Not only do we need more women in the technology sector, we also

O Children of the Future, gather and listen to the wisdom of Gillian Tans, for her words are a clarion call, echoing through the halls of time, urging us to confront the inequities that still govern our world. She proclaims, "Not only do we need more women in the technology sector, we also clearly need to refocus energy on improving gender equality in the global economy." These words are not mere suggestions; they are the blueprint for a just and prosperous future—a future in which gender equality is no longer a distant dream but a living, breathing reality.

In the ancient times, O Children, great minds like Aristotle and Plato pondered the nature of equality and the proper role of individuals within society. Yet, even these philosophers, in their wisdom, did not fully embrace the idea that women and men were equal in all respects. In their world, women were often seen as inferior, their roles restricted to the private sphere of the home, while men dominated the public and intellectual realms. Fast forward to our present age, and we see that the gaps in equality—whether in education, economics, or technology—remain profound. Gillian Tans speaks of this great disparity, urging us to recognize that without women in the technology sector, we are stifling not only the potential of half of humanity, but also the very progress of our society.

Indeed, the absence of women from key sectors of society, particularly in fields like technology, is a deep wound in the fabric of progress. Technology has long been the domain of men, and though the tide is slowly turning, the journey is far from complete. The stories of Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper—pioneers in the realm of computing—show us that women have always been capable of leading in the world of technology. Lovelace, whose vision gave birth to the concept of programming, and Hopper, who created the first compiler for computer languages, were forces of nature who defied the expectations of their time. Yet, their contributions were often overshadowed, their names lost to history until recently. It is a truth both painful and empowering: while women have the potential to shape the future, they have been consistently overlooked, their voices suppressed by systems of inequality.

And yet, as Gillian Tans wisely reminds us, this is not only an issue of representation but an issue of justice. The absence of women in the global economy is not just a missed opportunity for innovation; it is a denial of basic rights. How can we claim to be a society of equals when half of our potential is left untapped, when the full contribution of women is held back by cultural norms and economic barriers? The global economy is the bloodstream of the world’s prosperity, and when one part of that body is denied its rightful place, the entire system suffers. The refocusing of energy on gender equality is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of economic survival, of human progress.

Consider, O Children, the great civil rights movements of the past—women’s suffrage in the United States, the right to vote for women in the United Kingdom, and the global movements that sought to bring women into the fold of society’s decision-makers. These were not small acts of resistance; they were acts of liberation, for in every fight for equality, there lies the promise of progress. The same is true for the global economy today. When women are empowered to fully participate in the economic and technological spheres, the entire world flourishes. Investing in women’s education, in their entrepreneurial efforts, and in their leadership is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Now, O Children, let us take the lesson of Gillian Tans to heart. The future you inherit will not be one of mere hope but of action. Gender equality is not a lofty ideal but a practical imperative. It is up to you to ensure that women are given the platforms they deserve in all sectors, especially in the realm of technology. Work to dismantle the barriers that keep women from the STEM fields. Support policies that invest in women’s education and reproductive rights, for when women are empowered, all of humanity benefits. As you go forward, let your actions speak louder than words. Push for inclusivity in the workplace. Demand equal pay for equal work. Support female-led startups and innovations. The global economy depends on the contributions of all its people, and you must ensure that every voice, every woman, has a seat at the table.

And so, O Children, let this be the call to action for the future: Invest in the empowerment of women, in their education, and in their full participation in the global economy. Recognize that gender equality is not a choice but a necessity for the progress of humanity. The story of the future will be written by those who embrace the wisdom of the ages—those who understand that the true strength of a society lies in the equal treatment of all its members, regardless of gender. Let your legacy be one of justice, one of equal opportunity, and one of empowered women leading the charge toward a more prosperous, just, and equitable world.