Although the technology sector is often presented as an environment of innovation and progress, the latest data indicates that women continue to face invisible obstacles. This is demonstrated by the report “Women in Tech 2025, FOMO at Work, The Opportunity Gap Between Men and Women in Tech”, prepared by Acronis.
The document analyzes the reality of more than 650 IT professionals from eight countries, including Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, and sends a clear message: gender equality in technology is still far from being achieved. Only 60% of women consider that men and women have the same possibilities for professional development, compared to 75% of men who do perceive equality.
The unequal perception of opportunities in technology
One of the most worrying findings of the report is the impact that work-life balance has on women’s careers. 63% of women say that this factor limits their professional growth, while only 49% of men perceive it as a problem. Additionally, two in three women feel the need to work longer hours to advance their careers, a pressure that reflects the lack of flexibility and support in tech work environments.
Biases and stereotypes also continue to be a major deterrent. 41% of the women surveyed consider that prejudice is the main reason why many do not choose to train in cybersecurity or access leadership positions. This percentage, although it may seem lower, is significantly higher than that of men, who place it at 33%.
Only 60% of women consider that men and women have the same possibilities for professional development, compared to 75% of men who do perceive equality
“Our new survey findings highlight how different the experience between men and women is when working in the technology sector,” explained Alona Geckler, Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Chief People Officer at Acronis. “Closing this gender gap requires much more than good intentions. Organizations must recognize these inequalities and design programs that foster leadership opportunities for women, address bias directly, and foster environments where work-life balance is not an obstacle.”
The challenge of leading in an unequal environment
The study shows that access to management positions continues to be a challenge for women in technology. 41% of them identify bias as the main barrier to achieving leadership roles, compared to 36% of men. Additionally, seven in ten women prioritize specific female leadership development programs, demonstrating a clear demand for structured support to advance their careers.
Another relevant data is the “fear of being left behind”, a phenomenon that Acronis identifies as FOMO (fear of missing out) applied to the workplace. 52% of women fear losing professional opportunities due to family responsibilities, compared to 42% of men. This sentiment reflects a persistent reality: traditional employment structures continue to fail to adapt to female talent or offer equitable conditions.
