RESEARCH REPORT

What (and Who)is Holding Women
Back in Tech?

Is Tech Actually Agile?
In the tech industry, many companies turn toOver the past forty years, women have madethe Agile manifesto as a guide to software

great strides in fields like the life sciences, butdevelopment. It’s so prevalent that overtheir participation rates in engineering and

70% of tech companies use it. Anchored incomputer sciences stay unchanged or haveprinciples like teamwork, kindness, and open

even declined.

communication, Agile is designed to keep teams
moving forward and evolving as the needs ofcustomers and dynamics of a marketplacechange. But when it comes to making neededchanges as an industry, is tech actually Agile?
For decades, tech and IT industries havebeen known for gender inequality. Even as
women advance in other science-related
career areas, they remain shockingly
underrepresented in the computer sciences.

1Changing the environment for women in tech

These shifts will facilitate more breakthroughis possible, but first, the industry needs tomoments and address gender inequality. In

make a deep systemic commitment to Agileturn, tech leaders will inspire more girls toprinciples, including openness to change,choose computer science as a career andbeing people-centric, and collaboration.

help more women thrive in the industry.

Engineering

Computer
SciencePhysicalScience

Women remain underrepresented in Engineering (15%),
Computer Science (25%), and Physical Science (40%) occupations.*“ There are a lot of accomplishedwomen in the industry, but westill need to remove the barriers
that prevent even more fromentering and progressing. At
Logitech, we’re always looking
for ways to adapt our tools for
women, now it’s time to adapt
the way we work to create moreequal work environments. When
we do that, we’ll truly unleash
the power of the industry.”
Delphine Donné
General Manager,
Creativity & Productivity at*Source: Pew Research Center. “6 facts about America’s STEM workforce and those training for it.” April 14, 2021.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/14/6-facts-about-americas-stem-workforce-and-those-training-for-it/2

Barriers andBreakthroughs: What
Stands in Women’s Way?
Logitech surveyed people currently working in tech and IT*,

Agile Values
By reinforcing the principles of Agile in ways that go beyond
lip service, companies can shift current industry dynamics andcreate more opportunities for women to access and advance inrevealing five key moments that determine whether girls andwomen choose a career in computer science.
In these five moments, women either break through barriers or
are blocked by them. Replicating the breakthroughs in more
schools, workplaces, and in society at large will support thesuccess of more women in the industry.

a computer science career.
The Agile manifesto was built to uncover better ways todevelop software. The values of Agile have helped teams
deliver high-quality products and effectively adapt to change.
The tech industry can apply the same commitment andprinciples to create a more equal working environment for
women. By favoring individuals and interactions, solutions overdocumentation, collaboration, and responding to change inthe moment, leaders in tech can help change the dynamic for
women, and all current and future employees. Achieving thiswill take understanding the challenges women face and what
successful women have done to get where they are today.

*Source: This report draws on data from a survey conducted by IPSOS among a sample of 400 adults,
200 women and 200 men who are between the ages of 18-35 years old. See the appendix for more detail.

3

The Most Influential BreakthroughFactors for Women in Tech and IT
A survey of 400 men and women in tech and IT revealed the most influential
breakthrough factors for women pursuing careers in these industries. This reportis part of the Women Who Master initiative by the Logitech Master Series, whichaims to celebrate, amplify, and enable the rise of phenomenal women in STEM.

#1

Early cheerleaders and#2real-life role models matter.

Passion is a key driver forentering the tech sector.

Early influences have a big impact

Women most often cited finding a

Once hired, a job that makes
a meaningful contribution tosociety is very important.

on women in tech and IT. Over halfpassion for the industry as a catalyst

Among women in the tech industry, findingof women (60%) said a parent or afor pursuing a computer science-related

a job that positively contributes to theteacher encouraged them to study

career. The top reasons women areworld is central to their career choices. An

computer science, demonstrating thedrawn to tech and IT include a passion

overwhelming majority of women (92%)

pivotal role particular adults play infor computers (35%) and an interest in

said the ability to make a meaningfulsupporting women at a young age.

how things work (33%).

contribution to society is a primary factor#3

in their career development.

Access to women-friendly communities#4 of support help them persist.

#5

Meaningful action frommen makes a difference.

