Women in Tech: Bridging the Gap

Have you noticed something quite peculiar about software engineering? Well, one thing keeps popping up: the persistent gap between women and men in tech. From salary inequalities to the infamous glass ceiling, it’s a topic that hits close to home - not just for me, but for so many women in STEM. So, let’s dive in, unpack the challenges, celebrate some trailblazers, and figure out how we can bridge this gap together.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Salary Inequalities and the Pay Gap

Let’s start with the cold, hard facts. Globally, women in tech - and across industries - earn less than men. In the US, women make about 85 cents for every dollar a man earns, according to recent data. In Latvia, the gap is narrower but still exists, hovering around 17% across all sectors. Zoom into tech, and it gets trickier. Women in STEM roles often face a pay gap that widens as we climb the ladder. Why? Part of it is occupational segregation - women are funneled into “softer” roles like design or HR, while men dominate higher-paying fields like software engineering or AI. I’ve seen it myself: my frontend work sometimes gets pigeonholed as “creative” rather than “technical,” even though it’s both.

Then there’s the “unexplained” residual - about 6% of the gap that researchers can’t pin on education, experience, or job type. Is it bias? Negotiation hesitancy? Probably a mix of both. I remember my first job offer - I accepted it without negotiating because I didn’t want to seem “pushy.” Looking back, I wonder how many women, including me, leave money on the table because we’re conditioned to feel grateful just to be there.

The Glass Ceiling: A Barrier We’re Still Shattering

The glass ceiling is real, and it’s tough. It’s that invisible barrier that keeps women from reaching the top rungs of the tech ladder - think senior engineers, CTOs, or CEOs. Globally, women hold just 29.2% of STEM jobs, and that number drops even lower in leadership. In Latvia, we’re making strides - women are increasingly visible in tech startups - but the C-suite is still a boys’ club in many places. I’ve felt it too: the subtle shift in tone when I pitch a technical solution in a room full of guys, or the assumption that I’m “just” a designer despite my coding chops.

What’s holding us back? Societal norms play a huge role. For example, I found my way to tech through design, only later realizing I could code just as well. Add in family expectations - women often shoulder more caregiving - and it’s no wonder we hit roadblocks. Flexible work policies could help, but too many companies still reward long hours over results, a setup that favors men who aren’t juggling the same dual roles.

Stockholm Syndrome and Imposter Syndrome: The Mind Games

Here’s where it gets personal. Have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome in the context of work? It’s not the textbook version, but some women in tech end up “bonding” with a system that holds them back - accepting lower pay or fewer opportunities because it’s “just how it is.” I’ve caught myself doing this - thanking my lucky stars for a seat at the table instead of demanding a bigger one.

Then there’s imposter syndrome, my old frenemy. Despite my degrees and experience, I sometimes feel like a fraud - like someone’s going to call me out for not being “technical enough.” Research shows women in STEM feel this more acutely, thanks to male-dominated environments where we’re constantly proving ourselves. It’s not a personal failing - it’s a symptom of a system that doesn’t always value us. The fix? Not “fixing” women, but fixing the culture - building workplaces where we’re seen and heard.

STEM: The Female vs. Male Ratio and Its Roots

Let’s talk ratios. Women make up less than a third of STEM workers worldwide - 29.2%, to be exact. In Latvia, we’re pushing forward, with more women entering tech programs, but the global trend lags. Why? It starts early. Girls are less likely to be encouraged into STEM - parents and teachers often steer us toward “nurturing” fields. By university, the gap widens: women earn fewer STEM degrees, and even fewer stick around after graduation. I was lucky - my business degree gave me a foundation, but I had to seek out coding on my own.

Discrimination doesn’t help. Hostile work cultures, lack of mentors, and biases in hiring keep women out. In tech, where “bro culture” can still thrive, it’s no surprise some of us opt out. But it’s not all doom and gloom - change is happening, and we’re driving it.

Trailblazers Leading the Way: Female CTOs to Celebrate

Speaking of change, let’s shine a light on some incredible women breaking barriers. Take Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. She’s not a CTO, but her technical leadership is unreal - helping launch humanity into space while proving women can thrive at the top. Then there’s Charu Jain, CTO of Alaska Airlines, who’s transforming aviation tech with a focus on innovation and inclusivity. Closer to home, Anna Andersone, a Latvian tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Froont, inspires me with her design-to-code journey - proof that women from our corner of the world can lead globally.

These women aren’t just exceptions - they’re the future. They’ve faced the same gaps we do and turned them into stepping stones. Their success shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.

Bridging the Gap: A Call to Action

So, how do we close this gap? It’s on all of us - companies, governments, and yes, women like me. Pay transparency laws, like those in New York, are a start - let’s push for them everywhere. Mentorship programs can lift us up; I’d love to mentor younger devs someday. And workplaces need to ditch the “fix the women” mindset - trainings on confidence won’t cut it if the system stays broken. We need structural change: fair hiring, flexible schedules, and cultures that value results over face time.

Back to Ada: A Legacy of Strength

Let’s end on a high note. Think of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first programmer. Back in the 1840s, she saw the potential of computers beyond numbers - envisioning a future we’re living today. She didn’t let a male-dominated era stop her, and neither should we. The world leans on smart, strong women - always has, always will. Whether I’m debugging a tricky UI, studying late for my software engineering exams, or dreaming of my next big project, I know I’m part of that legacy.

So, to every woman in tech reading this: you’re not alone. Keep coding, keep designing, keep pushing. The gap’s still there, but we’re bridging it - one line of code, one bold idea at a time. Let’s build a future where we all thrive - together.