Sexual harassment in tech affects many women and girls

Many women in the tech industry experience sexual harassment at work. One woman described feeling like an outsider because men in her workplace often ignored her. She fears retaliation for sharing her story, highlighting a common issue. This problem starts in schools. A Columbus high school student recounted being groped by a boy, but instead of the boy being disciplined, she was punished for defending herself. Organizations say that sexual harassment happens to students every day. In the tech field, 40% of women report harassment. However, many do not speak up. Fewer than half report the incidents, and many remain silent due to fear of losing their jobs. One woman described being pressured to tolerate inappropriate behavior from a superior to keep her job. Despite these challenges, some women see improvement and hope. They mention supportive allies and a growing presence of women in tech positions. In 2025, around 17% of tech companies have a woman as CEO, showing progress since 1970 when it was just 8%. While some women acknowledge lewd comments from coworkers, they largely feel that most men are just awkward. Both women interviewed remain optimistic about the future for women entering tech. Women hold nearly 28% of tech jobs in the U.S., but 39% report experiencing gender bias. Resources are available for those facing harassment, including hotlines and support networks.