Communities of support help women handle a pervasive

Men remain blind to the judgment, isolation, aggression, andsense of judgment they feel before and during their techsexual harassment women face in the tech workplace (80%).

careers. Women reported that programs dedicated to

To increase gender equality in the tech industry men must

women (44%) and finding support through professionaltake steps toward self-awareness and transform good

networks (31%) help them persist.

intentions into meaningful action.

4

Early Cheerleaders and Real-Life Role Models Matter
For the girls considering the fields of tech or
IT — early support is essential. Authentic
support from parents and teachers plays apivotal role in supporting young women who
may otherwise choose another profession.

96%

of women felt encouraged
in their choice of acomputer science career

Encouragement fromparents and teachers
tends to be gendered:
Women encouraged by parents:

Men encouraged by parents:

Among survey respondents, nearly all (96%)
of women working in the field today said theirfamily or friends supported their choice to

Women encouraged by teachers:

pursue a career in tech or IT. This uniformity inresponse shows how influential early support
can be for young women.
For women, the greatest influence in pursuingtech was: a family member or friend (60%),
a teacher, (50%), and a famous person or3“ I wasn’t interested in math,but my dad suggested I
take a pre-algebra classin college. My instructor
was a woman who was anelectrical engineer at Fordat the time. That was the
spark. I ended up earning
two degrees in engineering
after that.”
Aisha BoweFounder and CEO,STEMBoard and LINGO

Men encouraged by teachers:
FemaleTeachers
Male
Teachers

character (35%).

5

% of womeninspired to study CS

Women’s Interest in Computer Science Studies
Mostly Starts in High School

Lack of Visibility to Existing Role
Models Reinforces the Cycle
Support from teachers and parents is especially38%

important for women because they lack real-life role18%
10%

Elementary
Schoolmodels. Women (12%) are less likely than men (18%)

18%

to be inspired by a real scientist. Instead, they find10%

MiddleSchoolHigh
SchoolCollege

University

6%

After
Studies

inspiration from fictional characters in a movie,
series or book (16%).

The Tipping Point: High School
According to the survey, high school is a tipping point. By now the majorityof people, regardless of gender, had an interest in computer science.
But for women high school teachers are difference-makers. Teachers at
this level have the most influence on women choosing careers in IT or techamong all educators — a powerful role worth celebrating and recognizing.
Additionally, over a third (38%) of women said they developed an interestin computer science in high school. The second most influential times wereduring college (18%) and middle school (18%).

School is an opportunity for
inspiration, as women are strongly
influenced by their teachers.

6While the survey results didn’t reveal why women turn to fictional
characters, it is likely because they encounter so few real-life role models.
Even when women have broken through, they often are not recognizedas much as men.
The names of trailblazers such as Ada Lovelace, considered the firstcomputer programmer and writer of the first algorithm, Katherine
Johnson, whose work in orbital mechanics made the first U.S. crewedspaceflight possible, and Evelyn Boyd Granville, who created the firstcomputer software to analyze satellite orbits, are still relatively unknown.

“ My parents were always supportive of mechoosing a tech career. They weren’t sure about
the video game part, but they came around on
that. Their support gave me the confidence topursue my dreams.”
Gabby Llanillo

THE TAKEAWAY

Support girls as they grow.
Encouragement from teachers and parents
and inspiration from more real-life rolemodels can show girls and young women
they belong in tech and IT.

QA Engineer and Quality Lead, Riot Games

7

Passion is a Key Driver for Entering the Sector
The opportunity to pursue a profession one is passionate

This commitment to passion is even more notable whenabout can be incredibly meaningful. For women in techcomparing the women’s answers to the men’s. While overand IT, it’s often the primary driver. In the survey, women

one-third of women said a passion for computers was theirwere asked about why they entered the field, with choices

reason for entering the field, only 26% of men said the same.

that included wanting to be like friends, the trendiness of

Similarly, only 29% of men noted that an interest in how

a job, pay, and existing skills, along with passion for thethings work led them to pursue computer science.

sector. Passion was the most prevalent draw.
Women said they were attracted to the sector mostbecause of their passion for computers (35%) and aninterest in how things work (33%).

8

Top Key Drivers
I have always
been passionate
about computers.
35%
26%

It’s a well paid job.

I have always
been interested
in how things work.
33%
29%

This is the job of the future.

