Episode 95: Building Equity in Data – One Role Model at a Time
In this episode of the Power of Data Podcast, Roisin McCarthy, founder of Women in Data, joins Susan McKay to reflect on a decade of progress – and persistent challenges – in driving gender equity in data and tech.
Roisin shares how Women in Data has grown from 25,000 to over 90,000 members across 130 countries, and why visibility, sponsorship and role modelling are critical to retaining women in mid and senior-level roles. She also introduces Girls in Data, a sister initiative aiming to inspire 1 million young women in the UK by 2030.
From the importance of flexible working and engineered mentoring schemes, to the risks of bias in AI and the need for inclusive training data, Roisin offers practical insights for leaders who want to build more equitable data cultures.
“We need to stop trading ROI for equity. 51% of the population isn’t diversity – it’s the majority.”
“Flexible working isn’t a perk – it’s a game changer for retaining women in tech.”
“Girls in Data aims to reach 1 million young women by 2030 – because visibility drives possibility.”
“AI must be built on inclusive data – otherwise we risk designing a more unjust world.”
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