Women account for just under 33 per cent of new technology students starting university in 2025. The fields with the fewest women are mechanical engineering, electronics and automation.
The Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK aims to increase this figure to 40 per cent by 2030. The rationale is that a more balanced gender distribution in the field of technology would benefit universities, the labour market and society as a whole.
That is why TEK magazine presents the stories of nine technology experts in fields where safety can be improved, sustainability issues solved and healthcare developed. Their paths have been varied: one became enthusiastic about coding at a young age, while another switched to the field as an adult.
Many of them talk about role models – and the lack thereof. As one of them puts it: “I have often been the only female expert in the room.” It matters who is visible.
In their study, TEK Research Manager Susanna Bairoh and LUT University Associate professor Johanna Naukkarinen have found that the sense of belonging in the field of technology can be improved by expanding the image of technology experts.
These nine experts, whom we are now introducing, were Finland’s finalists in this year’s Nordic Women in Tech Awards (NWiTA). The idea behind this Nordic event is to highlight the achievements of women in the field of technology, inspire more women to enter the field, and at the same time provide role models for young people. TEK sponsored this year’s event.
We asked everyone the same questions:
- Briefly describe the work that has earned you this nomination.
- What inspired you to pursue this field?
- Have you found your work / being in tech to be equal and inclusive?
We present the answers in alphabetical order according to the respondents’ surnames.
Meet the NWiTA finalists 2025
Nilufer Alakas, Founder and CEO, Lotus Sirius Oy
Anu Ala-Outinen, COO & Founder, Moder Oy
Farrah Farooq, Senior Software Engineer and Scrum Master, Tietoevry (Finland)
Suvi-Tuulia (Suffa) Haakana, GIS & Cybersecurity Specialist, Fortum Plc
Sonja Hyrynsalmi, Postdoctoral Researcher, LUT University
Linda Liukas, Author, illustrator, playground designer
Adity Malhotra, Solution and Product Owner – Marketing Cloud & MarTech Platforms, Elisa
Laura Nykänen, Managing Director, kood/Sisu
Aura Pyykönen, Founder & CEO, Isla Terveys
In addition to these nine individuals, Finland also nominated an organisation called identity.vc. It won the Investor of the Year award. Identity.vc invests in and supports early-stage startups that have entrepreneurs from sexual and gender minorities in leading positions in Europe.