IWD 2026: Where Every Voice Matters. Women’s Experiences in Tech

International Women’s Day 2026 felt like the right moment to create space for honest conversation.

At FUTERA we talk a lot about contribution, collaboration and respect. This year, we asked three women across the business to reflect on their experiences in tech, what progress looks like to them, and the advice they would give to others starting out.

Their responses are thoughtful, grounded and shaped by real experience.

International Women’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on progress, perspective and lived experience. For some, that reflection stretches back generations. For others, it centres on how the industry has evolved within their own careers.

Lisa Butterfield, Contract Administrator, Natalie Otton, People Director, and Lesley Tindall, Logistics Co‑ordinator, each bring distinct perspectives shaped by different stages of their careers. What emerges is not one single narrative, but three individual journeys connected by resilience, confidence and contribution.

For Lisa Butterfield, International Women’s Day is rooted in perspective.

Her reflection centres on opportunity. The ability for women to build careers, contribute economically and pursue ambitions alongside family life in ways previous generations were rarely able to.

Lesley Tindall brings a longer-term view shaped by decades of experience, including management roles in both the UK and Canada.

She describes herself as fortunate to have had strong opportunities from her early twenties. At the same time, she is clear that pay inequality was more visible earlier in her career, with men often paid more for equivalent roles. While progress has been made and the gap has narrowed, she recognises that the journey towards equality continues.

What has shifted most noticeably, in her view, is mindset. There are fewer preconceived ideas about what constitutes a man’s role or a woman’s role. Capability and experience carry more weight than assumption.

Working in tech has not always been straightforward.

Lisa and Natalie both reflect on periods in their careers where they felt the need to demonstrate their value repeatedly and ensure their views were acknowledged.

Natalie, who began her career in the industry more than a decade ago, also highlights a broader cultural shift.

“Leadership doesn’t have to look or sound a certain way anymore.”

Natalie Otton, People Director

There is greater openness to different styles, approaches and ways of contributing. That change widens the definition of leadership and creates space for more voices.

Lesley’s experience reinforces another important theme, self motivation. She has taken on many roles throughout her career, including running her own business. While encouraged by a mother who pushed her to aim high, she sees her progress as rooted in internal drive as much as external influence.

Across all three conversations, culture emerges as a defining factor.

At FUTERA contribution outweighs hierarchy. Ideas are welcome. Collaboration is encouraged. Success is collective rather than individual.

Natalie describes it as one of the most collaborative environments she has worked in, where gender is not part of the equation. What matters is how you contribute and how you support the wider team.

That culture is reflected in everyday behaviours. In how meetings are run. In how decisions are made. In how achievements are recognised. It is about ensuring every voice is heard and respected.

When asked what advice they would give to women starting out in tech today, the responses are practical and grounded.

Lisa emphasises confidence and voice.

Lesley focuses on curiosity and growth.

Natalie’s message centres on stepping forward without waiting for perfection. Confidence develops through experience. Impact comes from integrity and consistency. You do not need to know everything before taking the next step.

The reflections shared for IWD 2026 highlight progress in action. Opportunities expanding across generations. Mindsets evolving. Leadership becoming more inclusive. Women shaping careers in IT through resilience, self belief and collaboration.

Progress is practical. It lives in culture, in opportunity, and in respect for every voice. That is the work that continues.

For more information about International Women’s Day 2026, visit the official website:

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/