WOMEN IN TECH THE FACTS

Although it may be tempting to conclude that these patterns result from personal “choices”
that women and men make, the research clearly demonstrates that it is not this simple.
Chapters 3 and 4 explore some of the more systemic factors that can contribute to these patterns.
While more research is needed to fully understand these trends, such patterns can make it more
difficult for women to make meaningful contributions to technical innovation and also can lead to
greater job dissatisfaction.
Dissatisfaction with Career Prospects, Especially for Women of Color
Indeed, another survey found that technical women generally report lower satisfaction in their
careers than men. A survey of 25 high-profile tech companies revealed only 4 companies with women
more satisfied than men, 15 with men more satisfied than women, and 6 with equal satisfaction
(Glassdoor, 2014).
Women in SET Fields Find Themselves “Stalled”
The most recent study by the Center for Talent Innovation found that
32 percent—roughly 1 in 3 SET women—report that they feel “stalled”
in their careers and are likely to quit their jobs
in one year” (Hewlett et al., 2014).
Women’s experience of feeling stalled in their career also varies by race/ethnicity. African
American women experience the highest perceived stall rates at 48 percent. Thirty-four percent of
White women feel stalled, and 32 percent Asian and Hispanic women feel stalled (Hewlett et al., 2014).
FIG. 1.12 // Women’s Perceived SET Stall Rates
50
40
48%
30
20
10
32% 32%
34%
0
Hispanic
Women
Asian Women
White Women
African
American
Women
Hewlett et al., 2014.
WOMEN IN TECH: THE FACTS 15