Industry News

Over the past eight years, the conversation around inclusion and diversity in media and technology has shifted dramatically — and Rise has been at the forefront of that change. By creating platforms, programmes, and networks designed to support women, Rise is tackling the persistent gender gap in technical roles and leadership, helping the industry evolve for the better.

The numbers tell a clear story of why this work is essential. Out of 1,500 vendor companies in the sector, only 2% have female CEOs. Women make up less than 20% of visitors to major trade shows, and enrolment on broadcast engineering courses remains disproportionately low. Women represent 51% of the population, yet their perspectives are still underrepresented in the very industries shaping how we communicate and consume media. Bringing women into technical roles — and keeping them there — is not just a question of fairness; it’s a question of innovation. Diverse teams make better decisions, solve problems more creatively, and build technologies that reflect the audiences they serve.

Rise addresses these challenges through a combination of inclusion, access to opportunity, skills development, and leadership programmes. At its core, Rise fosters community and belonging. Its free membership is open to all, connecting women and allies across regions and career stages. Initiatives like Panel+ work to diversify the voices seen and heard at conferences and industry events, ensuring female expertise is visible in the rooms where decisions are made and trends are set.

Access to opportunity is another cornerstone of Rise’s work. Rise’s global Mentoring Programme pairs women with experienced industry leaders for structured, six-month guidance, helping mentees as they navigate their careers and build confidence. The Rise Elevate Programme is the next step for women ready to progress, offering a six-week programme which educates delegates to lead with authenticity, communicate with impact, break internal barriers, navigate real-world challenges and lead with resilience. Complementing this, the Rise Awards celebrate women and organisations making a real impact, offering visibility that can accelerate careers and inspire others. 

Skills development is equally central to Rise’s mission. Through workshops, panels, and educational events, women gain both technical know-how and industry insight. By partnering with a wide range of technology leaders, vendors and event leaders - like MPTS - Rise creates practical learning opportunities across the sector.  

Finally, Rise is nurturing the next generation of leadership and innovation. By preparing women for senior and executive roles, facilitating mentorship with industry leaders, and creating forums for diverse perspectives, Rise ensures that future media and technology leaders better reflect the audiences it serves. Innovation thrives in diverse teams, and Rise’s programmes are deliberately designed to amplify and encourage those voices.

I wholeheartedly believe that more women in technical and leadership roles don’t just make the industry fairer — they make it smarter, more creative, and better prepared to meet the future. The work isn’t done, but Rise has shown that when communities, mentorship, and visibility come together, meaningful change is possible.