’s role in the tech industry’s development and to create a supportive community for female tech professionals.

Held under the theme “Into New Worlds,” the second edition of LEAP attracted the global tech community to the KSA capital Riyadh from 6-9 February, serving as an ideal platform for investors to discover new tech entrepreneurs.

With its forward-thinking approach, LEAP 2023 was a trailblazer, paving the way for future events that strive to make a positive impact on society.

Through showcasing technology’s potential for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, the international tech conference is envisioned as a catalyst for revolutionizing business opportunities, empowering women in the workforce, supporting tech startups, attracting foreign investment, and is undoubtedly playing a key role in driving transformation in the country.

As per data reported by Arab News, the number of women in the tech industry in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly in recent years.

Recognizing the importance of women in driving economic growth and innovation, initiatives such as the “Saudi Arabian Vision 2030” have been launched to encourage women’s empowerment and provide them with opportunities to pursue careers in technology. This, combined with a growing number of educational programs and training opportunities for women in the field, has led to a significant increase in the number of women entering and thriving in the traditionally male-dominated sector.

Earlier this year, the Saudi Gazette reported that, as per the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, women’s representation and empowerment in the technology sector in Saudi Arabia surpasses the averages observed in the EU, G20, and Silicon Valley.

Among the featured events at LEAP 23, one in particular served as a testament to this progress. Hosted by DSRPTD and BABs Labs on 8 February, websh3 LEAP edition brought together tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world to network, share ideas, and collaborate on new projects.

What made this side event truly special was the emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

“Our goal was to ensure that all voices were heard and all perspectives were represented, and we’re proud to say that we achieved that and more. Our event brought together a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds. This not only made for a more dynamic and engaging event but also helped break down the barriers that often exist in the tech and Web3 space. Through a variety of discussions and networking opportunities, websh3 attendees were able to share their experiences and insights, and learn from one another. This helped to foster a sense of community and collaboration, and we saw some amazing ideas and partnerships emerge as a result.” – Catie Romero-Finger, Co-Founder and CEO of BABs Labs.

BABs Labs is a Web3 marketing agency offering customized solutions to help companies develop their brand identity, tell their story, build their technology, and connect to their community.

The attendees of the websh3 LEAP edition, a women-driven side-event that focused on Web3 technologies, had the opportunity to engage with an impressive roster of international speakers who joined DSRPTDTalk on “VCs Role in BD and Marketing for Portfolio Startups,” including Vera Futorjanski, Founder and CEO of Veritas Ventures, Anna Tutova, CEO of Coinstelegram, Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, Kristina Lucrezia Corner, Editor in Chief of Cointelegraph, Oliver von Wolff, Founder and CEO of Helion Ventures, and Alexander Belov, Contributor to the Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes Magazine, and Forbes 40 Under 40.

“ BABs Labs launched websh3 to support diverse leaders in building a more inclusive Web3 ecosystem that emphasizes sustainability. By hosting interactive events around the world we are actively connecting teams, igniting partnerships, and helping drive funding to projects moving the needle. We know that diversity and inclusion are crucial for unlocking new ideas and driving innovation, and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to these values will undoubtedly lead to a brighter future for the country’s tech sector. I look forward to seeing more progress and advancements in this area, not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the globe.” – Nastya Adamova, Co-Founder and COO of BABs Labs.

“This year’s LEAP proved that by continuing to encourage and support the participation of women in the tech industry, KSA is positioning itself as a global leader in this space. With a growing number of talented women entering the tech industry, we can expect to see more innovative and disruptive ideas emerge in the coming years. I am excited to see what lies ahead for this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.” – Vera Futorjanski, Founder and CEO of Veritas Ventures.