Portuguese technology consultancy Milestone stands out with 42% of its leadership positions occupied by women, surpassing the national average for female participation in STEM fields, which is 36%. The company, with around 200 employees, also embraces diversity with a workforce representing five nationalities and 2% of employees having disabilities.
Liliana Silva, Milestone's People Director, emphasizes the importance of inclusion:
"An inclusive culture fuels innovation and performance. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone thrives, regardless of gender, nationality, or ability."
Gender equality in tech remains a challenge. During Web Summit 2024, the Portuguese government announced a national STEM programme for girls, launching in 2025 to address the gap, as women make up less than 20% of ICT specialists in the EU. Milestone’s efforts reflect the broader need for diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of the tech industry.