Women in Tech Day: Celebrating Equality & Inclusion in Cyber
Despite efforts to increase the number of women in tech, the gender gap across the sector continues to widen.
Women currently make up less than one third of the global technology workforce, according to The World Bank.
Additional data from Accenture reinforces this, revealing that not only are fewer women entering tech roles, but those who do often leave the sector by their mid-thirties.
In cybersecurity specifically, this trend continues. According to the 2024 ISC2 Women in Cybersecurity Study, women made up between 20% and 25% of the industry in May. A similar study conducted by LinkedIn and published in May 2024, found that women made up just 17.9% of the cybersecurity workforce, illustrating that considerable work is needed.
Inclusion grows, but representation falls
The overall number of women in technical roles is in decline. Accenture’s research points to a shrinking gender ratio in the industry over the last 30 years. The drop-off is stark: around half of all women who begin careers in tech exit the sector before the age of 35.
To draw attention to these issues and celebrate women in the sector, Women in Tech Day 2025 shines a spotlight on gender equality and inclusion in technology. The day aims to recognise achievements while inspiring more women to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
The invite-only Executive Technology Briefing – Women in Technology forms part of this year’s Tech & AI LIVE event, taking place on 14 May at 155 Bishopsgate in London.
Women in Tech, a global community dedicated to closing the gender gap, estimates that women make up just 26% of the tech workforce. To reach equal representation, it suggests decades of work lie ahead.
Founded by Anna Radulovski in 2017, Women in Tech has grown to include 100,000 members across 179 countries.
On 4 April 2024, the community secured official recognition for Women in Tech Day, described by organisers as a celebration that “embodies the sentiment that Women in Tech Day is every day.”
Personal stories highlight diversity’s value
The day is also a chance to share stories from leading women in the industry who have carved out space in male-dominated teams.
Erin Teague, Chief Product Officer at Character.AI and former Head of Product at YouTube, encourages women to lean into their differences.
“Recognise and embrace your uniqueness,” says Teague. “I don’t think the ratios are going to change anytime soon. But I don’t think it has to be a disadvantage.
“Being a Black woman, being a woman in general, on a team of all men, means that you are going to have a unique voice. It’s important to embrace that.”
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta and ex-VP of Global Online Sales & Operations at Google, founded Lean In in 2023 to support women’s ambitions and push for gender equity. She critiques the framing of female leadership:
“The word ‘female,’ when inserted in front of something, is always with a note of surprise. Female COO, female pilot, female surgeon — as if the gender implies surprise. One day there won’t be female leaders. There will just be leaders.”
Maxine Williams, Meta’s VP Accessibility and Engagement, adds: “For someone underrepresented in the tech industry, it’s a real privilege to be in community with others who bring the assets of their experiences, skills and perspectives to benefit the industry.”
Workplace experience a mixed picture
Despite the representation gap, many women report feeling more included in tech than in other fields. Research from PwC found that women working in tech score highest on its Workplace Inclusion Indicator Index, which measures inclusive decision-making, fairness and belonging.
“Tech is also one of only four industries for which women have slightly higher inclusion scores than men,” PwC says.
Women in tech are also more mobile. According to the same study, 31% of women in tech are planning to change employers within a year, compared with 25% of women across other sectors. The high demand for technical skills makes switching industries more viable for women in these roles.
However, PwC also stresses that equity in the workforce cannot be achieved by the tech industry alone. Millions of girls and women worldwide remain excluded from entering the industry due to barriers in education and access to digital skills.
“True, we are seeing progress in private, public and civil society stakeholders working together to bridge the gender and digital divide,” PwC says, “but much more needs to be done to increase exposure and upskilling to the tech industry and the associated opportunities they provide for women.”
As Women in Tech Day 2025 approaches, the call to action is clear — celebrate progress, but acknowledge that lasting inclusion and representation in tech still requires work across the board.
Explore the latest edition of Cyber Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Cyber LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Cyber Magazine is a BizClik brand
