Woman's Day 2024 — The Tech Edition
It’s March 2024, and I have been in tech for the past 15 years, seeing some trends and changes towards women. In these years, I have also given birth to my family of three wonderful boys. When I first entered the tech industry, the gender disparity was immediately evident. I was often the only woman in the room, a reality that didn’t change much as I ascended into leadership roles. The challenge wasn’t just proving my worth in a male-dominated field; it was doing so while embracing the joys and demands of motherhood. The birth of my first son was a turning point. It was then I truly understood the duality of my identity — not just a woman in tech but a working mother striving for excellence in both domains.
Let me start by saying that much-needed change is still needed. Although women are the majority, we are underrepresented in positions of power.
Women in Tech Leadership Stats
Women in tech leadership are just as ambitious as men. However, they face challenges that make it harder to advance. McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org surveyed over 333 companies and more than 40,000 employees in 2022 and found that:
- Female leaders were twice as likely as male leaders to be mistaken for someone more junior.
- 37% of female leaders had a coworker get credit for their idea, compared to 27% of male leaders.
- Female leaders experienced microaggressions that undermined their authority.
- Female leaders found it more challenging to advance.
- Female leaders were far more likely than male leaders to have colleagues question their judgment or imply that they weren’t qualified for their jobs.
Personally, I have experienced or witnessed all of these under various circumstances. Here are some additional interesting statistics:
My Lean-In Vestion
The concept of “leaning in,” popularized by Sheryl Sandberg, became my guiding principle. It was about not holding back, about pursuing career goals with the same fervor I approached motherhood. Each successful project promotion was a step forward, but not without its share of setbacks. The “bro culture” in tech, the subtle microaggressions, and the overt instances of gender discrimination were constant tests of my resolve.
Balancing leadership responsibilities and family life has been my ongoing challenge. Each of my sons’ arrivals brought joy but also required adjustments to my professional life. Maternity leave and flexible working hours, but especially my partner, who carries half the responsibilities of our family life, enables me to balance it all. The reality is that it takes a tool, and everything has a price.
At this point, I strive to help as many young women in STEM as I can experience and mentor the tech path. Let me know if I can help :)