Women Go Tech, a Lithuanian NGO dedicated to empowering women in the tech industry, has released a study shedding light on the challenges faced by women in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as they navigate career progression in the sector.
The study, titled Building the Future Power Hub for Women in Tech, surveyed 5,475 women across 13 countries with support from Google.org and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The findings not only highlight the barriers that women encounter but also propose actionable strategies to foster gender diversity and inclusion within the tech ecosystem.
According to the study, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, and Latvia have made significant strides in enabling women’s participation in tech, offering better access to education, job opportunities, and career growth.
However, women in Slovakia, Czechia, and Croatia face considerable obstacles, making it harder for them to enter and advance in the tech industry. These disparities underscore the uneven progress across the region, where cultural perceptions, workplace policies, and structural barriers continue to influence women’s professional trajectories.
Women from all surveyed CEE countries pointed to common challenges that hinder their career advancement, including ageism, negative stereotypes about their technical abilities, and biases in education that limit their exposure to technology-related fields from an early age.
In addition to these systemic barriers, many women reported struggling with work-life balance and a lack of female representation in leadership positions, which further discourages them from pursuing long-term careers in tech. In some countries, such as Croatia and Slovenia, deep-rooted societal stereotypes about women’s capability in the tech sector remain a significant deterrent.
Despite these obstacles, the study also presents a roadmap for improvement, emphasizing that creating a more inclusive and supportive tech environment benefits not only women but the industry as a whole. Zydrunė Vitaitė, co-founder of Women Go Tech, highlighted the importance of fostering a culture where women feel empowered by governments, businesses, and their peers. She stressed that gender-balanced companies tend to develop better products and services by considering diverse user perspectives, ultimately strengthening the tech industry’s innovation potential.
Bulgaria stands out as a leading example of gender inclusion in tech, with one of the highest rates of female participation in STEM fields across Europe. Respondents in the study noted that Bulgaria offers strong opportunities for upskilling, equitable access to education, and a thriving tech ecosystem. The country’s tech sector grew by 12 percent in 2023 and has demonstrated consistent expansion over the past 15 years, solidifying its position as a dynamic hub for technological advancement.
The study aligns with broader research supporting the business case for gender diversity. A 2023 McKinsey analysis of 1,265 companies across 23 countries found that organizations in the top quartile for gender representation were 39 percent more likely to financially outperform their counterparts in the bottom quartile. Furthermore, companies with greater diversity on their boards had a 27 percent higher likelihood of achieving superior financial results. These findings reinforce the notion that diverse teams drive better business outcomes, making gender inclusion not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage.
One of the most pressing challenges identified in the study is the need for structured mentorship programs to help women navigate the tech industry. The data revealed that the majority of women surveyed did not have mentors while building their careers, which limits their ability to learn from industry leaders and gain the confidence needed to advance. Addressing this gap requires action at both the governmental and corporate levels. Policymakers are urged to invest in mentorship and training programs specifically tailored to women, while companies should implement mentorship initiatives, adopt inclusive hiring practices, and promote female leadership.
Compensation remains a crucial factor influencing women’s decision to enter and remain in the tech sector. Although better pay is a key motivator, the gender pay gap persists, discouraging many women from pursuing long-term careers in the industry. Additionally, a lack of flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, exacerbates the work-life balance challenges that many women face. The study suggests that transparent equal pay policies and greater flexibility in work arrangements could significantly improve retention and attract more women into the field.
Another critical issue highlighted in the study is Europe’s growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills shortage. The European Union has set a target of reaching 20 million ICT specialists by 2030, yet projections indicate only 12 million will be available, leaving a significant talent gap. Ensuring equal career progression opportunities for women in tech is essential in addressing this shortfall and strengthening Europe’s digital economy.
The study also includes a special focus on Ukrainian women in exile who are striving to rebuild their professional lives within the tech sector. Many face additional challenges due to displacement, language barriers, and the need to adapt to new work environments. By addressing these unique obstacles, the industry can tap into a highly motivated and skilled workforce while providing much-needed support to women affected by the ongoing crisis.
Ultimately, Building the Future Power Hub for Women in Tech underscores the urgency of creating a more inclusive tech industry in Central and Eastern Europe. The findings call for collective action from governments, businesses, and educational institutions to break down barriers, provide mentorship and training, and implement policies that ensure equal opportunities. By doing so, the region can unlock its full potential, driving innovation and positioning itself as a global leader in the technology sector.
