Report reveals perceptions gap on barriers for women in tech

A new report has revealed significant differences in perceptions between men and women regarding career advancement, workplace challenges, and barriers within the technology sector.

The 2025 Women in Tech Report, entitled "FOMO at Work: The Opportunity Gap Between Men and Women in Tech" and published by Acronis, surveyed more than 650 IT professionals across eight countries. The study found that more than two-thirds of women in technology believe they must work longer hours to progress in their careers, as compared to 56% of their male counterparts.

The report highlights a consistent perception gap on equal access to opportunities. Only 60% of women believe that men and women have equal access to career development and growth within the tech industry. This contrasts with 75% of men who share that view. Similarly, work-life balance is seen as a significant challenge by 63% of women, with only 49% of men agreeing that these issues affect women's career progression.

Barriers and bias

Bias and stereotypes were cited as primary obstacles to entering cybersecurity roles by 41% of women, compared to 33% of men. Regarding leadership positions, the report found that 41% of women versus 36% of men view bias as the biggest barrier to obtaining such roles in the technology sector.

Leadership development programmes tailored specifically to women are prioritised by 70% of female respondents, while only 56% of male respondents view this as important. The concern about missing out on career opportunities due to family responsibilities-termed "FOMO at work"-was found to be significant for 52% of women and 42% of men.

Regional insights

European respondents, and particularly those in the United Kingdom, reported higher awareness of gender bias impacting women's entry into IT professions. In the UK, 46% of respondents identified gender bias and stereotypes as the primary reason women are discouraged from pursuing cybersecurity careers, compared with 33% in the United States.

"Our new survey findings shine a spotlight on just how differently men and women experience working in the tech industry," said Alona Geckler, SVP Business Operations and Chief of Staff at Acronis. "Closing the gender gap requires more than good intentions. Organisations must recognise these disparities and design programs that expand leadership opportunities, confront bias head-on, and create environments where work-life balance doesn't present any barriers that may potentially derail women's careers."

The survey found that women place greater value on targeted initiatives such as leadership development and advocacy programmes, whereas men are more likely to underestimate the impact of systemic barriers. These differing perspectives point to areas where organisations could do more to close existing gaps, improve inclusivity, and leverage the full potential of their workforce.

Industry perspectives

"This report highlights the critical need for companies to listen more closely to women's experiences in technology career paths," said Melyssa Banda, Senior Vice President, Edge Storage and Services at Seagate Technology. "For companies across the tech sector, highlighting women role models, addressing bias directly, and fostering inclusive cultures can benefit the entire industry. The opportunity now is to turn these insights into action that can drive innovation and create a workplace where everyone can thrive."

The global study reflects the current makeup of the tech sector where women represent just 29% of the global technology workforce, a proportion mirrored in the survey sample. The 2025 report builds upon findings from the previous year, expanding its focus from women's experiences alone to include comparisons with men's perceptions, and increasing both the number of respondents and countries surveyed.

The research found ongoing disparities in perceptions of equality, the importance of workplace inclusion strategies, and specific barriers faced by women in technology roles internationally. Although the report notes some progress, it suggests that inequities in the workplace remain ingrained, particularly in technology.

The 2025 Women in Tech Report includes detailed findings on workplace perceptions and provides data-driven suggestions for organisations aiming to close gaps and build environments where all employees have an equitable chance to succeed.