What Age-Related Barriers Do Women in Tech Face Today?

Powered by AI and the women in tech community.

Older women in tech face multiple challenges including bias, ageism, and lack of mentors, leading to fewer advancement opportunities. Issues like work-life balance, pressure to appear youthful, networking challenges, a digital skills gap, wage disparities, and industry invisibility further impede their career growth.

Older women in tech face multiple challenges including bias, ageism, and lack of mentors, leading to fewer advancement opportunities. Issues like work-life balance, pressure to appear youthful, networking challenges, a digital skills gap, wage disparities, and industry invisibility further impede their career growth.

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.

Bias and Stereotyping

Women in the tech industry, especially as they age, face the challenge of bias and stereotyping. There's a prevailing stereotype that younger employees are more adaptable and quicker learners when it comes to new technologies, which can lead to older women being passed over for opportunities for advancement or even employment.

Add your perspective

Ageism Coupled with Gender Discrimination

Ageism is a significant barrier, and when combined with gender discrimination, it creates a dual hurdle for women in tech. This intersectionality means that older women may be less likely to be hired, promoted, or given significant projects compared to their younger or male counterparts.

Add your perspective

Lack of Role Models

As women age in the tech industry, they often find fewer role models and mentors who have navigated similar challenges. This lack of visibility not only affects their career progression but also contributes to a feeling of isolation and a perceived glass ceiling.

Add your perspective

Reduced Opportunities for Professional Development

Older women in tech may find fewer opportunities for professional development tailored to their career stage. Training and advancement programs are often designed with younger employees in mind, making it challenging for older women to find resources to upskill or reskill.

Add your perspective

Work-Life Balance Challenges

Women, in general, may face expectations regarding caregiving responsibilities for children or aging parents. As they age, these responsibilities can increase, impacting their availability for demanding projects or roles that require long hours or travel, leading to potential career stagnation.

Add your perspective

The Pressure to Appear Youthful

In an industry that celebrates youth and innovation, there can be pressure for older women to appear younger or more 'in touch' with the latest trends, which can contribute to a culture that values appearance over experience and knowledge.

Add your perspective

Networking Challenges

Networking opportunities tend to cater to younger professionals, making it difficult for older women to connect with peers or find mentors. Networking events may also be less accessible due to location, timing, or relevance, hindering career growth.

Add your perspective

Digital Skills Gap

Rapid advancements in technology mean that staying current can be challenging. Older women in tech may be perceived as being less knowledgeable about the latest tools and technologies, creating an unjustified barrier to advancement.

Add your perspective

Wage Disparities

Age and gender can both negatively impact earnings, with older women in tech potentially facing a compounded wage gap. This disparity can demotivate and contribute to the financial insecurity of women as they progress in their careers.

Add your perspective

Invisibility in the Industry

Finally, older women in tech often face an invisibility barrier, where their contributions and expertise are overlooked or undervalued. This lack of recognition can impede career growth and lead to disillusionment, pushing talented individuals out of the sector.

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

Age-Related Policy Development

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

Learn more about becoming a contributor.

Rate this article

More articles on Age-Related Policy Development

See all

More relevant reading

Career Development at Different Ages
What Are the Key Career Milestones for Women in Tech at Every Age?
Career Development at Different Ages
How to Craft a Fulfilling Tech Career Path at Any Age: A Guide for Women
Intergenerational Collaboration
How Can Different Generations Contribute to Gender Equality in Tech?
Mentorship Across Age Groups
What Can Age-Diverse Mentorship Teach Us About Leadership in the Tech Industry?