From Stockholm to the United Nations – bringing Women in Tech to CSW70

This year’s theme – access to justice for all women and girls – set the tone for a week of conversations on how we build fairer, more inclusive systems in an increasingly digital world.

And this year, Åsa Johansen, Director of Women in Tech Sweden, was part of the Swedish delegation – and the only representative bringing the perspective of tech and the private sector into those conversations.

In the room where global priorities are set

As part of the delegation, Åsa was seated in what is often referred to as “the Swedish chair” – a position primarily focused on listening in on negotiations and discussions between member states.

And while much of that role is about observing, it offers something equally valuable:
Insight into how priorities are shaped at the highest level.
Because one thing became very clear:

Technology, innovation, and AI are no longer side topics.
They are central to how we talk about democracy, rights, and equality.

When algorithms shape equality

One of the key moments during the week was participating in the high-level side event:
“Values, Voices, and Justice in the Age of Algorithms” – co-hosted by Sweden and Mexico.

The session opened with remarks from
Nina Larsson, Minister for Gender Equality, Sweden,
and Citlalli Hernández Mora, Secretary of Women, Mexico.

The panel brought together perspectives from across sectors:

• Taveeshi Gupta, Senior Research Director, Equimundo
• Anna-Carin Hildingsson Boqvist, Secretary General, ECPAT Sweden
• Åsa Johansen, Director, Women in Tech Sweden
• Cathy Martin, Managing Director, EY Studio +, New York
• Viraj Doshi, Platform Safety Lead, Snap Inc

The conversation focused on a critical question:

How do digital systems, data, and algorithms shape gender equality – and access to justice?

Because the systems we build today will define:

• what voices are heard
• what biases are reinforced or challenged
• and who has access to justice in a digital world

And that brings us back to something we talk about often in our community:

Who gets to build the technology matters.

Gender equality as economic strategy

During the week, Åsa also joined The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York for a panel on
“Gender Equality as Economic Strategy: Women Leading the Next Wave of Growth.”

The session opened with remarks from
Kirsi Madi, Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships at UN Women.

The panel brought together leaders from across business and finance:

• Nina Larsson, Minister for Gender Equality, Sweden
• Anita Wooley Nelson, Chief Strategy Officer, Skanska USA Building
• Atsi Sheth, Chief Credit Officer, Moody’s Ratings
• Moderated by Barbara Wennerholm, President, SACCNY
• Åsa Johansen, Director, Women in Tech Sweden

Together, the discussion explored how gender equality directly connects to economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

A clear message stood out:

Gender equality is not only a social responsibility.
It is an economic strategy.

Bringing your perspective into the global conversation

-”Being at CSW70 was both inspiring and grounding.” says Åsa.

Because while the conversations happen at a global level, the reality is shaped locally – in companies, teams, and everyday decisions about hiring, building, and leading.

Through her participation, Åsa brought the perspectives from Women in Tech Sweden’s partners – and from all of you in our community of more than 32,000 members – into conversations about talent, innovation, and the importance of ensuring women are part of shaping the technologies of tomorrow.

And maybe that’s the most important takeaway of all:

Gender equality is not just a social issue.
It’s about democracy, innovation, and the future of our economies.