Why is the tech industry still so heavily male-dominated? How come women with Computer Science degrees aren’t staying in tech? What can women do to thrive in tech?
Last week, I spoke at the Flash Memory Summit in the Silicon Valley. I gave the interactive session: “Elevate your Confidence with Three Science-Based Strategies.” After speaking, facilitating, and networking, I gained an even deeper understanding of the issues facing women in tech.
Most of the people at the conference were men, which reflects the reality of the tech industry. According to 2023 statistics, the share of women working in tech is 32%, which is lower than it was in 1984 when it was 35%.
Why are women still so underrepresented in tech? Here are four reasons why:
- The glass ceiling is alive and well. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, only 22% of C-suite positions in the technology sector are held by women. Having so few female role models at the top in tech is discouraging and limits valuable mentorship opportunities. Women want to see more success stories of women leaders in tech.
- The significant gender pay gap. Technology remains one of the sectors with the biggest gender pay gap. Women are not being paid the same as their male counterparts for comparable roles, qualifications, and experience. When confronted with this truth, women look for work in other industries where their skills and expertise are more fairly rewarded.
- Persistent bias and harassment. Many women experience microaggressions in tech like being mistaken for a junior, or having a colleague question their judgment. Gender-based stereotypes can create hostile work environments where women are subjected to demeaning remarks, exclusionary practices, or even acts of sexual harassment. Being the only woman in the room can also feel very isolating.
- No work/life balance. The constant struggle for women to meet the competing demands of work and family life often leads to chronic stress and burnout. Balancing motherhood with the heavy workload in tech leaves many women “feeling like a failure in both areas of my life”. Lack of workplace flexibility exacerbates this issue.
Our world desperately needs the contributions of women in tech. Diversity is key for developing safer, better, and more inclusive technology.
Tech companies need to create more inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplaces. The gender pay gap can’t continue. More women must be promoted to leadership roles.
But what can women do?
- Build your community: surround yourself with like-minded women in tech, meet regularly, share wins, challenges, and support each other.
- Learn to fail fast: get outside your comfort zone, take action, and fail fast to build your confidence. By taking risks and making mistakes, you will grow in your career.
- Advocate for yourself: don’t be afraid to advocate for your own accomplishments and contributions. It’s not bragging if it’s based on facts. Make sure your achievements are recognized, whether it’s through regular performance reviews, or by sharing your successes with your colleagues and supervisors.
- Reduce your negative self-talk: stop getting in your own way by saying mean things to yourself. Treat yourself with love and kindness even when you mess up. Simply notice when your inner critic rears its ugly head to weaken its power over your life. Replace this negative voice with a positive cheerleader who catches you when you fall.
- Put yourself first: prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, and don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to your employer and to your family. If you put your own oxygen mask on first, you will show up better at work and at home.
What area do YOU need to work on the most?
Sign up for my free Confidence Booster session to learn more about yourself: https://calendly.com/annagradiecoaching/45min
Lots of love,
-Anna
