By Angela Baker

Technology plays a fundamental role in solving our world’s most pressing challenges. It has the power to address global issues, accelerate the economy and drive social development. Unlocking the true potential of technology requires diverse and inclusive innovation. Yet, currently, there is a significant gender gap when it comes to invention and innovation, which acts as an important barrier in unleashing the full power of technology. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, only 12 percent of patent inventors in 2016 were women. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research highlights that women are currently half of the overall workforce, but they make up just 29 percent of the STEM workforce. Diverse perspectives among inventors are critical to addressing our world’s most pressing issues. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented.

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