{"id":35980,"date":"2025-01-06T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/?p=35980"},"modified":"2026-03-25T16:35:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:35:06","slug":"women-in-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/women-in-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Women in tech: Closing the gender gap in STEM careers"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/span> 7<\/span> min read<\/span><\/span>\n

Everything tech seems to be a hot topic. Visions of the human race’s quest for meaning seem empty without it. But we must address issues within the field to further development. One such is the presence of women in tech. A salient discussion on the gender gap in STEM is catching fire across industry, whereby we’re seeing widespread calls for more women in STEM careers<\/a>. But why is this so necessary? And how can we celebrate events like International Day of Women and Girls in Science or International Women’s Day with pride if there are still so many fields lacking women in leadership<\/a>? Let’s take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do women in STEM careers have fewer opportunities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start off with a basic one for those who need to get up to speed: What does STEM<\/a> stand for? Science, technology, engineering and math. As it stands, women lack representation in a number of STEM fields across Europe. This has a direct impact on economic growth due to lessened output, innovation and productivity. But why do women in STEM careers have fewer opportunities? Let’s take a moment to examine the STEM gender gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking down the STEM gender gap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, only 41% of scientists<\/a> in the UK and EEA were women. Their absence is particularly notable in manufacturing and air transportation. Now consider this: In Europe, not a single sector sees women overrepresented as scientists or engineers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that makes for tough reading, it gets worse. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) reports a 16% gender pay gap<\/a> in technology. What’s more, this will take time to correct as there are still fewer female STEM graduates<\/a>, meaning they’ll be taking junior positions. So, even as we correct representation, the pay gap wouldn’t be affected until these graduates are well into their careers\u2014which is still only one of many factors contributing to the pay gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why is there a gender gap in STEM?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Women<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

With a complex web of factors contributing to the gender gap in STEM, there are two broad topics which we can deconstruct and to which we can offer some solutions. Firstly, gender stereotypes in STEM discourage women from studying those fields. Secondly, STEM suffers from a “leaky pipeline”, whereby women feel obliged to leave the workforce during motherhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to close the gender gap in STEM and support women in tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Closing the gender gap in STEM has real benefits. EU research projects that by 2050, better gender balance in STEM could increase GDP per capita by 3%<\/a>\u2014almost \u20ac820 billion\u2014and create 1.2 million jobs. But how do we get there? The answer lies in addressing the lack of female role models while establishing policies to retain women in STEM careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem we’re facing here is systemic. Girls need confidence in STEM subjects from a young age. Parents must understand that positive reinforcement for studies in math and science are paramount. It also means identifying women (particularly those of color) who can inspire daughters to pursue a career in STEM. Schools can also recognize biases in teaching and ensure they give proper encouragement to take math and science classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Women<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Figures in higher education can also do their part to support women in tech.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

IE School of Science & Technology<\/a> understands inclusivity, diverse leadership and equal power dynamics are essential for success. We believe all tech universities should enforce Title IX<\/a> and take serious measures to address sexual harassment and discriminatory behavior. They can also make master’s degrees in tech more welcoming with male ally initiatives, mentorship programs and supportive women networks. Read more on our IE Women’s Unit<\/a> to understand how impactful these initiatives are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can companies support women in tech and STEM careers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond education, how can companies support women in tech and other STEM careers? In short, your company must consider strong advancement pipelines which focus on equal pay, inclusive policies and mentoring. Your company should also be flexible in supporting paid family leave and sick days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can attract women to STEM roles by upping remote and hybrid opportunities. 63% of women<\/a> seek these opportunities. Paternal leave policies are also essential to spreading the load for partners entering parenthood. A specific plan for “Returnships<\/a>” is similarly helpful to reincorporate women in the workforce at senior levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ultimately, we must speak openly about diversity and remove the taboo. Women in tech will benefit from transparency.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Women<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A survey by AAUW<\/a> found that 7.84% of women in tech would be drawn to a company that speaks openly about diversity. This means women see employers’ commitment to fostering positive change. All of these initiatives will ultimately create a sense of belonging for women in tech and close the gender gap in STEM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platforming women in STEM at IE School of Science & Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At IE School of Science & Technology, we’re committed to supporting women in STEM through various initiatives. These schemes foster confidence, professional growth and gender equality at every level of our organization. Our Tech Mentorship Program<\/a> is a key example. Here we connect graduate students with industry leaders, including accomplished women who serve as mentors. Students gain tailored guidance towards overcoming challenges like the gender pay gap and work-life balance. Additionally, our dedicated Women in Tech Mentoring<\/a> track pairs female mentees with women role models in STEM, enhancing their skills, confidence and networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our most recent Tech Mentorship Program event shared insights from female professionals such as Concepci\u00f3n D\u00edaz<\/a> from Google and Carmen L\u00f3pez<\/a> from Celonis. Both emphasized the importance of self-confidence, preparation and mentorship in their professional journeys. Panelists also highlighted the need for more female role models to build confidence and help women navigate industries traditionally dominated by men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IE University’s commitment to empowering women extends throughout its DNA. Our IE Women’s Unit<\/a> drives dynamic societal change through a multi-year Action Plan<\/a>, with initiatives to build inclusive networks, promote women-led research and consolidate gender equality in education. This will, among other things, reduce the gender gap in tech and related fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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