Gender Bias Reports in Tech Have Increased
A new survey reveals 47% of women in technology report experiencing unfair treatment due to their gender.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Recent findings from ISACA show that gender-based discrimination in the tech industry has climbed by five percentage points since 2024. Nearly half of women in the sector now report facing unfair treatment at work.
Why it matters
The survey highlights persistent barriers to workplace equity as women report higher rates of job-related stress and burnout than their male counterparts. These figures underscore the challenges regarding retention and representation within the global technology workforce.
A survey of technology professionals found that 47% of women report unfair treatment due to gender, up from 42% in 2024. Additionally, data indicates women in European tech earn 26% less than men on average.
The players
ISACA
This is a global professional association focused on IT governance, security, and the standardization of technology industry practices.
The details
Sixty-three percent of women believe there are insufficient numbers of women in the industry, while 64% of women report experiencing job-related burnout compared to 57% of men. Despite these challenges, about 53% of women feel they possess influence on their company's strategy.
Timeline
The ISACA survey results were published on October 13, 2026.
The prior measurement of gender discrimination rates occurred in 2024.
Respondents expect a shift in industry demographics to occur within five years.
Culture Shift
This data reflects a broader societal shift toward increased transparency regarding workplace culture and diversity metrics in high-pressure industries. It highlights how organizations are struggling to bridge the gap between stated inclusion goals and the daily experiences of female employees.
For women working in tech, these findings may influence how they approach career advancement negotiations or evaluate the support resources offered by their current employers. The data also underscores the importance of identifying companies that proactively provide mental health support, as only one-quarter of employers currently offer dedicated mental health days.
The takeaway
The data suggests that while industry sentiment expects more women to enter the field in the coming years, immediate improvements in management and workplace culture remain critical. Employees should look for firms that offer concrete support structures, such as dedicated mental health days, to help mitigate burnout.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving workplace dynamics in the Women’s Issues section.
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