Women in Tech: How to Navigate the Gender Gap and Thrive

There’s no sugarcoating it—tech can be a boys’ club. Women in tech have made incredible strides in the industry, but we’re still fighting an uphill battle. The “tech bro” perception is real, and there are statistics to prove it. Despite all the talk about diversity, only about 25% of the tech workforce is female. And when it comes to leadership and women of color? The numbers drop even lower.

For women in tech, success isn’t just about mastering the technology. It’s also about existing in a space that wasn’t exactly built with us in mind. So, how do we break in, level up, and thrive? Let’s examine the numbers, the challenges, and—most importantly—the solutions.

The reality of the gender gap in tech

Technology drives the future, but when it comes to gender diversity, the industry is still stuck in the past. Women make up only 25% of the tech workforce, according to the 2024 Women in Tech Report by Skillsoft, and their representation shrinks further up the corporate ladder. In leadership, just 11% of executive roles are held by women.

Despite progress at the entry level, career advancement remains a challenge. The 2024 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey found that for every 100 men promoted to senior positions across all industries, only 86 women get the same opportunity. In tech, that number drops to just 52 women—a stark reminder that bias is still deeply ingrained in promotion and hiring practices.

Even job security is an issue. The WomenTech Network’s 2025 report found that women bore the brunt of tech layoffs in 2022, making up 69% of those laid off. This disproportionate impact underscores the sector’s struggle to provide a stable, inclusive environment for female professionals.

The disparities are even sharper for Black and Hispanic women. A 2024 report by Accenture in collaboration with Black Girls Code revealed that while 27% of computing roles in the U.S. are held by women, only 3% belong to African American women, and 2% to Hispanic American/Latina women. These numbers highlight how underrepresentation in tech intersects with racial and ethnic inequalities.

How to bridge the gap and thrive as women in tech

The numbers make it clear: Women in tech face systemic barriers. But the gap won’t close on its own. While real change requires companies to take action, women can still benefit from supporting each other, advocating for themselves, and accessing the right resources.

Thriving in tech takes technical expertise added with confidence, networking, and choosing workplaces that genuinely value diversity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, here’s how to break through industry barriers and carve out a successful, fulfilling career.

Advocate for yourself (and each other)

Women in tech must confidently negotiate salaries, assertively push for promotions, and demand more leadership training opportunities. These actions are essential for securing our rightful place in the industry. When the situation isn’t favorable, you must be your own strongest advocate. Building strong professional networks and supporting each other can make a monumental difference. 

Read this next: How to Advocate for Yourself at Work as a Woman

Seek out mentorship and sponsorship

Don't fight this fight by yourself. Women should seek out allies in the workplace who can amplify their voices. Having a mentor can pave the way for invaluable guidance and encouragement. Even more exciting is the prospect of securing a sponsor—a higher-up who will actively champion your growth. This could lead to new opportunities and open doors to promotions and leadership roles in the near future.

Build confidence and combat imposter syndrome

Not seeing yourself in your peers can lead to imposter syndrome, the nagging feeling that you don't deserve your achievements. But for women in tech, confidence is the best weapon. Recognizing your expertise, keeping track of accomplishments, and reminding yourself that you belong in the industry can help silence self-doubt.

Read this next: Successful Women Share Advice on How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work

Push for diversity initiatives

Companies that implement structured diversity programs see real change. If your workplace lacks clear policies for promoting gender diversity, advocating for initiatives like mentorship programs, equitable hiring practices, and leadership development for women can drive meaningful progress. Data is your best argument: Multiple studies show that diverse teams perform better.

But hey, it's completely understandable if you already feel in a vulnerable position in your workplace and don’t want to expose yourself even further. To be a true ally, your mentor, sponsor, or even your boss can echo the voice of women in tech and advocate for more diversity in the company.

Read this next: 5 Simple Things Men Can Do to Be Allies to Women in the Workplace

Leverage communities and resources

Organizations like Black Girls Code and Lesbians Who Tech are here to support and uplift women in tech. Getting involved in these communities can open up networking opportunities, offer career development resources, and create a supportive environment with peers who face similar challenges.

Insider tips from fellow women in tech

We connected with highly successful women in tech to share their stories to our community. Here's the peer-to-peer advice they have to share.

