At WomenTech Network, we believe that knowledge is power, and understanding the unique challenges faced by women in the tech industry is the first step towards creating a more equitable future. That’s why we launched this Women in Tech: Barriers to Leadership Survey 2024, but to fuel a movement that can drive real, lasting change in the way women advance to leadership roles.
This survey is different because it was born out of necessity, urgency, and a passion for action.
Our Motivation: Bridging the Leadership Gap
We started the leadership survey because, despite progress, women in tech are still underrepresented in C-level roles. We've seen countless stories of women excelling in their fields yet struggling to break into the highest levels of leadership. Our motivation is simple: to understand why these barriers exist, and more importantly, how we can dismantle them.
Through hundreds of conversations with women in tech, we heard recurring themes of gender bias, a lack of mentorship, and the immense challenge of balancing personal and professional life. These stories inspired us to dig deeper—beyond the statistics—and capture the lived experiences of women across the globe. We knew that without understanding these barriers at a fundamental level, we couldn’t hope to overcome them.
This survey isn’t just about collecting responses; it’s about creating a platform where women’s voices are heard, validated, and amplified.
Why It Matters: A Global Call for Action
What makes this survey stand out is its global reach and the high-level insight it provides. With responses from over 2,000 women in tech leadership—from C-level executives to managers—across North America, Europe, and Asia, we’re creating a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to be a woman aspiring to or already in a leadership role in tech today.
The data we’re collecting isn't just numbers—it represents real stories of challenges, perseverance, and resilience. Gender bias is still a massive hurdle for 80% of respondents, and many lack access to mentorship, networking, and skill development, all critical to career progression. These insights matter because they highlight what women in tech are up against on a global scale, and why our industry’s leaders must take notice.
But this isn’t where the story ends. It’s just the beginning.
What We Intend to Do with It: Turning Insights into Action
At WomenTech Network, we aren’t content with just publishing findings. We’re committed to turning these insights into actionable strategies that can try to reshape the tech industry.
Raising Awareness: When we release the final report in January 2025, we will amplify the findings through a robust media campaign that aims to reach global audiences. We will spotlight the key issues women face and showcase solutions that can inspire others to take action.
Collaborating with Media and Industry Partners: Our goal is to partner with leading organizations, media outlets, and advocates to ensure these findings aren’t just talked about in tech circles—they should be at the forefront of conversations about leadership, diversity, and equality across all industries. We’re already connecting with top publications, influencers, and industry leaders to share this data far and wide, creating momentum that drives change.
Partnering with Powerful Organizations: We believe that systemic change can only happen through collaboration. That’s why we’re working with forward-thinking companies and organizations to push for tangible changes in workplace policies, mentoring programs, and leadership training. By sharing these insights with leaders in tech, DEI specialists, and policymakers, we aim to influence decision-makers and bring about structural shifts in how women are supported on their leadership journeys.
Our Vision: A More Inclusive Tech Industry
The ultimate goal of this survey is not just to diagnose the problem, but to spark a movement that makes tech leadership more inclusive for everyone. With the right knowledge in hand, we can empower organizations to adopt practices that will help women overcome barriers and thrive as leaders. We envision a future where women in tech no longer face invisible ceilings, but instead have clear, supported pathways to leadership.
We want to see policies that combat gender bias, mentorship programs that provide real value, and corporate cultures that actively champion diversity at every level. And we won’t stop there—this survey is just the first step. We’ll continue to track progress, engage the community, and make sure these issues stay at the forefront of the global conversation.
This is why the survey matters. This is why your voice matters.
By participating in and supporting this survey, you’re not just contributing to a report—you’re helping create a blueprint for a better, more inclusive future in tech leadership. We are determined to transform the findings into real changes, big or small, and with your help, we’ll bring the power of knowledge to the forefront of this industry and beyond.
