We created this campaign for Hackergal – a first of its kind for the not-for-profit – because even as of 2023, women still only make up 23% of the tech sector in Canada. That’s even fewer than in 1984. And while we all know technology continues to move forward, gender equality is apparently moving in the opposite direction. So to best bring this issue to light, and reach a target that would be most receptive to this discrepancy, we focused our campaign in and around Toronto, Canada, the “Silicon Valley of the North.” Our thought-provoking posters, complete with scannable QR codes leading directly to our donation page, were then placed in public locations near tech companies and organizations, inside technology stores, and across university and college campuses that had a focus on technology.

In addition, Hackergal was running their annual ‘Hackergal Day’ during our campaign period. It’s a day that invites and brings young women together to code, learn about technology, and acts as an Open House for their organization. Our campaign, timed with this one-day event, was able to bring more attention and awareness to the lack of women in tech, and the need for donations to help Hackergal continue to close the gender gap.

Over the past decade, women have taken center stage through social movements, in sport, politics, even activism. Now, Hackergal wants the same for women in the technology industry in Toronto, to give women a real voice in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.)

We can all rattle off names like Zuckerberg and Gates, but fewer of us can name influential women in the tech world. With one exception: smart speakers. Why in 2023, do women only make up 23% of the tech sector in Canada, but voice almost 100% of our digital assistants?