Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech: Forge’s Commitment to Equity
Nadine El-Ghaffir
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At Forge, we believe in the transformative power of diversity in technology. Our gender equity initiative is not just an addition to our mission; it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to reshaping the tech landscape. With our Launch program, we have successfully guided over 600 students into impactful careers through partnerships with more than 200 companies. This initiative aims to increase the representation of women in STEM fields, addressing a pressing issue in our industry.
Why Gender Equity Matters
Women remain significantly underrepresented in tech roles, particularly in leadership and technical positions. Alarmingly, only 2.3% of venture capital funding goes to women-led companies. This gap isn’t just a statistic; it reflects a systemic issue where talented women are often sidelined. Forge recognizes that fostering an inclusive tech environment is a pathway to enhanced innovation and performance.
How Forge’s Launch Program Bridges the Gap
Forge’s Impact Initiative, launched in 2023, is dedicated to improving gender equity within our programming. We set ambitious goals to achieve at least 50% female participation across all offerings. Our 2024 impact results speak volumes about our progress:
- 48% of our company partners are women-focused.
- 80% of participants in the Launch Data Science program are women, a significant increase from 71% in 2023.
- 46% of our Software Engineering program participants are women, up from 32% the previous year.
We also focus on placing women of color in internships. In 2024, 27 women of color secured internships through Forge, accounting for 51% of our total participants. These figures illustrate our commitment to addressing the service gap in tech education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups.
The Launch program is designed to provide comprehensive mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities focused on improving gender equity in tech. We are committed to:
- Increasing the gender diversity of our intern candidate pool, especially among women.
- Partnering with women-led companies to amplify their presence in our network.
- Educating students on gender equity challenges and solutions to foster a more empathetic and inclusive workforce.
We believe that awareness is a powerful tool for change, which is why Forge actively sponsors events like the Gender Equity x Tech Panel and Women @ Work: The Glass Ceiling and the Broken Rung, where industry leaders share insights on overcoming challenges in tech. These panels provide networking opportunities, practical advice, and inspiration, empowering attendees to navigate their careers successfully.
Gender Equity x Tech Panel
Forge hosted a panel discussion featuring industry leaders who shared their insights on gender equity and career development in tech. The evening began with a 30-minute discussion featuring accomplished women from Rho Impact, WillowTree, and CCRi. Their diverse career journeys provided students with a rich perspective on the tech landscape. Following the panel, attendees participated in interactive breakout sessions led by each panelist, covering topics from breaking into software development to mastering salary negotiation. This hands-on engagement allowed participants to connect with experts, ask questions, and gain practical insights for their professional journeys.
Women @ Work: The Glass Ceiling and the Broken Rung
In collaboration with The Galant Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce, HearstLab, and the Venture Lab at The University of Pennsylvania, Forge presented a panel discussion featuring accomplished women graduates from the University of Virginia and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. These women, now successful investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders, shared their experiences overcoming challenges in their fields. Their stories provided invaluable insights into navigating the glass ceiling and achieving success in a competitive environment. Attendees left the event motivated and equipped with practical advice from these inspiring leaders, showcasing how determination and innovation can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Success in Increasing Access
Forge’s Impact Initiative aims for at least 50% women engaged in all programming. The initiative has enhanced partnerships with women-led companies, increasing these partnerships by 8% since 2022. Once students are accepted into the Launch Internship Program, they undergo a structured approach to support.
Forge is dedicated to fostering an inclusive tech environment where all students can succeed. By preparing the students during summer training, hosting free events and workshops, and hosting gender equity workshops, we lower barriers to entry, making opportunities accessible to a broader audience. These initiatives engage and support underrepresented groups in STEM, creating a space where everyone can thrive.