Women in Leadership in Tech: Changing the Future

The tech industry is evolving, with more women stepping into leadership roles and challenging old norms. While progress is being made, women still face barriers that prevent equal representation in tech leadership. By looking at global trends and highlighting success stories, we can get a clearer picture of the road ahead.

The Current Landscape of Women’s Representation in Tech

Globally, women make up around 35% of the tech workforce. This shows progress, but the picture is far from equal. In STEM fields, women hold only 28% of the roles, compared to 47% in non-STEM sectors. The gap widens at the senior levels. Women make up just 32% of leadership positions across industries, and their presence in tech’s top roles is even lower.

Data collected from LinkedIn in 2024 highlights a worrying trend: while women fill nearly half of entry-level positions worldwide, less than 25% make it to C-suite roles. This gap points to deep-rooted challenges that hold women back from advancing in their careers. Economic downturns only make things worse, as they often lead to fewer women being hired for senior roles, setting back efforts toward inclusivity in an already struggling field.

The Gender Gap in Tech Leadership

Gender gaps in leadership exist across many sectors, but they are especially noticeable in tech. The World Economic Forum 's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report predicts that at the current pace of progress, it will take 152 years to close the global gap in economic participation and opportunity. This reality highlights the urgent need for systemic change to speed up progress.

Some efforts are starting to show promise. Programs focused on leadership development, inclusive hiring, and skills training have helped bridge gaps in certain regions. But more consistent, global efforts are needed to create environments where women can thrive, from entry-level positions all the way to executive leadership.

AND Digital: Leading by Example in the Netherlands

AND Digital , a company based in the Netherlands, stands out for its approach to fostering inclusion and empowering women in tech. Their "AND She Can" initiative offers mentorship, skills development, and networking opportunities to help women advance in their careers. Hundreds of women have participated in coding workshops, and events connecting them with industry leaders have helped expand their professional networks. These targeted programs show how well-resourced efforts can make a real difference.

What makes AND Digital’s approach stand out is its focus on inclusion. The company encourages employees to embrace their "AND title", celebrating the individual passions and qualities that each person brings to the workplace. By valuing individuality, they create a culture of support, which not only drives innovation but also proves that inclusion leads to success in a competitive field.

The Road Ahead: Bridging the Gender Gap

Although examples like AND Digital demonstrate what’s possible, the road to gender equity in tech leadership remains challenging. To make real progress, we need to address the systemic barriers women face. This means advocating for fair policies, investing in skills training, and creating networks that support women’s growth.

The conversation must go beyond one company or one country. How can others replicate successful programs like AND Digital’s? What steps can organizations take to ensure women aren’t just entering the workforce but also moving up within it? By reflecting on these questions, we can work toward solutions that empower the next generation of women leaders in tech.

What initiatives or trends have you seen that are making a difference for women in tech leadership? Share your thoughts with us, and tag the companies leading change.

We wrote this article using data from the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lighthouses Report 2025, both from the World Economic Forum.