Connecting and Elevating Women at Gen
In Europe, women fill only 22% of tech roles, and even after landing a job, they often face challenges with advancement. Tech has been — and still is — a male-dominated industry. Skillsoft’s 2024 Women in Tech Report calls it out loud and clear: inequity in opportunities and professional growth is holding women back. And, we can’t simply sit idle. Through “Geniverse,” we’re helping to break barriers, build bridges and create a bold, supportive space for women to grow, connect and, more importantly, lead.
Developing Geniverse
Geniverse, born from WONDER (an internal employee resource group), is more than an initiative — it’s a movement. Rooted in gender equity, it empowers women to rise by fostering mentorship, visibility and inclusion. We’re creating mentorship networks, elevating the visibility of women leaders and advise on practices that make Gen a more inclusive workplace.
“When we looked at existing programs for women, we realized we already have incredible internal talent,” said Martina Circolone-Hrano, DEI lead at Gen. “Geniverse was designed to bring that talent together, spotlight it and create a network where women feel encouraged to share their skills and ideas.”
Since its launch in September, more than 100 employees have joined Geniverse, bringing together women and allies from across the company and around the world. Each month, the program offers virtual sessions with speakers from both internally and outside Gen, tackling topics that range from self-promotion to transitioning into tech roles.
Building Community
“Self-promotion matters, and the way we show up matters,” Martina shares. The program’s sessions focus on skills like business acumen, innovation and self-branding. “Women still struggle with this, perhaps due to cultural conditioning,” Martina notes. “That’s why it’s great to see different departments and different geographies involved in these workshops.”
Participants dive into a variety of activities, from innovation workshops with technical directors to discussions about transitioning into tech roles. And it’s not just the guest speakers bringing value. The program is structured to create connections among participants through breakout sessions, giving women the chance to learn from each other’s unique experiences and insights.
Reflecting on Growth
To further support individual development, the program introduced the Geniverse Journal, a planning tool with prompts that encourage reflection on goals, strengths and personal growth. Monthly prompts build on one another, guiding participants through a journey of self-discovery and skill development. The journal includes gratitude reflections, well-being check-ins and exercises to keep participants focused on their personal and career aspirations. Participants can track their growth, celebrate milestones and keep their connections alive, whether they attend every event or tune into the recordings.
Shaping the Future
Kartiki Gangthade has been apart of the Geniverse movement since the beginning, she shared, “I love being part of this women’s group! It’s a supportive, empowering space where we can grow, learn and uplift each other. Being surrounded by such inspiring women truly motivates me every day.”
This initiative is just one part of Gen’s commitment to creating a flexible, inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive. Geniverse complements other programs, such as our McKinsey Academy training for emerging and seasoned leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, reinforcing our dedication to professional growth.
Martina sums up Geniverse’s mission: “It’s about realizing our potential, setting our goals and actively pursuing where we want to be. I hope to spark those ‘aha’ moments for our participants — moments that help them see they’re truly in control of their careers and development.”
For more on how Gen is fostering learning, mentorship and community, check out our 2024 Social Impact Report.
