From Hidden Figures to Figureheads
As long as there has been technology, women have been engaged, involved, and invested in it. From prehistoric lunar calendars carved into animal bones to ‘code girls’ breaking enemy ciphers in World War II, right on through to today, women have been part of humanity’s tech success.
What we haven’t always been is recognized or included when the stories are told.
When you picture an IT professional, your mind probably goes to a tech-bro of some kind. He’s probably youngish, probably white (which is a post for another day), but almost definitely male. It’s not the ugliest stereotype out there, to be sure, but it’s also not accurate. According to the WomenTech Network, women make up just over a third of tech employees in the US, so one for every two of those guys most of us picture. In the early 2000s, women only accounted for about 1/10 of the tech workforce, and now women make up nearly a third of major tech companies’ leadership, with 34% of Meta’s leadership positions filled by women.
This is a far cry from the early days of IT, when a few female “computers” did math and wrote code in relative obscurity, sure - but there are still disparities that women in STEM fields face, and obstacles that don’t hamper men in the industry.
A Slowdown for Women in STEM
In recent years, the rapid growth of the first two decades of this century have slowed. 2020 in particular was a difficult year, when the global COVID-19 pandemic saw women leave the workforce at a greater rate than their male counterparts across the industry spectrum. The tech layoffs of 2022 and 2025 have also impacted more women than men, with nearly 70% of those laid off in 2022 being female.
In the best of times, the societal and family demands on women compete with, and sometimes hamper, their career aspirations. Balancing traditionally feminine roles in parenthood, caregiving, and running a household with a demanding and fast-paced work life is hardly for everyone, after all. In places where childcare can outstrip housing as a cost for young families, it can be a purely pragmatic decision for one parent to stay home - but as of 2022, four times as many mothers stayed home full time - 28% of moms, as compared to 7% of dads - according to a National Fatherhood Initiative report.
Despite a MetLife survey from 2021 reporting that 80% of women planning to re-enter the workforce after a period of absence would like to pursue careers in STEM, graduation rates show that women only account for 18% of new computer science degrees. Fewer than half of those graduates go on to work in the field according to data from the National Science Foundation.
How, then, can we help these women who want to work in scientific and technological fields prepare for, find, and keep the kinds of jobs they want? In the words of two quotes from Lisa Su, Chief Executive Officer of AMD:
“Run toward the hardest problems.”
“The best way to achieve your goals is to break them down into small, manageable steps.”
Keeping our Seats at the Table
Here are a few simple ways to encourage and support girls and women who aspire to, or are in, STEM fields.
Support STEM Education
By supporting formal STEM education in the classroom, we can increase early exposure to science and technology that many children don’t have access to at home, but to truly have an effect, this education can’t end in grade school, or even college. Organizations like Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs,
STEM fields are notoriously fast-paced, and require constant growth, upskilling, and ongoing training. While everyone can benefit from continuing education, women especially can benefit from the confidence boost that training provides. Some women may prefer the kind of camaraderie provided by organizations like SheCodes, which offers both free and paid online coding courses for women, in tandem with a community of female learners and graduates who support one another on their learning journeys.
Participate in the STEM Sisterhood
STEM sororities, like Alpha Omega Epsilon (AΩE) and Phi Sigma Rho (ΦΡ), are professional and social organizations for women and gender non-conforming individuals in STEM fields, promoting friendship, leadership, and professionalism, while also supporting academic and career goals.
Other organizations, like WomenTech Network and Oklahoma Women in Technology, offer conferences, community retreats, scholarships, and recognition for women in technical fields. Just like representation in the media is important, seeing and interacting with people who share your experiences can make a huge difference in professional confidence and aspirations.
Advocate for Inclusive Workplaces
Companies can play a significant role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in tech. Mentorship programs, parental leave policies that support all caregivers, and transparent promotion criteria can help level the playing field. Encouraging male allies to actively participate in advocating for their female colleagues also contributes to a culture of fairness and inclusivity.
Highlight and Celebrate Women in Tech
Women’s contributions to technology have shaped the world in ways we don’t always acknowledge. By making an effort to highlight and celebrate these contributions—whether through social media, company events, or mentorship—we help shift the narrative and create more role models for the next generation.
How, as an industry, and as a society, can we better support the women who want to work in STEM fields? The answer isn’t simple, but the commitment to change starts with awareness, education, and active participation.
On Women in Tech Day, let’s not just celebrate—let’s take action.
