Diversity in tech: The importance of female leadership in MENA’s startup ecosystem in 2023

Diversity in tech: The importance of female leadership in MENA’s startup ecosystem in 2023

Despite progress in recent years, Arab women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, particularly in leadership positions. This lack of diversity not only limits opportunities for women but also hinders innovation and growth in the industry.

According to a report by Wilson Center, only 23% of startup founders in the MENA region are women. These statistics highlight the need for increased support and opportunities for women in tech, especially in leadership roles.

In the MENA region, female entrepreneurship is on the rise, with more women starting their own businesses and taking on leadership roles. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender parity in the tech industry. A report by the World Economic Forum in 2022 found that it will take 132 years to close the global gender pay gap at the current rate of progress.

Anastasia Denisova, the CEO of Realiste MENA, believes that promoting and supporting female leadership is essential for creating a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem. She claims that by providing mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for women in tech, we can help break down barriers and create a more level playing field.

Realiste is a proptech startup based in Dubai and driven by artificial