Women in Tech: Busting the Myths
The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in today’s job market, offering exciting career opportunities and the ability to shape the future. However, despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in tech roles and leadership positions. Why? Because myths and stereotypes about women in tech persist, discouraging many from exploring or advancing within this field.
At HBTC, we’re here to change that narrative. Through our apprenticeship programmes, such as the Digital Support Technician and Information Communication Technician apprenticeships, we’re actively encouraging women to step into tech careers and break these stereotypes. Below, we’ll take on 10 common myths about women in tech and show you the reality behind them.
Myth 1: Women Aren’t Interested in Tech
Reality:
Women have always been integral to tech and computing. Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, and Grace Hopper, who developed the first compiler, laid the foundation for modern technology. Women aren’t inherently “less interested” in tech; instead, stereotypes and societal expectations often discourage them from exploring it.
A lack of visible role models and bias in early education also plays a role. When given access and encouragement, women excel in tech fields. Organisations like Girls Who Code and Code First Girls have already shown how impactful support can be in fostering women’s interest in technology.
Myth 2: Women Aren’t as Good at STEM as Men
Reality:
There’s no scientific evidence to suggest women are less capable in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) than men. Studies consistently show that women often outperform men academically in tech-related subjects.
The real barriers lie within workplace culture, bias, and lack of opportunities. This gap isn’t about ability—it’s about access and environments that nurture diverse talent.
Myth 3: Women Don’t Want Leadership Roles in Tech
Reality:
Women aspire to leadership roles in tech as much as men do, but systemic barriers often stand in their way. These include fewer mentorship opportunities, unconscious bias, and organisational practices that favour men’s progression.
When women are given the right support, they thrive. According to a report by McKinsey, organisations with diverse leadership are 21% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers. Women are not avoiding leadership—they’re navigating a system that can do better to help them rise.
Myth 4: Women Are Better Suited to Non-Technical Roles in Tech
Reality:
This stereotype has unfairly funnelled women into roles such as HR, marketing, and administration, often ignoring their technical skills and expertise. Women succeed across all technical areas, from software development and engineering to data science and artificial intelligence.
Breaking this myth requires recognising and valuing women as innovators and problem-solvers across all facets of technology.
Myth 5: Tech Companies Have Already Achieved Gender Equality
Reality:
Although progress has been made, tech companies still have a long way to go. Women remain underrepresented in tech roles and leadership positions. The gender pay gap persists, and retention rates for women in tech lag behind those for men.
Systemic change—through proactive hiring, mentorship programmes, and inclusive cultures—is necessary to achieve true gender equality in the tech industry.
Myth 6: Diversity Initiatives Give Women an “Unfair Advantage”
Reality:
Diversity initiatives don’t give women an unfair advantage; they level the playing field. Historically, systemic biases have made it harder for women to access tech careers. Initiatives like apprenticeship schemes, scholarships, and networking groups ensure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
At HBTC, we proudly support diversity efforts through our apprenticeship programmes designed to welcome women into tech.
Myth 7: Women Can’t Handle the Work-Life Balance of Tech Careers
Reality:
Work-life balance challenges are universal to all professionals, not just women. Many tech roles today offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work, making it easier to balance career and personal responsibilities.
Research shows that organisations offering flexibility see higher retention rates across all employees—not just women. It isn’t about capability; it’s about enabling everyone to thrive equally.
Myth 8: Women Don’t Support Other Women in Tech
Reality:
Far from lacking camaraderie, women in tech actively support and uplift each other through numerous networks and communities. Organisations like Women Who Code, Tech Ladies, and HBTC’s apprenticeship programme help build connections, share resources, and mentor rising talent.
Collaboration and solidarity are hallmarks of the women-in-tech movement, proving this myth wrong time and again.
Myth 9: The Gender Gap Will Close Naturally Over Time
Reality:
Change requires intention—it won’t happen on its own. Without actively addressing biases, improving representation, and creating inclusive environments, the gender gap will persist. Companies must prioritise diversity and inclusion initiatives to drive sustained progress.
At HBTC, we’re passionate about taking concrete steps to support change, starting with our apprenticeship opportunities that encourage women into tech careers.
Myth 10: Women in Tech Are a Rare Phenomenon
Reality:
Women are actively shaping the tech industry. From building cutting-edge AI solutions to driving innovation in cybersecurity, women are already making groundbreaking contributions. The challenge isn’t about rarity—it’s about visibility.
Amplifying these women’s voices and showcasing their achievements is essential to inspire the next generation and shift perceptions.
Why HBTC is Championing Women in Tech
At HBTC, we believe in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed in tech. Our Digital Support Technician and Information Communication Technician apprenticeships provide opportunities for women to start and grow careers in this exciting sector.
By providing expert training, mentorship, and access to industry experience, we’re empowering women to take their first step into tech and thrive.
Do you want to break into the tech world and challenge these myths? Check out our apprenticeship vacancies here and start your tech career today.
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Chris Dolman
Chris is our dedicated Strategic Development Manager who plays a vital role in all our training contracts. He not only oversees our talented Recruitment Team, who place apprentices in valuable roles, but also cultivates strong relationships with employers. Chris’s passion lies in ensuring that both businesses and individuals are well-informed about the abundant funding and training opportunities that await them.