By Zuzana Kunckova
The tech industry is known for its innovation and rapid growth, but it has long struggled with a glaring issue: gender disparity. Until recently, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts were on the rise, with many organizations having teams dedicated to DEI. However, the number of these teams has dropped in the past few years, with some large tech companies scaling back or canceling their diversity initiatives altogether.
Does this mean the attempts at change have failed, and the field will remain predominantly male-dominated? It might seem that there is nothing we can do about it. But we can always do something, no matter how small. We can all work together to improve the industry so close to our hearts: exciting, innovative, and fascinating. An industry that can - and does - change the world.
The gender gap: where we are today
The numbers tell a sobering story. According to recent reports, women make up just 28% of tech workforce globally, and this number drops even further in leadership roles.12 Women also often leave tech roles at twice the rate of men, stating reasons such as lack of career progression, gender bias, discrimination, or an unwelcoming work environment.
This gap isn’t just a missed opportunity for women; it’s a loss for the entire tech industry. With half of the world’s population identifying with gender other than male, it means that the tech industry is missing out on half of its talent, skills, and ideas. Research shows that companies with more diverse teams are 39% more likely to outperform their less inclusive counterparts - this seems like a significant ROI to me!3
What makes diversity such a good business investment? It’s quite simple: people from different backgrounds have unique perspectives, ideas, ways of thinking, and solving problems. Their experience increases the whole team’s capacity for creative thinking, improving the skill set of the entire organization and driving innovation and growth. On top of this, diversity can be a great way to attract and retain top talent, as it has become a priority for many people looking for a new job.
Having a diverse team is, overall, a solid positive. So why is it so hard to implement? Why are the numbers of women in tech so low?
Why representation matters
The answer to this is quite complex as it touches upon multiple interrelated factors. One significant factor is the lack of exposure to technical hobbies or the encouragement to pursue computer science, coding, or other STEM disciplines. The result is that many girls, women, or people who don’t identify as men may lack the confidence to succeed in these roles. This challenge is compounded by the scarcity of role models they can identify with. Seeing others who share their background or experiences succeed in tech can inspire confidence, and, for many people, role models provide proof that success in tech is achievable regardless of their background or gender.
An often-cited example is Ada Lovelace, who is celebrated as the first computer programmer. A daughter of the famous English poet Lord Byron, Ada was said to be outspoken and rebellious, not afraid to go against what the society of her time dictated was suitable for a woman. Her love of mathematics led her to work with Charles Babbage, the father of computers, on his Analytical Engine. Her elaborate notes on the engine contain what we now think of as the first-ever computer algorithm.
But we don’t need to go to the 19th century to see that there are plenty of people we could be inspired by. Take, for example, Dame Stephanie Shirley, who founded a software company, Freelance Programmers, in 1959, which offered jobs to women in general and those with dependants or disabilities in particular. Having experienced workspace sexism and discrimination herself, Stephanie hired women and disabled people to give them a chance to earn their money and use their skills in an environment that was less stressful and biased.
Similarly, Mary Keneth Keller, an American religious sister, was one of the first people to earn a PhD in Computer Science in 1965. She advocated for greater access to education and flexibility for women in computing, allowing them to bring their children to classes if needed.
You may have heard about Ada, Stephanie, or Mary, but there are many others that don’t get the attention they deserve. Women who invent, innovate, and contribute to the world of technology, yet their contributions are often overshadowed by those of their male counterparts and written out of history.
So why is representation so important? When women see others succeeding, it chips away at the myth that tech is a “man’s world.” It creates a ripple effect, encouraging more women to enter and stay in the field. And, as more women enter tech, they influence workplace structures, promoting more flexibility and inclusivity, which benefits everyone striving to have some work/life balance.
The role of women-centered tech communities
One effective way to encourage more women and people who don’t identify as men to join the tech industry is by providing safe spaces where they are comfortable to engage. These spaces offer opportunities to learn, share experiences and accomplishments, and grow without fear of judgment or ridicule while acknowledging the challenges and biases that persist in the tech industry. They create a community of like-minded people who can inspire and support one another.
Most fields of technology already have these spaces: Rails’s RailsGirls, Python’s PyLadies, PHP and Laravel’s Larabelles. There are also general spaces for women in tech, such as the SheCanCode community, Women In Tech, or We Are Tech Women.
When people have a safe space to grow, they are more likely to build strong networks, and access to these networks can make or break a career in tech. Communities that connect their members with industry leaders, job opportunities, and collaborative projects will help bridge the gap often created by traditional networks.
Beyond supporting their members, these groups are vocal advocates for diversity and inclusion within the industry. At a time when companies are slashing DEI efforts, these communities are more important than ever.
I founded Larabelles, a community for PHP and Laravel developers underrepresented due to gender, in July 2020 with the goal of creating a space where I could find people I could relate to. At the time, most of the voices in the Laravel community were men, and I found myself wondering, “Where are all the women?” It became clear to me that there was a significant gap in representation, and that’s when I decided to take a leap of faith.
Starting Larabelles was a risky move. I didn’t know if there were enough women or people who didn’t identify as men in the Laravel community to make it a viable network. But it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Larabelles quickly became more than just a support network; it became a platform that encouraged people to step forward, reach out, and connect. Through Larabelles, we created an inclusive space where everyone can share their knowledge, find support, and make friends. The community has become a space for mentorship where the more experienced members offer guidance to those in need and where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel valued. We have built an environment where people feel safe to ask questions and develop professionally and personally.
Larabelles has become something I’m incredibly proud of. What began as a personal need for connection has transformed into a powerful, supportive network that continues to grow. Larabelles shows the far-reaching impact we can make by creating spaces for people the tech industry often overlooks.
Building a more inclusive tech industry
Creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry will take a collective effort and multiple steps. It’s not enough to support those already working in tech; we must start earlier by encouraging people to consider a tech career as an interesting and financially viable option.
Investing in education and outreach efforts through early years education initiatives and school partnerships is one way to do so. The earlier we spark interest, the more likely we are to close the gender gap.
However, education doesn’t always need to happen in traditional settings such as schools and universities. Mentorship is another proven way to support women in tech. Companies, communities, and individuals can establish mentorship programs, connecting experienced professionals with those just starting their careers and providing support and guidance.
We must also address workplace bias. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Organizations must actively identify and eliminate hiring, promotion, and evaluation biases. Closing the gender pay gap and ensuring equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, is vital. One significant issue is that women often remain the primary caregivers, which can create barriers when pursuing new careers or advancing in existing ones. Promoting flexible work arrangements can empower people to contribute their talents outside of the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
Finally, we must continue investing in and supporting groups like Larabelles, RailsGirls, and PyLadies. Their work is instrumental in building a more inclusive future for the tech industry. Most of these communities are non-profits that rely on external financial support to continue their efforts and initiatives. Without funding, these communities cannot survive. The good news is that individual contributors can make a big difference. You don’t have to donate hundreds of dollars each month—anything will help!
Final words
The tech industry has the potential to be a space where creativity, innovation, and collaboration thrive—but only if it becomes a place where everyone feels welcome. Although it may feel like we are fighting an uphill battle, especially as DEI efforts face setbacks, there are ways we can all contribute to making tech a more inclusive place.
Women-centered communities play a vital role in breaking barriers, nurturing and empowering talent, and reshaping the industry by providing a safe space for their members. By supporting these groups and working together to address challenges, we can build a tech community that reflects the diversity of the world it serves.
We can create a tech industry where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s make it happen.
