For the first time in the history of the Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit, we are launching a brand-new space: Money Talks - a zone created specifically for women, where technology meets finance. This is not a random addition to the program or another trendy topic. It is a response to a very real shift happening right now: money and technology are no longer separate worlds, and understanding both has become a condition of true independence.
A career is not enough
For years, the narrative around women in STEM has focused on access to education, entering the job market, and building careers. That stage has, to a large extent, already happened. More and more women are working in tech, leading projects, creating products, and building their own companies. The problem is that this growth has not been matched by an equally strong focus on financial competence. And without it, even high earnings do not automatically translate into security, influence, or long-term stability.
The data is clear
The data leaves little room for doubt. Women worldwide hold significantly less wealth than men, invest less often, and start building capital later. Importantly, research from organizations such as OECD and investment firms like Fidelity Investments shows that this is not only a matter of knowledge. Confidence plays an equally important role. The so-called “confidence gap” means that many women, despite having the necessary skills, hesitate to enter the world of investing or postpone that decision.
The investing paradox
The paradox is that when women do invest, they often perform just as well or better. Studies show that women are less likely to make impulsive decisions, more likely to stick to long-term strategies, and less prone to excessive risk-taking. The issue is not capability, but timing and access to practical, actionable knowledge.
Finance is now technology
At the same time, the financial world itself has changed dramatically. A decade ago, investing required specialized knowledge, significant capital, and access to closed institutions. Today, thanks to fintech platforms such as Revolut and Robinhood, the barrier to entry has been significantly lowered. Tools for budgeting, micro-investing, automated saving, and portfolio building are widely accessible. On top of that, artificial intelligence is increasingly used for financial analysis, fraud detection, and personalized services. This leads to one clear conclusion: it is no longer possible to understand money without understanding technology. And it is equally impossible to fully benefit from a career in tech without knowing how to manage your finances.
What Money Talks offers in practice
This is where Money Talks comes in. The new Summit zone has been designed as a practical, hands-on space where these two worlds meet. The program covers both hard financial skills - such as budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and credit decisions - and areas that have long been overlooked despite their impact on real-life choices: the psychology of money, behavioral patterns, fear of risk, and the financial dimensions of relationships.
Money is also about emotions and relationships
That is why the agenda includes topics such as negotiating salaries, building and communicating your market value, dealing with impostor syndrome in the context of promotions, and understanding costly financial mistakes. Equally important are issues related to security - both in personal relationships and in the digital world. At a time of increasing financial scams and more sophisticated manipulation techniques, the ability to verify offers, protect data, and manage access to financial accounts has become part of basic digital hygiene.
Long-term decisions you cannot postpone
On the second day, the focus shifts toward long-term financial thinking: investing, building independence, planning for retirement, and securing the future - both your own and that of the next generation. The systemic context matters here. Women are more likely to take career breaks, live longer, and statistically earn less, which directly translates into lower retirement income. Not making decisions in this area is not neutral - it is a decision to accept future risk.
No hype, no illusions
An important part of Money Talks is also bringing clarity to new financial technologies, including cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Instead of hype and promises of quick profits, the focus is on understanding mechanisms, risks, and real-world applications. This is especially important as more people enter this space without proper preparation.
Who is behind Money Talks
The concept and curation of the zone are led by Madina Turava and Maria Ozog - founders of the nationwide financial education initiative Finansowe Latte and the International Women’s Finance & Education Foundation. Their combined experience spans finance, technology, marketing, and education, which translates into a practical, no-theory-only approach. The idea behind it is simple: knowledge that can be applied immediately. Their motto, “let’s talk about money like we talk about coffee,” reflects a broader shift toward normalizing conversations about money and breaking a long-standing taboo.
A competence that changes everything
Money Talks is not just another thematic space. It is an attempt to complete a process that starts with education and a career in technology and ends with real financial agency. In a world where technology is redefining how we work, earn, and invest, financial competence is no longer optional. It is one of the key tools for building independence. And that is exactly why money is finally moving to the center of the conversation.
