On this March 8th, as the world celebrates International Working Women’s Day, at Asseco Spain Group, we pause to reflect on the transformative legacy of those women who, with their ingenuity, perseverance, and vision, have paved the way in the technological world. Their story is not only a testament to innovation, but also a beacon of inspiration that aligns our values with the commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse digital future.
The journey of female technology pioneers begins in the 19th century, when Ada Lovelace, daughter of the legendary Lord Byron, became history’s first programmer. Her collaboration with Charles Babbage in conceptualizing the Analytical Engine transcended mere numerical calculation, anticipating a future in which machines would be capable of achieving even greater things, from composing music to creating art. This ability to dream the impossible is the foundation upon which all digital innovation is built.
Over time, other global figures have continued to leave their mark. Dr. Grace Hopper, a pioneer in programming the Harvard Mark I, coined the term “bug” and developed the first compiler, making computing accessible to entire generations. During World War II, the women who programmed the ENIAC—a group of mathematicians whose work was recognized many decades later—demonstrated that talent and dedication can defy even the limits imposed by history. No less notable is Katherine Johnson, whose precise calculations made the dream of the moon landing a reality, marking a before and after in space exploration.
Today, technology continues to be shaped by brilliant minds reinventing the future. Radia Perlman, nicknamed “the mother of the internet,” invented the Spanning Tree protocol, a key component of the global network that connects the world today. Adele Goldberg revolutionized graphical interface design with Smalltalk-80, and Fei-Fei Li, from the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab, is leading the advancement of deep learning that drives artificial intelligence. Each of these innovators has not only contributed to the evolution of technology but has also cemented a legacy of creativity and resilience.
In Spain, the technological landscape also boasts pioneering female professionals. Ángela Ruiz Robles, for example, revolutionized education by designing a mechanical encyclopedia that foreshadowed the concept of the e-book, demonstrating that technology can be a powerful tool for transforming learning. Pilar Careaga y Basabe broke barriers by becoming the first female engineer in the country, paving the way at a time when access to higher education was virtually closed to women. Ana María Prieto, the first Spanish programmer, ignited a quiet revolution in the 1960s that remains the cornerstone of computer science in Spain today.
Contemporary voices also resonate strongly. Nuria Oliver has established herself internationally in the fields of artificial intelligence and Big Data, demonstrating that Spanish talent can compete globally. Elena García Armada, with her innovations in robotics, has provided technological solutions that improve quality of life, and María Ángeles Martín Prats has made her mark in the aerospace and telecommunications sectors, boosting female participation in STEM.
However, despite these monumental achievements, the path toward equity in technology remains fraught with challenges. Global statistics show that women remain underrepresented in engineering and computer science fields, and the gap widens in leadership positions. Initiatives such as Girls Who Code, Women Techmakers, and the annual Grace Hopper Celebration conference are actively working to reverse this trend, but the commitment must be collective and ongoing.
At Asseco Spain Group, we share this vision. We believe that digital transformation is not just about technology, but also about people. We are driven by the conviction that diversity and inclusion are the drivers that accelerate innovation. Therefore, our commitment is clear: to lead cutting-edge technological projects while fostering an environment where female talent is recognized, empowered, and celebrated.
This March 8th, we pay tribute to all the women who have made history in technology and reaffirm our commitment to a future where equity and creativity are the norm. Because when every voice is heard and every talent is valued, innovation flourishes and the digital world is enriched for everyone.
