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Smashing Tech's Glass Ceiling: Women Reboot the Industry
This is your Women in Business podcast.
Welcome to Women in Business. Today we’re diving straight into the heart of the tech industry—a powerhouse of innovation, growth, and, let’s be honest, ongoing gender disparity. If you’re listening right now, you probably already know that women make up just a quarter to a third of the global tech workforce, and fewer than one in five leadership positions in tech are held by women. Those numbers aren’t just dry statistics; they reflect thousands of talented individuals who are still fighting for recognition and equal opportunity every single day.
Let’s talk about leadership first. The so-called Big Five in tech—Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft—have never had a female CEO. Only about 8% of chief technology officers are women, and just 17% of tech companies have a female CEO at all. That’s not for lack of ambition or talent, but persistent barriers and the infamous “bro culture” that 72% of women in tech say they encounter. Despite male executives touting themselves as “active allies,” less than half of female executives agree with that assessment. Clearly, there’s a disconnect that still needs addressing.
Economic shifts and tech layoffs have also hit women harder. Women are more likely to exit tech by age 35 than men, and the pandemic only worsened this attrition, especially where work cultures lacked true flexibility. While remote work could have been a game changer, it also led to burnout for many. Now, as companies return to hybrid models, we’re seeing women re-enter or pivot within tech, but not always into decision-making roles. Organizations need to rethink career support, especially during pivotal mid-career years.
On a positive note, education and networking are driving real progress. More women are pursuing degrees in areas like data science and e-commerce tech, with some sectors now approaching nearly half female representation. But computer science degrees among women have actually declined in the last few decades. Programs promoting mentorship—like those championed by Women in Digital and initiatives by organizations such as Women Who Code—are making a serious impact. Mentorship isn’t just about advice; it doubles leadership progression and increases job retention, directly combating biases that can otherwise shut women out.
Now let’s address pay equity—the elephant in every tech boardroom. On average, a man in tech earns $15,000 more than his female counterpart. You might think pay gaps are closing in high-growth areas like cybersecurity or AI, but they persist even in those spaces. Not to mention, more inclusive companies don’t just perform better; they innovate faster and retain top talent. DEI audits, transparent pay bands, and direct sponsorship from senior leaders must become the industry norm, not the exception.
Finally, the path forward. Industry voices like those in the 2025 Women in Digital Report agree that building a fairer future means focusing not just on new talent, but on supporting and retaining women at every stage. Flexible workplaces, real career advancement for caregivers, and clear accountability for diversity metrics are all essential. The challenges are real, but so is the momentum.
Thank you for tuning in to Women in Business. Be sure to subscribe for more stories and insights that empower and elevate women everywhere. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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Published on 3 months, 1 week ago