From Zurich to Munich to Madrid, European technology companies are embracing diversity recruiting at unprecedented rates. WomenHack events across the continent are connecting forward-thinking employers with exceptional female talent in software development, design, and product management.
Ledgy: Building Gender Balance from Day One
When Swiss startup Ledgy sponsored WomenHack’s October event in Zurich, they brought more than job openings—they brought a track record of success. The company has achieved a 50-50 gender split across their engineering team, company-wide, and even at the board level.
“From the beginning, Ledgy has been dedicated to gender balance in technical roles and across the company,” says Jahlela Hasle, Engineering Team Lead. “I was proud to represent this aspect of Ledgy’s culture at this year’s WomenHack Zürich event.”
The event attracted over 100 female technologists—from engineers to product designers—for discussions on diverse and inclusive work environments. For Ledgy, events like these are essential given Switzerland’s tech funding disparities: between 2016-2020, all-male founding teams attracted 83% of invested startup capital.
Open Systems: DEI as Part of the DNA
Open Systems hosted a WomenHack event in Zurich that drew nearly 70 attendees. For this cybersecurity company, diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t initiatives—they’re embedded in company culture.
“Events such as these are important to Open Systems as we continue to champion diversity as a key driver of innovation,” the company stated. Their event featured an inspiring opening speech and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to empowering women in tech.
jambit: Munich’s Diversity Hub
jambit has become a repeat host of WomenHack Munich events at their headquarters. Their events feature dynamic conversations, a level playing field for all attending companies, and what participants describe as an “empowering atmosphere.”
The signature 5-minute speed rotation format allows companies to engage with a diverse pool of talents and quickly identify potential hires who align with their team’s vision.
Madrid: A Resounding Success
WomenHack Madrid events have been described as “a resounding success” with over 50 talented professionals attending. Liferay has hosted multiple events at their Paseo de la Castellana offices, alongside participating companies like SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, M47 Labs, and Verisure.
These events demonstrate the growing appetite across Europe for intentional diversity recruiting strategies that go beyond traditional job postings.
The European Context
Europe faces unique diversity challenges. Women comprise approximately 22% of all European tech jobs in 2024-25—a gap that represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Research from the European Commission reveals that if more women entered the digital jobs market, it could create an annual €16 billion GDP boost for the European economy. Companies that employ more women than their competitors are 15% more likely to outperform their industry average.
Why European Companies Choose WomenHack
WomenHack’s format is particularly well-suited to the European market:
- Local Focus: Events in Zurich, Munich, London, Madrid, and other cities connect companies with regional talent
- Efficiency: The speed-interview format maximizes connections in limited time
- Quality: Invite-only events ensure companies meet qualified candidates
- Community: Beyond recruiting, events build lasting professional networks
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a startup like Ledgy or an established enterprise, WomenHack provides a proven platform for connecting with diverse tech talent across Europe.
View upcoming European WomenHack events and start building your diverse team today.