Gender bias and subtle discrimination still hold back women in the technology sector, according to Katlego Arnone, General Manager of Cavista Technologies Botswana.
Arnone was speaking at the recent “Redefine Possible Women in Tech” event, hosted by Cavista in partnership with Google Developer Groups Gaborone and Women Techmakers Gaborone.
She stressed that companies must make tackling these barriers a priority to build more diverse and innovative teams, adding that Cavista is intentional about creating inclusive workspaces, both physically and culturally, to ensure women are equally recognised and supported in their contributions.
“Women in tech often face the challenge of being underestimated. We often have to dress up a certain way and go the extra mile to be recognised in the workspace while facing pay disparity and other issues,” Arnone said. She explained that Cavista’s purpose-driven culture actively promotes equality and strives to eliminate biases that limit women’s opportunities in the industry.
Arnone pointed out that globally, women make up less than 30 percent of the technology workforce, with even fewer represented in leadership positions, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). She noted that women who do overcome these barriers can often feel isolated at the top, and urged those who succeed to help create opportunities for others.
Malebogo Lebo Khanda-Wiktor, Secretary General of the Botswana Information Technology Society, agreed that bias and stereotypes remain significant obstacles. She emphasised the need for confidence and highlighted the importance of strong support networks
“Women need workplaces that appreciate their skills and ideas, not outdated stereotypes. More mentorship and sponsorship among women are essential so that we rise together,” she said.
Lesego Kebokilwe, a Business Analyst at LeveragePoint, spoke about the internal struggles many women experience. “Even when qualified, many women doubt their own abilities because of the prejudices they sense around them,” she explained. “It begins with mindset — people need to believe that women belong in every room, from coding to the boardroom.”
Together, the speakers called on organisations to move beyond superficial diversity efforts and actively build environments that are inclusive both physically and culturally. They stressed the importance of recognising women’s contributions equally, providing targeted support to close pay gaps and overcome leadership barriers, and creating safe spaces where women can thrive and uplift others.
