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Uneven Ground: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Women in Tech
This is your Women in Business podcast.
Welcome to Women in Business. Today, we’re diving straight into the heart of what it means to be a woman navigating the volatile landscape of today’s tech industry. If you’re feeling the rise and grind of shifting markets, industry layoffs, or the ongoing fight for equal ground in Silicon Valley or beyond, you’re not alone. The numbers catch our attention right away: according to CompTIA, just under two-fifths—about 37%—of tech roles are held by women in the United States. While companies like Amazon boast 45% female staff, Apple, Google, and Microsoft still hover around a third. Even more telling, leadership and technical roles see smaller slices of female representation, with only about 17% of tech CEOs being women and less than a quarter of core technical roles filled by women at top firms like Facebook or Microsoft.
But these figures aren’t just statistics—they represent countless stories of tenacity, creativity, and unyielding resilience. The challenges are real, and today we’re zeroing in on five critical discussion points for women making their way through tech’s ever-evolving terrain.
First, the gender gap in leadership remains stubbornly wide. Reports from the WomenTech Network show that 72% of women have faced gender bias directly impacting their leadership or promotion opportunities. This bias can be subtle—think being left out of crucial conversations—or overt, like getting passed over for roles despite equal or better qualifications. High-profile leaders like Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, remind us daily that breaking these ceilings takes more than just hard work—it takes collective advocacy and systemic change.
Second, networking and mentorship—or often, the lack thereof—still make or break career progression. Over half of women in tech report limited access to influential networks compared to their male peers. Yet, communities like AnitaB.org and the grassroots power of events like the Grace Hopper Celebration are changing the landscape, providing the connections and sponsors women need to propel their careers. One piece of advice echoed by the WomenTech Network: surround yourself with women who will mention your name in rooms full of opportunities.
Next is the unequal distribution of layoffs, particularly during volatile economic cycles. Recent layoffs in tech have disproportionately affected women, even as companies move toward more remote-friendly policies. While remote work offers flexibility, it can also mean greater isolation and reduced visibility for women aiming for advancement. The pandemic spotlighted both the promise and pitfalls of these shifts: women reported increased burnout and challenges balancing work and family, highlighting the ongoing struggle for work-life balance.
Fourth, the pipeline problem persists—STEM education doesn’t yet deliver enough women ready for core tech careers. According to the National Science Foundation, just above 21% of those earning computer science degrees are women. This isn’t just an education issue, but a call to reimagine early pathways and ensure that girls and young women are inspired and supported from day one.
Finally, the surge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives is nudging the door open, but concerns remain over their effectiveness. Many women question whether these programs bring lasting change or simply tick boxes. The real measure is whether those DEI statements translate into transparent promotions, equitable pay, and visible representation at the top.
So, as we navigate this evolving landscape together, remember you’re part of a generation pushing boundaries and building future legacies. Thank you for tuning in to Women in Business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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Published on 2 weeks, 2 days ago