In the tech industry, it’s still largely a boys’ club. A 2021 study found that half of the women who start tech careers abandon them by the age of 35. Despite the push to fix the gender gap in the industry, there’s still a lot of work to do, and many women who want to work in tech end up not feeling comfortable and welcomed. Women also struggle to get promoted in the industry, which has led to poor representation and diversity in tech leadership.
It’s not all bad news, though. Women who remain in the tech industry are showing how much they can bring to the table. Women are changing the game in the tech industry—and they’re not backing down.
Female Tech Founders Are Making Moves
Although women have many obstacles in front of them when it comes to reaching the c-suite in tech, those who have secured executive roles are using those skills and connections to make waves. More female executives and entrepreneurs are entering the tech space than ever before, and they’re bringing fresh perspectives with them.
Most tech startups are still founded by men, and probably will be for a long time. However, we’re starting to see the emergence of talented female founders who understand the needs of a group with incredible spending power: women.
Women Are Innovating
The tech industry is changing rapidly and women are part of that change. With their creativity and unique perspectives, women are contributing to exciting advancements in the industry, such as AI and automation, cybersecurity, and software. Companies that emphasize diversity typically benefit from increased innovation, which is an important competitive edge in the technology space.
Women have been innovators in the technology space since the very beginning. We all know about the famous female tech innovators of the past, such as Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper. That tradition continues with women like Annabelle Huang, Cristina Junqueira, and Laura Boccanfuso. While they might not be household names (yet), they are working on projects that will help change the world.
Encouraging Girls and Women to Pursue STEM Careers
In the last few years, there’s been a much-needed push to get young girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects as they go through elementary and high school. Many girls are interested in these subjects when they are in elementary school, but lose that interest by the time they reach high school.
Fixing the gender gap will require cultural change and strong role models. If girls are told they can and should study STEM and pursue high-paying tech jobs, they will feel empowered to push past obstacles and be part of the change. Having women in the industry the next generation can look up to is critical for creating a more diverse industry that gives women the respect they deserve.
Women are just as technically skilled as men, and they have just as much ambition and business savvy. Although there aren’t enough women in the tech industry, they are certainly changing the game and proving that they belong.