Diversity is essential to technology as it enables businesses to create better, safer products considering everyone. McKinsey's 2020 report shows diversified companies outperform those without diversity focus. Higher representation correlates with higher outperformance. Companies with 30%+ women on executive teams significantly outperform those with 10-30%, which outperform those with fewer or no women.
Challenges Women in Tech Face
Specops Software's Women in Tech Survey shows women find it hard being taken serious due to gender perception combined with the gender pay gap. 28.7% lack role models in tech. Dr. Kim Nilsson (Privigo) explains: "It's a structural problem starting at early age, continuing through the career ladder. Girls are less encouraged in STEM subjects, resulting in fewer university applications, fewer junior careers in tech, and a small minority reaching leadership."
10.6% of interviewed women perceive workplace sexism. Fern Brady highlights statistics:
- 1 out of 3 women told they have their job due to gender
- 31% heard they're "too pretty for this job"
- A third asked if their mood related to their cycle
- Almost 1 out of 4 experienced promotion discrimination
- 51% say someone implied their gender prohibits their career
What Would Attract Women in Tech
63.7% want equal pay and benefits. 50.9% want flexible working policies. 52.1% desire clear career progression—still addressing the glass ceiling.
Women at Track24
51.5% of our employees are women from different backgrounds and geographies. 50% of leadership roles are held by women, helping women feel represented. Karolina Kudlacz states: "Track24 places importance on trusting employees and creating environments where people of different backgrounds and perspectives approach work suitably."
Three Ways to Get More Women in Tech
1. Support STEM Education
Social stereotypes discouraging girls from STEM limit women entering this field. Software Engineer Thao Vo states: "The different paths tech opened to me weren't easy to see before entering the field."
2. Improve Women Mentorship in Leadership
Mentoring helps women entering tech careers. Mentors help set expectations, identify opportunities and overcome barriers. Chief People Officer Catalina Schveninger advises: "Get mentors and sponsors early. Build your network and don't be shy asking for help—what male colleagues do brilliantly."
3. Ensure Gender-Equal Reward Systems
Equal pay for equal work is fair, attracts and retains women. Many women consider leaving tech due to inadequate compensation and promotion barriers. Companies must identify and address gender gaps.
Takeaways
A bright future awaits women in tech. Empowering gender equality benefits everyone. Build your recruitment brand today. Promote women at equal rates to men because you hire women you see progressing in the future.
