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Tech's Resilient Women: Defying Odds, Redefining Leadership
This is your Women in Business podcast.
Welcome to Women in Business, the podcast celebrating women’s empowerment and resilience in today’s evolving world. I’m glad you’ve joined me. Let’s dive straight into the pressing topic of women navigating the current economic landscape in the tech industry.
It’s 2025, and technology is shaping everything—from how we work to how we solve global challenges. Yet, the gender gap persists. According to the Women in Digital Annual Report, women now hold roughly 26% of STEM roles in the United States and less than 30% of global tech positions. Still, we’re seeing determination and growth in the face of these odds, as women carve new opportunities and lead innovation.
Let’s start with the first discussion point: representation and leadership. Despite strides forward, women make up only 8% of chief technology officers globally and less than one-fifth of tech leadership roles. None of the “Big Five” US tech giants—Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, or Microsoft—has ever had a female CEO. This reality means we need to keep pushing for not just a seat at the table, but a leading role at the head of it.
Next, let’s talk about economic challenges and layoffs. The recent wave of tech layoffs has disproportionately affected women—a trend highlighted by StrongDM’s research. Even before this, many women experienced pandemic-related burnout and career stalls. Although the tech sector is bouncing back, economic uncertainty and funding gaps can still hinder women’s entrepreneurial ambitions in tech startups, especially with just 11% of founding teams being at least half female or non-binary.
Another important discussion point is the impact of workplace culture. The “bro culture” remains prevalent; a recent survey found that 72% of women in tech report experiencing it. This culture, paired with persistent pay gaps—about $15,000 less in average salary compared to men in similar roles—creates real barriers to retention and advancement. However, inclusive policies, DEI initiatives, and the rise of remote work are giving women more flexibility and some much-needed leverage to demand change.
Mentorship and community play a transformative role here. According to WomenTech Network, women who receive mentorship and sponsorship are much more likely to progress into leadership. Organizations like Girls Who Code and AnitaB.org are not just advocating but building expansive support networks, helping women at all career stages access resources, confidence, and opportunities previously out of reach.
Finally, let’s recognize the promise of the pipeline. In Australia, for example, the “Missing Middle” is where women’s career momentum slows sharply—not because of ambition, but due to workplace structures that fail to support caregiving and flexible needs. As more companies embrace remote work and develop targeted retention and advancement programs, the industry is inching closer to gender parity in senior and technical roles.
So what does all of this add up to? It means that women, despite daunting numbers and a challenging economic climate, are finding new ways to lead, innovate, and inspire in tech. By challenging old paradigms, forming intentional networks, demanding equitable workplaces, and supporting one another, we’re not just participants—we’re shaping the future of technology itself.
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Published on 3 months, 1 week ago