Women have made incredible contributions to the tech industry, yet they remain underrepresented in many fields. Despite efforts to close the gender gap, women still face challenges such as bias, lack of mentorship, and fewer opportunities for career advancement. To address these barriers, several organizations and programs have been created to support women in tech through education, mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities.
These programs are helping women break into the industry, advance in their careers, and become leaders in technology. By providing resources, training, and community support, they are shaping the future of tech to be more inclusive and diverse.
Women Who Code: Building a Global Network
Women Who Code (WWC) is one of the largest international organizations supporting women in technology. Founded in 2011, WWC has helped thousands of women develop technical skills, secure jobs, and connect with industry leaders.
The program offers free coding resources, mentorship opportunities, and in-person and virtual networking events. “We believe that a world where women are proportionally represented as technical leaders will be a better one,” says WWC CEO Alaina Percival.
WWC also partners with major tech companies to provide job opportunities and professional development. With over 300,000 members in more than 122 countries, it has created a strong support system for women at all career levels.
Girls Who Code: Inspiring the Next Generation
Girls Who Code (GWC) focuses on closing the gender gap in technology by introducing young girls to computer science. Founded by Reshma Saujani in 2012, the program offers summer camps, after-school clubs, and career preparation resources for girls from elementary school through college.
GWC teaches coding languages such as Python, Java, and HTML while emphasizing leadership skills and problem-solving. A study by the organization found that participants are seven times more likely to pursue a degree in computer science compared to the national average.
Saujani believes that early exposure to technology is crucial. “We need to teach girls to be brave, not perfect,” she says, encouraging young women to take risks and pursue STEM careers without fear of failure.
AnitaB.org and the Grace Hopper Celebration
AnitaB.org is dedicated to advancing women in technology through research, advocacy, and career programs. It is best known for organizing the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), the world’s largest gathering of women in computing.
GHC provides women in tech with opportunities to network, attend workshops, and connect with recruiters from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. The event also features keynote speeches from influential women in STEM, including past speakers such as former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith and AI ethics researcher Dr. Timnit Gebru.
Beyond GHC, AnitaB.org offers mentorship programs, scholarships, and job placement assistance. Their goal is to increase the representation of women in technical roles and leadership positions.
Black Girls Code: Increasing Diversity in Tech
Black Girls Code (BGC) was founded by Kimberly Bryant in 2011 to empower young Black girls with computer science education. The organization works to bridge the diversity gap in tech by providing workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programs.
Bryant started BGC after noticing the lack of diversity in tech spaces. “I wanted to create a place where girls of color could see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers,” she explains.
BGC has introduced thousands of girls to coding, robotics, and game development. By focusing on underrepresented communities, the program is making tech more inclusive and accessible for future generations.
Rewriting the Code: Career Support for College Women
Rewriting the Code (RTC) helps college women prepare for careers in technology through mentorship, skill-building, and networking opportunities. The program connects students with industry mentors, internship opportunities, and career workshops.
RTC partners with tech companies to provide scholarships, resume reviews, and job placement assistance. Many participants have gone on to work for major companies like Facebook, Apple, and IBM.
One of RTC’s key initiatives is the RTC Fellowship, which supports women in navigating job interviews, salary negotiations, and career development. “Women need access to the right resources and support systems to thrive in tech,” says RTC CEO Sue Harnett.
WomenTech Network: Global Career Advancement
The WomenTech Network is an international community that supports women in technology through leadership programs, mentorship, and networking events. It hosts the annual WomenTech Global Conference, where women in tech share insights, discuss industry trends, and connect with employers.
The organization also runs the Women in Tech Leadership Program, which helps women develop leadership skills and advance into executive roles. Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially and foster more innovation.
Final Thoughts
Women continue to make strides in the tech industry, and these programs are playing a crucial role in supporting their success. Whether through mentorship, education, or networking, these initiatives are helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive future for women in technology.
By taking advantage of these resources, more women can enter, grow, and lead in tech careers, driving innovation and making the industry stronger for everyone.
