Why we need more female tech mentors

Technology shapes our world at a breathtaking pace. From the algorithms that recommend our next favorite book to the cloud systems powering global collaboration, tech is everywhere—and so are the opportunities it presents. Yet, the field still grapples with a stubborn gender imbalance. The push for diversity has never been just about numbers; it’s about unlocking innovation, broadening perspectives, and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. At the center of this effort stands a crucial, sometimes overlooked force: female tech mentors.

The Persistent Gender Gap in Technology

Despite significant progress over recent decades, women remain underrepresented in technology roles. Recent data from organizations like the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) show that women hold only about 25% of computing-related jobs. The numbers are even lower in technical leadership and specialized areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

There’s no single reason for this disparity. From early educational experiences and societal expectations, to workplace culture and unconscious bias, the leaky pipeline has many weak spots. Each stage can deter talented women from pursuing, or persisting in, a tech career. While systemic solutions—like policy changes and organizational reform—are essential, the power of role models and mentors is often the spark that lights a long-term passion for tech.

“You can’t be what you can’t see.” This phrase is often attributed to Marian Wright Edelman, but it resonates especially strongly in the context of women in technology.

Why Mentorship Matters: More Than Just Guidance

Mentorship is not about hand-holding; it’s about providing perspective, encouragement, and critical feedback. For women in tech—especially those at the beginning of their journeys or those who feel isolated in male-dominated environments—mentors serve as living proof that success is possible. They are sounding boards, advocates, and sometimes, the first person who says, “I believe in you.”

Representation and Relatability

Seeing a woman in a senior technical role does more than signal possibility; it creates a sense of belonging. When early-career professionals or students connect with mentors who share aspects of their identity, it helps counter the stereotype threat—the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one’s group. This is not about exclusivity; it’s about relatability. A female mentor can understand certain barriers—be it microaggressions, imposter syndrome, or work-life integration—in ways that resonate deeply.

Research backs this up. Studies published in journals like Harvard Business Review and Gender & Society highlight that mentees who share gender or other identity characteristics with their mentors report higher satisfaction, increased confidence, and better retention rates in STEM fields.

Building Networks and Opening Doors

Mentors do more than offer advice; they provide access. In industries where informal networks and “who you know” can be as important as “what you know,” mentors introduce mentees to key contacts, recommend them for opportunities, and help them navigate unspoken rules. For women, who may find themselves excluded from some of these informal circles, this advocacy is invaluable.

Beyond the Surface: Emotional and Professional Support

The journey in tech is rarely linear. There are setbacks, moments of self-doubt, and times when quitting seems like the only option. Having a mentor who has weathered similar storms offers both practical strategies and emotional reassurance. “I’ve been there. Here’s how I got through it.” Those words can turn a tough day into a turning point.

The Ripple Effect: Mentorship as a Force for Change

The influence of female tech mentors extends far beyond one-on-one relationships. When women mentor other women, it creates a multiplier effect, amplifying impact across teams, organizations, and entire industries.

Shaping Inclusive Workplaces

Mentors who have navigated their own journeys are more likely to champion inclusive policies and practices. They become advocates for equitable hiring, parental leave, flexible work, and anti-bias training. By rising to leadership roles, they set the tone for what is possible—and expected. The presence of women in these positions can shift organizational culture, making it more welcoming for everyone, not just women.

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey

Inspiring the Next Generation

Representation is even more critical in early education. Girls are often discouraged from pursuing STEM subjects due to stereotypes and a lack of visible role models. Female tech mentors who engage with schools, after-school programs, and coding camps demystify technology and spark curiosity. They show that coding, robotics, and data science are not just for “boys”—they are for anyone with curiosity and drive.

Programs like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and local STEM initiatives have shown that when young women see someone who looks like them thriving in tech, they are more likely to persist. The cycle is self-sustaining: today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors.

Intersectionality: Expanding the Conversation

While much of the conversation focuses on gender, it’s vital to recognize that women are not a monolith. Intersectionality—the overlapping of gender with race, class, sexuality, disability, and neurodiversity—brings unique challenges and experiences. For example, women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and neurodivergent women face additional barriers in the tech world.

Neurodiversity and Mentorship

Tech has long benefited from the unique strengths of neurodivergent minds. Autistic women, women with ADHD, and others often bring intense focus, creativity, and pattern recognition. Yet, neurodivergent women are often doubly marginalized: overlooked in gender diversity initiatives and misunderstood in neurodiversity efforts.

Mentors who understand or share these experiences are crucial. They can help mentees advocate for accommodations, develop self-advocacy skills, and navigate the often-unwritten social rules of tech workplaces. They also challenge organizations to build environments where difference is not just tolerated, but celebrated.

Cultural and Global Perspectives

The tech industry is global, and so are the challenges facing women in it. In some cultures, women face significant societal barriers to entering STEM fields. Remote work, online mentorship, and international networks create new opportunities—but also require mentors to be sensitive to cultural nuances. The most effective mentors listen first, adapt their approach, and celebrate the diversity of experiences within the tech community.

Overcoming Barriers to Female Tech Mentorship

Even with growing recognition of mentorship’s importance, barriers persist. Many organizations lack formal mentoring programs, or fail to prioritize matching women with female mentors. Women in senior roles are often stretched thin, asked to “represent” on committees while juggling demanding jobs and personal commitments.

Creating a Culture of Mentorship

Organizations must move beyond lip service. This means:

• Formalizing mentorship programs with clear goals, training, and support for mentors and mentees.
• Incentivizing mentorship by recognizing it in performance reviews and promotion criteria.
• Encouraging sponsorship as well as mentorship—where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women.
• Building communities—both within and outside the organization—where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Individuals, too, can play a part. If you’re a woman in tech, consider mentoring—even informally. If you’re not, support and amplify the voices of female mentors and mentees. Ask how you can help, listen openly, and advocate for change.

The Power of Shared Stories

One of the most potent aspects of mentorship is the sharing of stories. Real-life experiences—of failure, resilience, and triumph—cut through the noise of statistics and stereotypes. They remind us that the path to a fulfilling tech career is rarely straight, and that everyone, no matter how accomplished, has faced doubts and setbacks.

“Our stories are maps. By sharing them, we help others find their way.”

Mentees are not the only ones who benefit. Mentors often report increased confidence, renewed passion, and a sense of purpose from giving back. The act of mentoring can help female tech leaders reflect on their journeys, clarify their values, and expand their own networks.

Looking Forward: What We Can Do Now

Technology is too important—and too exciting—to be left to only half the population. The challenges we face, from climate change to cybersecurity, require every perspective and every mind. By investing in female tech mentors, we build a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive industry.

It’s not enough to invite women into the room; we must ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported. Mentorship is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful lever. When women lift up other women, everyone rises.

For readers who are early in their tech careers: seek out mentors, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out. For those further along: remember the path you’ve walked, and consider sharing your wisdom. The future of technology is being written every day—and with more women guiding the way, it will be richer, bolder, and more just.