Boston Consulting Group: 5 Steps for Women in Tech to Reach the Top

For women in tech, this the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Break the Bias,” carried special significance. Despite all its numerous quantifiable business benefits, “gender parity is still generations away” in the tech industry, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Women are underrepresented in the tech industry, and even more so in leadership positions. Women make up almost half of the U.S. workforce, but hold only 28% of the leadership positions in tech. And, according to a survey by BCG, that’s not due to a lack of ambition. Around two-thirds of both women and men surveyed said they were trying for promotion.

“Gender diversity can be a profound business challenge — or a source of competitive advantage,” states BCG. “But it’s not women who need to change. It’s the workplace.”

While the tech industry may be dragging its feet on driving gender diversity, women in tech are not. In the words of the Eurythmics, “Sisters are doin’ it for themselves.” They are creating opportunities for themselves with advanced training, peer groups and mentoring.

BCG surveyed 457 female tech leaders to find out what it takes to make it to the top. Scroll through the gallery above to learn about five steps women in tech can take to improve their odds of advancement.