6 simple things you can do to support women in tech in 2023

Women are still underrepresented in the tech industry, and it’s essential to celebrate their achievements and encourage more women to join us.

In 2021, only 13% of tech professionals were women. Not only that, but 50% abandoned their tech careers by age 35 and left tech roles at a 45% higher rate than men. Although in 2022, we reported a slight increase in the number of women in tech, it’s still not enough. So what can we do?

Here are some ways you can celebrate and support women in tech:

1. Join or donate to organizations that support women in tech

There are many organizations focused on supporting women in tech, so there is plenty to choose from. My suggestion is to start by looking for local ones in your city, district or country. Obviously global organisations are incredibly relevant as well and are worth supporting, but smaller organisations always need more visibility and a bigger push — and it’s important to contribute to your local community.

Here are 3 organisations that support women in tech and that I can suggest, but make sure to check out this amazing list of European organisations that is very extensive, by uniborn:

1. Girls in Tech. A global non-profit organization with chapters in Europe, aimed at empowering women and girls with an interest in technology. They offer educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events to help women break into the tech industry.
2. Portuguese Women in Tech. Launched in April 2016, by Liliana Castro and Inês Santos Silva, PWIT has a dual mission: we want to support women in technology by providing visibility, networking, mentorship and by creating trainings and other opportunities. But we also want to attract more women and girls to tech and in this way, increase the pipeline.
3. Ada’s List. A community of women in technology and entrepreneurship, founded in London but with members across Europe. They provide a platform for women to connect, share opportunities, and support each other in their careers. They also organize events, workshops, and mentorship programs.

2. Give girls role models

This goes way beyond the occasional pep-talk. This starts at home, at school, in the street, in advertisements (all media, really), online and everywhere else you can think of. It sounds overwhelming because there’s so much to be done, and it doesn’t depend on you individually alone but on everyone. However, we must start somewhere, and if we all embrace the same mentality, we are sure to see changes.

Start with what you can do. Teach girls the skills they will need, encourage them, and show them that tech careers will help change the world for the better.

3. Check out women-focused media resources

Women-focused media resources provide representation for women in a field where they are often underrepresented. By highlighting the experiences and achievements of women in tech, these resources can help inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in the field.

They provide education and resources specifically tailored to the needs and experiences of women in tech, which helps address the unique challenges they face and provides guidance on how to overcome them. These resources are a tool of empowerment because they give women in tech the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed in the field.

Not only that, but they’re also a means of representation for women in tech — they can help inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in the field.

4. Attend or host events that celebrate women in tech

Attending events that celebrate women in tech is another great way to gain gender-gap awareness, such as conferences, workshops, and meetups. For instance, European Women in Technology is one of the largest tech events for women, which takes place in Amsterdam this June 2023. But there are many smaller, local events — many of them online — that you can easily participate in remotely.

Women in Tech‘s event section is a good place to start your search, but even watching past webinars is a great option! Ironhack‘s 2021 Women in Tech Week had a great array of talks that you can watch here.

5. Share success stories

Share success stories of women in tech on social media or within your community. This is a very simple action that you can take and that can have a big impact on your inner circle. By doing this, you’re highlighting the achievements of women in tech, and you’re inspiring others to do the same.

Success stories of women in tech can inspire and encourage others, especially young girls and women, to pursue careers in the field. Seeing someone like them succeed can help boost their confidence and motivate them to achieve their goals. You’re also helping challenge the stereotype that tech is a male-dominated industry and encourage more women to consider careers in the field.

6. Mentor women in tech

You can mentor women who are interested in tech, especially those who are just starting out. You can share your experiences, provide advice, and offer support.

By doing this, you’re helping women develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Mentors can provide guidance, feedback, and support on technical skills, as well as soft skills such as communication, networking, and leadership, as well as navigate their career paths and develop strategies for career advancement.

Not to mention that it can help women in tech build confidence in their skills and abilities. By providing encouragement, support, and positive feedback, mentors can help women overcome imposter syndrome and other barriers to success in the field.

Mentoring women in tech is an important way of supporting and promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. It can help women develop their skills, advance their careers, build confidence, and connect with others in the field.

Portuguese Women in Tech has an incredible mentorship program aimed at connecting participants with experienced and accomplished tech professionals who can offer valuable career advice, networking opportunities, and guidance on how to communicate and assert themselves in the tech industry effectively.

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I hope this article has inspired and motivated you to support, celebrate, encourage and welcome women in tech! If you’re a company looking for female tech talent, reach out to Landing.Jobs because we can help you! We would love to help hire more women in tech, wherever they are.

And if you’re a woman in tech, we appreciate you. 💙 Reach out to me if you have any suggestions on how we can help pave the way at Landing.Jobs.