1. Focus on your passion, not others’ expectations

“For me, it was difficult before I even started a career because I came across people that thought technology/being an engineer was not something they saw me as. I was also often the only woman in my classes in university, and a few of my professors pointed that out. However, I did not let those comments discourage me, and I continued to pursue my dreams to be in technology.

“How I overcame it was I focused on learning as much as I could about tech and also telling myself that I do belong in the field. I bring a useful, new perspective that someone else might not have, and that helps me solve interesting challenges because to solve problems, we often have to look at the problem using different angles. I explain complex, technical concepts to all audiences in understandable terms so that they can relate to them. I believe technology is for everyone.

“I would say focus on your own interests vs. what other people or society tells you. Do you want to be in tech? Then pursue it. Follow your dreams and focus on what will make you happy. Find mentors/communities/friends that are also in technology and in your desired speciality so that you can talk about your challenges in others. Successful people have always learned from others and many have a community of support around them.”

—Anmol Agarwal, senior security researcher, Nokia

2. Your perspective is valuable—own it

“Since college, I have often been the only Black woman in the room. I had to learn how to maintain my strength in spaces that were not always built for me, and to understand how people who do not look like me think—because I believe there is something to learn from everyone.

“As a Black woman in tech, I had to learn that even if I am the only one at the table who looks like me, my perspective is both valuable and often missing. Funny enough, what I enjoy most about working in technology is being an unassuming cyber professional. Many people have a fixed idea of what someone in cybersecurity looks and acts like—and it usually is not someone who leads with connection, carries a smile, and excels at people skills. Yet those are exactly the qualities that have helped me succeed. These traits are not only part of who I am—they are my superpowers.

“It is absolutely acceptable to be yourself. And never hesitate to ask for help. That includes learning the unspoken rules of the culture around you and identifying those who are willing to support you along your journey. We all need help, no one advances alone.”

—Mone' Ross, vice president of cyber simulations, JPMorganChase

3. You don’t have to change—tech needs diverse voices

“Like many women in tech, I’ve had moments where I felt I had to work harder to prove my expertise. In meetings, I’ve had ideas ignored until a male colleague repeated them. Early in my career, I sometimes hesitated to speak up, fearing I didn’t have the ‘technical’ knowledge to back up my points. Over time, I learned that confidence and preparation go a long way. I made sure to back my ideas with data, build strong relationships with colleagues, and seek out mentors who could guide me. 

“One of the biggest turning points was realizing that I didn’t have to change who I was to fit in, I just had to own my expertise and make sure my voice was heard.

“I encourage more women to join because the industry needs diverse perspectives. As women, we bring unique strengths, strong emotional intelligence, a collaborative mindset, and an ability to see the bigger picture. We tend to focus on the human side of tech, making products more user-friendly and relatable. The more women enter tech, the more we shape it for the better, and that’s something I’m excited to be part of.”

—Colleen Barry, head of marketing, Ketch, a data privacy company

4. Invest in your growth and be ready

“One of the biggest barriers I faced was simply not knowing what I didn’t know. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t have exposure to careers in tech or a clear understanding of the broader tech ecosystem. That lack of visibility limited how I imagined my future. What made the transition possible was a consistent investment in developing my skills. My advice: Stay ready, so when the door opens, you can walk through it with confidence.

“Representation matters—and so does using your voice. Don’t be afraid to be bold and unapologetic. It is how you carve out space in rooms where you might not see yourself reflected. And above all, be consistent—with your voice, your vision, and your values. That’s how you build momentum in this ever-evolving field and life.”

—Valerie Jerome, chief marketing and communications officer, DigitalC, an nonprofit internet provider

5. Surround yourself with those who push you to grow

“I have also been fortunate to work under a CEO who has a rare gift for identifying and maximizing potential in others—often before they see it in themselves. As a young Black leader in tech, he brings a perspective that is both powerful and deeply underrepresented in this industry. His presence alone challenges the norms of leadership in tech, and his belief in me gave me the confidence to step into a space I might never have imagined for myself. That kind of inclusive, visionary leadership has been instrumental in helping me thrive.”

—Valerie Jerome

The road ahead for women in tech

Tech remains a male-dominated industry, but change is happening. Women are making their mark, launching startups, leading groundbreaking projects, and pushing for more representation. While the numbers still reveal stark disparities, every woman who steps into the tech world helps pave the way for the next generation. By advocating for equity, supporting one another, and demanding better policies, women in tech can shape a more inclusive and innovative future.