By Sarah Rakotomahenina and Maharo Rajaonarison

When the terms “tech” and “startup” are mentioned, the typical image that comes to mind is that of young men, often graduates from prestigious engineering institutions, entering the market with groundbreaking ideas aimed at transforming users’ experiences. Indeed, a survey conducted by Startup Genome between 2016 and 2022 reveals that the tech startup sphere remains predominantly under the influence of men, with only 15% of founders being female. Further statistics on women in tech shed light on the current state of diversity in the field. Despite comprising 47% of the employed adult population in the US, as of 2022, women hold only 28% of positions in computing and mathematical fields, as reported by Zippia data. Nevertheless, a statement from Deloitte Insights is changing the narrative around these statistics: “Women in tech are gaining ground as the technology industry—or at least its largest players—makes slow but steady progress in shrinking its gender gap, and women in tech leadership are making the fastest advances.”

As we engage in conversations with female members of our tech startup, Tenafli, the Next Gen home service Marketplace, we find increasing resonance with this statement. Maharo, an Engineering Manager at Tenafli, takes care of overseeing and guiding our skilled team. She shares her journey in the tech industry, stating, “My educational path led me to pursue Computer Science at ENI Fianarantsoa in Madagascar. My decision to join Tenafli was fueled by its innovative approach to technology and the stimulating challenges it presents. As an Engineering Manager, I am constantly learning and evolving, blending technical proficiency with leadership and collaboration.”
In discussing the role of women in engineering, Maharo reveals a deeply empowering perspective. She acknowledges the challenges present in the tech startup ecosystem, including gender bias and unequal opportunities. However, rather than seeing these obstacles as deterrents, she views them as catalysts for growth and positive change. Maharo emphasizes, “Women bring diverse perspectives and strengths to the table, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment in the vibrant world of tech startups.”
On the other hand, Sarah introduces her as the Product Manager Intern at Tenafli, providing a glimpse into her personal journey and challenges she faces in pursuing a career in the tech startup industry. It emphasizes her initial doubts, “Initially, I never saw myself as a product manager in a tech startup. I believed these roles demanded strong technical skills and favored male candidates, making me doubt my chances. However, discovering Tenafli’s internship on LinkedIn changed my perspective. The tasks aligned perfectly with my aspirations, so I decided to pursue the interview, highlighting my multitasking, creativity, and management abilities. Now, as part of the team, I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey” expressed Sarah, the Product Manager Intern at Tenafli.

The future of gender equality in tech shows promise, with growing recognition of its importance for innovation and sustainable growth. Maharo, our Engineering Manager, shares an optimistic view: “Diversity in tech is now seen as morally imperative and crucial for success. Research shows diverse teams enhance creativity and decision-making. With increased awareness and initiatives like mentorship programs, I’m hopeful for the careers of women in tech startups. These efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive future in technology.” Additionally, Sarah advocates for greater diversity within tech startups, particularly encouraging women inspired by the field to challenge societal norms and pursue their aspirations. “While acknowledging the existing lack of diversity in tech startups, I urge women with a passion for technology and innovation to defy societal expectations. Despite the anticipated pressure and workload, your values transcend these challenges, ensuring your contribution will indeed make a significant difference,” she added.