A short overview of the current situation and my personal experience as a woman in tech.
Why More Women in Tech Matters – And How We Can Help
Amira and I are full-stack software engineers, and according to Revolent, a global tech talent company, just 20% of software engineers are women or non-binary. On top of that, PwC has found that the gender pay gap in tech is 9% in favour of men, and only 10% of senior software engineers are female.
There are several reasons for this gender imbalance in tech. For one, there’s still a perception that software engineering is a male-dominated field, and many girls don’t have female role models to look up to while they’re at school. On top of that, male-dominated workplaces can often feel hostile to women. A 2024 survey by WomeninTech found that 76% of women in tech had experienced gender bias or discrimination at work, ranging from unfair treatment to unwanted behaviour creating a toxic environment.
So, why is the gender gap in tech important? Well, technology has become a part of almost everything we do. It’s important that women have just as much of a say in its development as men. Research shows that diverse teams are more creative, better at problem-solving, and more likely to share knowledge and collaborate effectively. In fact, tech companies with balanced teams—where men and women are equally represented—are more likely to thrive in the long run.
For girls, having female role models is crucial. Female role models not only help boost confidence but also show girls that they can achieve anything, no matter the challenge. When girls see women succeeding in fields like technology, leadership, and science, it broadens their horizons and gives them the confidence to aim higher.
Role models aren’t just about inspiration—they’re also about showing what’s possible. When girls see women overcoming obstacles and succeeding in tough environments, they’re more likely to keep going when they face challenges themselves. Representation is key, too. When girls see women who look like them making an impact in their fields, it helps them feel that they can do the same. It reduces the feeling of being ‘out of place’ and builds a sense of belonging.
And there’s more—female role models help empower other women. They show the importance of lifting each other up, building solidarity, and creating a supportive network. Role models teach girls resilience, persistence, and how to cope with setbacks. They also challenge the stereotypes that limit what women can achieve and open new possibilities.
For girls considering a career in tech, female role models can be mentors who guide them through challenges and decision-making. Seeing women in leadership roles also teaches girls that they can aspire to be leaders themselves, whether in their careers, communities, or even their families. Finally, many female role models show the importance of authenticity—embracing who you truly are, and not changing yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of success.
So, how can we make a difference? There are a few key things we can do to encourage more women to enter tech. First, we need to create mentorship programmes that support women in male-dominated industries. We also need to build inclusive work environments that support women and set a positive example for the next generation. Promoting women into senior roles will help close the gender pay gap, while showcasing female role models will inspire future generations to pursue careers in tech. Attending industry events, sharing experiences, and offering advice can also help women navigate their way into tech.
Ultimately, it’s about creating equitable work cultures where women feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. If we work together to create these spaces, we can help bridge the gender gap in tech, and make sure that women’s voices are heard just as much as men’s in shaping the future of technology.
Our Journey into Tech
Amira and I both made the career change into tech through Code First Girls (which we’ll talk more about in another blog —check out their website here if you’re interested in learning more), but I also want to share a bit about my personal experience as a woman working in tech after spending 26 years in the NHS. Moving to the private sector was a huge challenge for me, and in many ways, it felt like stepping into a completely new world. In the NHS, I’d spent my entire career in a female-dominated field—sonography—which was the opposite of what I was now facing in tech.
I was fortunate that most of the men I worked with were polite, respectful, friendly, and helpful. However, there was one big difference I noticed immediately: the lack of personal interaction. In my previous role, I was used to daily catchups with colleagues, asking about weekends, family, and upcoming holidays—those small conversations that help build relationships and camaraderie. But in my new environment, this kind of interaction simply didn’t happen. On one occasion, a senior staff member casually mentioned that it was his daughter’s 15th birthday, and I realised that no one even knew he had a daughter, let alone one that age. He’d been with the company for years, but there was little personal connection among colleagues.
I found this lack of social connection isolating. I began wondering: Is that just a ‘woman thing’—wanting to build relationships and connect with colleagues on a personal level, not just talk about work? Fortunately, I wasn’t completely alone. I worked with two other women who had also completed their training alongside me. If I hadn’t had them for company and peer mentorship, I often wonder if I would have stuck it out or even enjoyed the job as much as I did. Those relationships were vital for my confidence and sense of belonging in a new, unfamiliar environment.
It’s these kinds of personal experiences that highlight why diversity in tech matters so much—not just for skills and ideas, but for creating a supportive, inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Without more women in tech, many of us will continue to navigate these environments feeling isolated and disconnected. But with more female role models, mentors, and peers, we can help build an industry where relationships and collaboration are just as valued as technical skills. That’s something I hope to contribute to, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to start this journey with Amira.
References:
.png){kind=small}