33%

32%

34%

31%

THE TAKEAWAY

Take pride in being passionate.
Support women as they enter the workforce
through messages that encourage women toembrace their passion and interest in how
things work will.

9

Once Hired, a Job that Makes a Meaningful
Contribution to Society is Very Important
After entering a tech or IT career, womenplace priority on what their job does forothers, rather than for themselves.
Nearly all women surveyed (92%) said thatthe opportunity to make a meaningful
difference to society is a primary driver intheir career development.
Equally significant, the survey reveals how
gender inequality impacts women’s career
choices in ways that are both subtle andexplicit. For example, the survey asked
women what influenced their careers.
Gender balance and mentorship ranked
last in factors that contributed to women’s
career progression.

Top Career Drivers
Overall Atmosphere94%88%

Development of Technical Skills
92%90%

Ability to Socialize with Coworkers
92%
87%

10

“ I know that everything I do in my role at Logitech

comes back to creating better ways for people
to work, learn, create, and play. And this helps usalign internally also around what matters within
the organization around career development,
mentorship, and involvement in meaningful projects.”
Delphine Donné
General Manager,
Creativity & Productivity at

THE TAKEAWAY

Emphasize the ways tech andIT contribute to the world.
Showing tech and IT in a positive way while
also addressing gender balance and increasing
mentorship could support women’s success andincrease retention in the sector.

11

Access to Women-Friendly Communities
of Support Helps Women Persist
There is a persistent perception

aggression, and sexual harassmentof tech and IT as masculinein the workplace.

careers. This may influence why

Microaggressions are particularly

so few women pursue careers in
the industry — in 2019 only one
in five (21%) people who earned
computer science degrees were
women. That gender imbalanceis sharply experienced by women,
especially at the college level,
where 63% of women were
unsatisfied with the genderbalance in their college classes.

common. Nine in ten women (90%)
have experienced microaggressions
at work. Examples of unwanted
and unfair treatment include
being treated differently thanmale colleagues (66%); facing
communication that dismisses
and devalues their thoughts orinfers they are less capable thanmen (62%); experiencing incivility,

A lack of representation is notdisrespect, contempt, steamrolling,where gender inequity stops forsexist jokes, and sidelining (50%);

women in tech and IT. They reportand sexual harassment (40%).

higher rates of judgment, isolation,

12

Having these experiences, or hearing about them from other women, could
be the reason nearly half of all women surveyed (44%) said they participatedin computer science programs dedicated only to women during college.

90%

of women have experienced
microaggressions at work.

In the workforce, women continue to seek community, with nearly twice
as many women (31%) seeking support through professional networks ascompared to men.

“If we truly want to disrupt tech and create a new

vision for what developers and engineers look like,we have to expand our support system for girls andother marginalized groups. Creating clubs, expanding
workforce development, and investing in mentorshipprograms ensures students will have support on theirjourney from school to career.”Dr. Tarika Barrett
CEO, Girls Who CodeMicroaggressions came from:
Coworkers
49%

Managers
36%

Personal Environment
32%

Clients
20%

13

Despite the discrimination and harassment they face, women in the fieldremain positive about their career choice. A majority who continued in techor IT industries would recommend it as a career for other women (91%). Thissignals the significant opportunity there is to support women in the industry
today and ensure future generations feel welcome as well.

“ The women I’ve met in professional networks andcommunities helped me find my voice and my own
style. I wouldn’t be where I am today without theirinsights, support, and friendship.”Sara Inés Calderón
React Native Engineer

THE TAKEAWAY

Disrupt prejudice and bolster
women-friendly communities
of support.
The majority of women have felt unwelcome orunsafe while pursuing their careers. They findcompanionship and strength in communities
where they feel welcome.

14

Meaningful Action From Men Makes a Difference
Despite the high number of women who reported experiencing microaggressions
at work (90%), very few men recognize the continued hostilities their female
colleagues experience. A vast majority (80%) of men believe their company createsa good environment to integrate male and female workers.
Yet when men are asked directly about barriers for women, they recognize moreof the challenges. Among male survey respondents, over half (56%) reported
that in hindsight they have been patronizing towards female colleagues; they
acknowledge women have fewer opportunities to advance in the IT sector (60%);
and that women may feel intimidated working with men and their team (58%).

