The world of information technology (IT) is full of paradoxes. At its inception, programming was largely considered a women’s field—after all, the first recognized programmer was a woman, Ada Lovelace. But as the industry evolved, the landscape shifted dramatically. Today, women remain underrepresented in IT, and bridging this gap requires sustained effort.
The lack of gender diversity in tech isn’t a new issue, and multiple factors contribute to this imbalance. One of the biggest barriers is the absence of visible female role models, making it harder for young women to envision themselves in IT careers and limiting their professional growth.
Why Role Models Matter
Role models shape career choices, ambitions, and self-perception. They inspire, guide, and motivate. Yet, in IT, women in leadership and technical roles remain scarce. While progress has been made (in Russia, for instance, the number of female leaders in tech is slowly increasing), it’s still rare to find women leading development teams, working as tech leads, or heading DevOps divisions.
This lack of representation fuels the stereotype that IT is a male-dominated field, discouraging women from entering the industry and limiting their confidence in their own potential.
The Evidence is Clear
Research consistently shows that having female role models in the workplace significantly impacts women’s career decisions. According to a study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), women with visible female mentors and leaders in their field are more likely to pursue careers in tech and feel confident in their abilities.
Role models also play an important role in mentorship, offering guidance, support, and practical career advice. Mentorship has proven to be a powerful tool for professional development, helping women overcome challenges, build networks, and acquire new skills. Having access to women mentors in IT allows aspiring professionals to learn from experienced leaders, gain insight into the industry, and develop the confidence needed to succeed.
Diversity Drives Innovation
Beyond individual career growth, increasing the number of female role models in tech benefits the entire industry. Diverse teams—particularly those with greater gender balance—bring different perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. This diversity fuels creativity and innovation, leading to more effective and inclusive technological solutions.
When more women step into leadership and technical roles, companies gain access to unique insights that improve product design, user experience, and workplace culture. Expanding female representation in IT leadership isn’t just about fairness—it’s about business success and industry progress.
Steps Toward Change
Efforts are already being made to promote gender diversity in tech and increase the visibility of female role models. Government agencies, private companies, and professional organizations are launching initiatives to recruit, retain, and advance women in IT. These efforts include:
Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs – Connecting aspiring women in tech with experienced professionals who can offer guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities.
Leadership Development Programs – Training women for management roles and ensuring they have equal access to career growth opportunities.
Networking Communities – Creating support groups and platforms where women in tech can share their experiences, support one another, and challenge industry norms.
Public Recognition and Visibility – Highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in IT through awards, media coverage, and industry events.
Flexible Work Policies – Offering remote work, flexible schedules, and family-friendly policies to help women balance career growth with personal responsibilities.
A Work in Progress
Despite these initiatives, much work remains. It’s crucial to continue advocating for the importance of female role models in tech, not just through formal programs but also by encouraging more women to share their stories and successes.
Visibility matters. When young women see female software engineers, tech leads, and CEOs thriving, it changes how they perceive their own potential. Recognizing and celebrating women’s contributions in IT is essential for breaking stereotypes and fostering an inclusive industry.
Our Contribution
Together with Women in Tech, we’re launching the Role Model Program, designed to increase the number of female role models in IT. By highlighting success stories, fostering mentorship, and building a strong support network, we hope to make tech a more inclusive space for future generations.
The gender gap in IT isn’t just about statistics—it’s about real people, real careers, and real opportunities. By creating a supportive, diverse, and inspiring environment, we can help more women see a future for themselves in tech—and, in doing so, shape the future of the industry itself.