Ahead of International Women’s Day 2026 this weekend, New Digital Age invited women from across the digital media industry to comment on the ongoing importance of the day…
Denise Cornelissen, Head of Product Marketing, RTB House
“With recent research revealing that women make up only around 25% of the global STEM workforce, this International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater representation in our industry. AI and technology are transforming how businesses operate and grow, and women must feel empowered to step into the limelight.
“The future of technology will be strongest when ambition is matched with opportunity for women across the industry. Employers have a key role to play in encouraging women to build confidence in their expertise and continue developing their skills. This can be supported by active investment in learning opportunities, the creation of supportive cultures and clear pathways to leadership for future generations.
“As AI becomes more embedded within the mechanics of marketing and advertising, the industry needs to draw on the broad range of perspectives that diverse workforces allow for. This will ensure innovation is ethical and inclusive, and can deliver better outcomes for brands and consumers alike.”
Elsa Murray, Senior Sales Director, LG Ad Solutions
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, really resonates with me, because giving isn’t about losing something, it’s about choosing to invest in other people. When we give our time, knowledge, support, or opportunities, we create momentum that reaches far beyond a single moment.
“It’s a mindset: progress moves faster when we collaborate rather than compete. Supporting women through mentoring, sponsorship, and education doesn’t just benefit individuals, it strengthens entire teams and organisations. Mentoring, in particular, is incredibly powerful. It helps women build confidence, develop their skills, and step into leadership roles believing they belong there.
“It’s equally important to actively champion women’s achievements and make their contributions visible. Doing this consistently helps create cultures where more women can see what’s possible. Ultimately, Give to Gain is a reminder that when we lift others up, everyone benefits.”
Kim Joyce, Head of Agency Sales, Outra
“This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, feels so powerful: when we invest in equal opportunities for women, the returns are felt across society as a whole. In media and ad tech, we sit at the centre of how audiences are understood, valued and reached. The data signals we prioritise and the strategies we enable shape whose stories are amplified and whose opportunities expand. With that influence comes responsibility.
“The UK’s tech sector may be thriving, but women still face barriers to entry and progression into leadership roles. Each year, the economy loses an estimated £2–£3.5 billion as women leave the sector or change roles due to avoidable challenges. That is not just a talent issue, it is an economic one.
“As AI accelerates, this becomes even more urgent. The teams building algorithms and training models are shaping systems that influence what we see and the opportunities we have access to. Without diverse voices in those rooms, we risk embedding bias into the foundations of our digital society. Inclusive technology requires diversity by design. Initiatives such as the Women in Tech Taskforce are a positive step, but lasting progress requires sustained commitment. When we give women access, opportunity and support, we all gain – stronger businesses, more innovative technology, and a fairer society.”
Selen Ozkan, Head of CPG, EMEA at Uber Advertising
“‘Give to Gain’ is a theme that really resonates with me because it shows how investing in people can multiply impact. However, to make real progress, we have to reframe this from an act of service to a fundamental business need. For me, it comes down to three key shifts.
“First, treating reciprocity as a strategy. Giving, whether through mentorship, resources, or a platform, is not about losing a competitive edge. It strengthens the talent pool and market we all draw from. Secondly, the multiplication effect. When women are supported into leadership roles, they often reinvest in their teams, creating a cycle of growth that elevates the entire organisation.
“Finally, moving beyond the one-day gesture. Support should not be limited to International Women’s Day. True empowerment is about building structures that actually last, like equitable parental leave, transparent pay, and accessible career pathways- giving women the space to thrive year-round.
“When we invest in people intentionally, we aren’t just doing the right thing. We are driving exponential growth that benefits ourselves, our colleagues, and the wider industry.”
Reshma Patel, Head of Finance, Fairing
“Early in my career, the moments that changed everything for me weren’t promotions – it was the candid feedback, stretch opportunities, and someone advocating for me in rooms I wasn’t in. Those moments of support created real inflection points.
“The theme of ‘Give to Gain’ really resonates because progress rarely happens in isolation. When women share knowledge, open doors, and create opportunities for others, we strengthen the entire ecosystem.
“Giving those same boosts to other women, whether that’s through mentorship, sponsorship, or actively championing their work, is how we create momentum that outlasts any one career. The more we invest in each other, the more we expand what leadership can look like for the next generation.”
Jennifer Rose, Commercial Partnerships Director, Adform
“I’ve been fortunate to have both an internal and an external senior female mentor during my time in adtech, and that support has made a real difference to my confidence and career. Being surrounded by strong female leaders who are willing to share their experience and perspective is incredibly inspiring.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how important that kind of support really is. For me, reciprocity in the workplace is about senior leaders actively opening doors, advocating in the rooms where key decisions are made, and creating access to opportunity for others.
“When we shift from simply advising to actively championing others, we accelerate meaningful progress. That kind of intentional support does not just benefit individuals, it strengthens teams and helps build a more inclusive and representative industry.”
The companies included above are clients of Bluestripe Media, the publisher of New Media Age.
