Since 1911, International Women’s Day (March 8) celebrates the achievements of women throughout the world, but it’s also a day to bring awareness to inequities women face in certain fields – the gender gap in tech, for instance. For starters, only a little more than a quarter of women hold tech-related jobs, and more than 50% of women in tech leave by the midpoint in their careers – double that of men. And when it comes to future generations, women make up only 25% of tech graduates, with female Gen Zers less likely to say they’d be good at a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) compared to their male counterparts. Clearly, there is work to be done.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, we spoke with Lora Rodstein, SVP of Human Resources, a 20-year technology veteran who is shaping a progressive, diverse, and top-performing culture here at LastPass, about her own experiences as a woman in tech along with advice for those looking to enter and make their mark in this industry.
Q: Have you ever felt a bias towards you because you are a woman in a male-dominated field (tech industry)?
A: Gender has never been an obstacle for me, thanks to strong mentors and supportive executive teams throughout my career. Female mentorship has been incredibly valuable as well. A mentor isn’t just someone to help you advance your career, they can also be a soundboard for advice as you navigate your day-to-day while carving out long-term goals and aspirations. It’s also important to build a strong professional network by joining professional associations, online communities, and connecting with colleagues who share similar goals and interests.
Q: What advice would you give to women entering the tech space today?
A: I recommend investing in continuous learning to keep up in an ever-evolving tech field. Advocating for yourself is another key skill. Confidence and assertiveness propel careers forward. And embrace failure. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make mistakes. Failure is a natural part of learning, so it’s important to take risks.
Q: What do you think would improve equity for women in the tech industry?
A: Education as key to encouraging more women to enter, grow, and succeed in STEM. And once they enter the workforce, businesses need to continue to support that gender diversity through company culture with policies and programs that positively affect and support those women. Here at LastPass, “Team Matters,” which translates to fostering the values of collaboration, equality, inclusivity, and diversity. We also invest in Employee Resource Groups to make sure we live those values every day.
While there is much to be done, awareness, advocacy, and education can help close the tech gender gap. For today, though, on this International Women’s Day, we celebrate women like Lora who have forged a path for future female tech innovators.