Women may feel intimidated
when working with me andmy colleagues in the same team.

My company creates a goodenvironment to integrate
male and female workers.

58%

80%

VS

Women have lower opportunities
in the IT sector in comparison
to men.
60%

In hindsight, I find some of
my behavior toward female
colleagues patronizing.

THE TAKEAWAY

Transform good intentions
into meaningful action.
The attitudes and actions of men can hold womenback. But it’s not enough for men to recognize thechallenges women face. They must become selfaware of how their actions are impacting women.

56%

15

Make Agile principles the true centerpiece of techcompany culture, rather than an optional feature
and we can improve gender equality in tech and IT.
The results of this survey show the breakthrough moments that encourage women
to pursue and progress in tech and IT careers. But they also reveal how far theindustry has to go.
By valuing individuals and interactions, collaboration, and continual adaptation tochange, we can expand the professional paths for women who are already inthe field and give girls the early support they need to choose the career path.
Companies, and men, in particular, have essential roles to play in this effort.

16

Here Are Five Challenges We at Logitech MX
Are Asking You to Take On:

Support more
women-focused spaces.

Adopt Agile.

Start male allyship programs.

Women want to create positive change throughMen need to turn their good intentions into

Meet-ups held by organizations like Girls

their work but a well-paying job is the second

meaningful action. Their first step should bebiggest reason women were inspired toto begin with themselves, questioning andchoose a computer science career. Adopting

addressing their own behavior. Male teampolicies that reduce the gender pay gap mightleaders and executives should identify andtherefore make these careers more attractive

address sexist attitudes and behaviors in

to women. However, women often choose jobs

their departments or companies.

Who Code (GWC) can be powerful positive
influences on young girls. GWC has served
over 500,000 girls, women, and non-binary
people, and its alumni choose CS majors at
7X the national average.
By making these groups accessible at all levels— elementary, middle school, high school,
college, the workplace — organizations canreach women and girls in all the moments
when they are most likely to choose a careerin IT and tech.

in CS for other reasons, such as flexibility andthe chance to collaborate, so pay equity alone
may not draw them to the field. Companies
should embrace Agile principles, like prioritizing
individuals and collaboration, to start a
dialogue with female employees to find out
what matters most to them.

17

Sara Inés Calderón

Gabby Llanillo

React Native Engineer

QA Engineer and Quality
Lead, Riot Games

Aisha BoweDr. Tarika Barrett

Founder and CEO,STEMboard and Lingo

CEO, Girls Who Code

Honor more real-life role models.

Celebrate tech’s contributions.

There are a number of ways to honor more

Working with high school teachers andFinally, women see making meaningful

women in tech and IT and create morecollege professors, the industry could highlightcontributions to society as a key factor inreal-life role models for females interested

more of the accomplishments of history’s

their career choices. High school teachers,in the field. Showcases like Logitech MX’s

female engineers, computer scientists, andcollege professors, and others can highlight the#WomenWhoMaster series highlight themathematicians to bring attention to theirpositive impact of IT as a way to reach moreachievements of female leaders in technotable contributions.

women and girls. And in doing so, they will

fields. Expanding these programs will show

Tech and IT leaders could likewise use theirfurther strengthen and expand the good that

influence to encourage film producers,

technology can contribute to the world throughtelevision series creators, and authors to tellgreater equity and opportunity for all.

more people how women are advancing
the industry.
Additionally, the industry should engage

the stories of these women to inspire girls

with those not directly in tech and IT, but

and women of all ages.

who often influence the decision of girls
and young women.

18About Logitech MX#WomenWhoMaster Series

Methodology
The Computer Science Survey was conducted by
IPSOS among a sample of 400 adults, 200 women

You can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why, in support of theGirls Who Code mission, Logitech is putting the spotlight on
women who have mastered their fields in STEM.

and 200 men, who are between the ages of 18 and 35

While our featured #WomenWhoMaster series provides girls
with powerful aspirations and career tips, Logitech aims toequip them with the tools they need to thrive.

10 years as developers (computer programmers, web

years old.
The adults surveyed have been working for less thandevelopers, software developers) or IT professionals(computer systems analysts, information security
analysts, database administrators, network
administrators, and architects). The survey was live in
the United States from February 7 to 18, 2022.

19