Belgium’s tech landscape is home to a diverse network of women who are actively working to close the gender gap and promote equal opportunities in the digital sector. In a recent interview for the HER TECH project, several prominent figures emerged as key contributors to this mission—women whose leadership, advocacy, and community-building efforts are shaping the future of gender equality in technology.
Among the most influential voices is Elke Jeurissen, founder of Fierce Ladies, a long-standing initiative supporting female entrepreneurs and professionals. Known for her work with VDAB and her strong presence in public debates, she remains one of the country’s most visible advocates for gender equality.
Another major role model is Dewi Van De Vyver, former ICT Woman of the Year and successful tech entrepreneur. Having founded and scaled multiple companies, she is widely recognised for her commitment to advancing women in technology.
The tech community also benefits from leaders like Britta Verhelst, former CTO at Barry Callebaut. Over 30 years ago, she founded Vrouw en Ingenieur (“Women in Engineering”), one of Belgium’s earliest communities for female engineers. Her long-standing dedication continues today as she supports new initiatives such as Clusity.
Several other influential figures also play a significant role:
Valerie Tanghe, ICT Woman of the Year and former CIO/CTO at Accenture Belgium, who founded Amazone, an initiative
- empowering women and fighting gender-based discrimination and violence.
- Jocelyn Darbroudi, who held leadership positions at major organisations such as Argenta and Securex, and who dedicates her time to mentoring up to 15 women at a time.
- Martine Tempels, former CTO of Telenet and initiator of CoderDojo Belgium, a key force in promoting digital skills among young people and encouraging girls to enter the tech world.
- Saskia Van Uffelen and Laurence Jacobs, both well known for their ongoing advocacy for women in the digital economy.
On an international level, Isabella Lenarduzzi stands out. Based in France, she founded greenlight4girls, a global initiative encouraging girls to explore STEM pathways. Through her consultancy work on workplace equality and support for female founders, she continues to build influence across Europe.
Global movements also exist, such as Global Women in Tech, but their impact varies. Although these organisations often receive visibility through awards and international events, interview insights show that their accessibility and relevance to the Belgian context remain limited. High event costs, distant locations, and a focus on already-established leaders can make such initiatives feel disconnected from women at the early or middle stages of their tech careers.
This gap highlights a crucial need: role models must be accessible, relatable, and connected to local realities. Belgium’s tech sector—marked by its unique labour market and cultural context—relies on role models who engage directly with communities, mentor new talent, and build supportive ecosystems. These are the women who create real impact: those who bridge generations, guide newcomers, and foster inclusive spaces where aspiring female technologists can see a path forward.
As HER TECH continues to explore gender equality in the digital sector, these insights underscore a powerful message: meaningful change comes not only from global icons, but from local leaders who remain close, visible, and truly connected to the women they hope to inspire. 🤝 Connect, follow, and support the women leading change in tech — your engagement helps amplify their impact and inspire the next generation.
