How Do Skill Gaps Differ for Women in Emerging vs. Established Tech Sectors?

Powered by AI and the women in tech community.

Women face more skill gaps in emerging tech sectors due to limited access to tailored education and prevalent male bias. In established tech, gender biases and stereotypes persist, hindering women’s career progression. Female role models are scarce in new tech, but more prevalent in established areas, aiding skill development. Career opportunities and development differ, with emerging tech offering less structure. Gender bias and "bro culture" are more pronounced in new tech. Work-life balance challenges and insufficient networking opportunities further disadvantage women in tech. Encouragement for innovation varies, as does financial support, with biases impacting investment. Regulatory uncertainties in emerging tech versus clearer policies in established sectors, and cultural perceptions affect women's participation and recognition in tech industries.

Women face more skill gaps in emerging tech sectors due to limited access to tailored education and prevalent male bias. In established tech, gender biases and stereotypes persist, hindering women’s career progression. Female role models are scarce in new tech, but more prevalent in established areas, aiding skill development. Career opportunities and development differ, with emerging tech offering less structure. Gender bias and "bro culture" are more pronounced in new tech. Work-life balance challenges and insufficient networking opportunities further disadvantage women in tech. Encouragement for innovation varies, as does financial support, with biases impacting investment. Regulatory uncertainties in emerging tech versus clearer policies in established sectors, and cultural perceptions affect women's participation and recognition in tech industries.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Access to Education and Training

Emerging Tech: In emerging tech sectors, women might face more pronounced skill gaps due to the rapidly evolving nature of these fields. Access to cutting-edge education and training may be limited or tailored to the needs and learning styles of their predominantly male peers. Established Tech: In established tech sectors, while educational resources are more abundant and standardized, historical gender biases in STEM education still play a significant role in widening skill gaps for women.

Add your perspective

Representation and Role Models

Emerging Tech: The lack of female role models in emerging tech can deter women from pursuing careers in these sectors or believing in their ability to succeed, perpetuating the skill gap. Established Tech: In established tech sectors, there are more established networks and mentorship opportunities available for women, which can help bridge the skill gap by providing guidance, inspiration, and support.

Add your perspective

Career Development Opportunities

Emerging Tech: Career development opportunities in emerging tech sectors may be less structured and more dependent on individual initiative, which can disadvantage women who face systemic barriers to networking and self-promotion. Established Tech: Established tech sectors often have more formal career development programs, but women may still encounter glass ceilings and unequal growth opportunities, affecting their skill development and advancement.

Add your perspective

Gender Bias and Stereotyping

Emerging Tech: In emerging tech sectors, the "bro culture" and stereotypes about gender and technological ability can be particularly pronounced, discouraging women from entering these fields and exacerbating skill gaps. Established Tech: While gender bias also exists in established tech sectors, there may be more awareness and initiatives aimed at reducing gender disparities, although unconscious biases and stereotypes still hinder women's skill development and career progression.

Add your perspective

Work-Life Balance Challenges

Emerging Tech: The fast-paced, demanding nature of work in emerging tech sectors can present significant work-life balance challenges, disproportionately affecting women who often shoulder more caregiving responsibilities. Established Tech: Established tech sectors may offer more flexible working arrangements and policies supporting work-life balance, although the pressure to work long hours and be constantly available can still be a barrier for women.

Add your perspective

Networking and Community Support

Emerging Tech: Limited networking opportunities and support systems in the nascent stages of emerging tech sectors can make it harder for women to build the relationships necessary for skill development and career advancement. Established Tech: There's generally a stronger presence of women-focused tech communities and networks in established sectors, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities to close the skill gap.

Add your perspective

Innovation and Creativity Encouragement

Emerging Tech: Emerging tech sectors often prize innovation and risk-taking, which can be both an opportunity and a barrier for women if their contributions are undervalued or overlooked due to gender biases. Established Tech: In established tech sectors, there may be more established channels for innovation, but rigid structures and processes can sometimes stifle creativity and discourage women from developing and showcasing their skills in novel ways.

Add your perspective

Financial Support and Investment

Emerging Tech: Securing financial support for startups or projects in emerging tech can be challenging for anyone, but women often face additional hurdles due to investor biases, impacting their ability to develop and apply skills in these sectors. Established Tech: While access to capital is a challenge across the board, women in established tech sectors may find slightly more avenues for funding due to the presence of initiatives aimed at supporting women-led ventures, albeit still far from equitable.

Add your perspective

Regulatory and Policy Environment

Emerging Tech: The regulatory landscape in emerging tech sectors is often unsettled, which can disproportionately affect women by creating uncertainties that hinder their full participation and skill development in these fields. Established Tech: In established tech sectors, there may be more clarity around regulations and policies, including those aimed at promoting gender equality. However, implementation and enforcement issues can still impact the extent to which they address skill gaps for women.

Add your perspective

Cultural Perceptions and Social Acceptance

Emerging Tech: Cultural perceptions of emerging tech sectors as "new" and "innovative" might inadvertently reinforce age-old gender stereotypes, making it harder for women to be seen as equals and thus widening skill gaps. Established Tech: While established tech sectors are not immune to cultural and social biases, there may be a greater level of acceptance and recognition of women's contributions, albeit progress is slow and uneven across different fields and regions.

Add your perspective

What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Add your perspective

Skill Gaps and Training

Want to contribute ? We select experts based on their experience and skills.

Learn more about becoming a contributor.

Rate this article

More articles on Skill Gaps and Training

See all

More relevant reading

Economic Barriers in Tech Careers
Are Start-Up Costs an Invisible Economic Barrier for Women in Tech Entrepreneurship?
Overcoming Tech Industry Barriers
What Role Can Allyship Play in Supporting Women’s Success in the Technology Sector?
Support Networks for Newcomers
Can Peer Support Groups Boost Confidence for Women Starting in Tech?
Skill Gaps and Training
How Are Companies Tailoring Their Training Programs to Support Women in Tech Better?