Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day

Today is a reflection on how far women have come, how much remains to be done, and the role everyone plays in making progress happens.

Who is Ada Lovelace?

Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, was a visionary mathematician and writer who, in the early 1800s when machines were thought of as calculators, could see a future were technology could do so much more than crunch numbers.

It is because of Lovelace’s curious mind and poetical spirit that the first computer program – an algorithm designed to be carried out by a machine – was written. Whilst her male counterparts saw the computer purely as a calculation machine, Lovelace saw its ability to express abstract ideas and solve problems. Questioning this idea and, intrigued, she wondered how individuals and society would relate to technology as a collaborative tool. Thus, her notes – which she added to a transcription she was commissioned to complete on the analytical engine – describe an algorithm for the analytical engine to compute. It is considered the first algorithm specifically designed for a computer, thus laying the foundation for modern computing.

Today we annually celebrate her curious mind, her vision, and her enduring symbolism as a pioneering woman in technology. This day not only honours her achievements, it also celebrates the role of all women in technology, and how unique vision drives innovation forward. It offers comfort in not being afraid to speak up and ask questions because curiosity gets you places – being a pioneer means being the first one to try.

The Lovelace legacy

Lovelace’s work remains relevant, not just because of her contribution to early computing, but because of the inspiration her story continues to provide.

Claire Nouet, COO and Co-founder of Pathway, comments: “Ada Lovelace Day is a powerful reminder of the prowess of female pioneers in STEM. Often called the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace’s Analytical Engine laid the foundation for modern computing and has been a guiding light for us at Pathway. We have honoured her legacy throughout our business journey, from our first funding round where we gave our investors stuffed animals named after inspirational scientists to now working in a building with a room dedicated to her.”

Gabi Matic, Co-Founder of Metta, also reflects on the importance of this day: “Ada Lovelace Day serves as both a celebration of how far we’ve come and an important reminder of the work still to be done. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the immense potential of women and girls in STEM, whose contributions are essential to the breakthroughs that will shape our future.”

Lovelace’s legacy is a reminder that women have always played a role in innovation – even when their contributions were overlooked. But by celebrating Lovelace and her achievements, we also celebrate the countless women whose efforts have pushed science and technology forward despite the obstacles they’ve faced.

The ongoing gender gap in STEM

However, the celebration is bittersweet. While women have made considerable progress in terms of being visual in technology and engineering, the gender gap persists.

As Claire De Bie, Principal Product Manager at Orbus Software, highlights: “The percentage of women in tech leadership roles trending down, currently at 28%. 

“According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers. This lack of diversity is hindering the technology sector and compounding the skills gap.”

This gap isn’t just about fairness – it’s about the untapped potential of women who could drive innovation and creativity if given the opportunity. The absence of women in STEM narrows the perspectives that can lead to new breakthroughs, and this is a challenge that requires collective action, beginning with encouraging girls to explore STEM from a young age.

Kelly Becker, President, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands, comments: “Diversity and inclusion need to be a business imperative if we are to drive innovation and investment in the UK’s manufacturing and tech sectors. A lot of careful thinking and planning must continue to drive initiatives, not just gender but also diversity of thought, experience, and background. Fortunately, the UK’s green economy is opening up more career opportunities for women, particularly in technology and engineering roles. This presents an opportunity for real change.”

Investing in women

It has been commented on time and again, there have been reports to the affirmative, and so it is no secret that diverse perspectives bring fresh ideas. A more inclusive workforce can address global challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Not only that, but a diverse workforce is also a healthy workplace and leads to a more profitable bottom line.

Matic comments: “Investing in women and girls in STEM isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s an economic and social necessity. Diverse perspectives help to fuel creativity and innovation. By ensuring that women are equally represented in the industries driving change, we can unlock the full potential for scientific breakthroughs, sustainable technologies, and economic growth.”​

Becker said: “Schneider Electric is proud to lead the way with bold initiatives that nurture female talent, including diverse leadership, family leave, and pay equity – which have been recognised by the World Economic Forum. To build on this achievement, we’ve made the ambitious pledge that women should represent 50% of all new hires, 40% of all frontline managers, and 30% of senior leaders by 2025.

“My own career experience how shown the immense value of support and mentorship, which is why I strongly advocate for diversity and inclusion. We all have the power to make a difference and hold the ladder up to success. Different perspectives build stronger teams, helping to unlock innovation, investment, and new opportunities to thrive.”

How allies can help

Supporting women in STEM is everyone’s responsibility, not just women’s. Male allies can help create inclusive environments by challenging biases and advocating for policies that promote diversity.

As Matic notes: “Men can make a difference by challenging biases, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that women and girls have equal access to funding, mentorship, and leadership roles.”

Moving forward with Lovelace’s spirit

Ada Lovelace Day should be a day to inspire the future women in technology and engineering, to encourage them to step into STEM with confidence if that is what they truly want to do. Because doing what you love is the only thing truly worth doing.

Lovelace’s curiosity and bold thinking didn’t just break ground in computing; it opened a door for everyone to reimagine what’s possible.

Moving forward means creating spaces where women can thrive, knowing that the future depends on the diversity of ideas and perspectives they bring.