Equality: Lack of women in IT

Almost one in two companies (48%) believe that IT and digital professions put women off. These are the results of a representative survey of more than 600 companies from all sectors commissioned by the digital association Bitkom to mark International Women's Day on March 8. „Stereotypical role models are still anchored in too many companies,“ says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. „If IT professions put women off or are too little known to them, this is not a law of nature. It is a clear mandate for companies, education and politics to break down barriers and make IT professions visible and attractive for women.“

Equality as a competitive factor

German companies rate gender equality predominantly positively - and also see it as a factor for greater competitiveness. More than three quarters (78%) of companies say that without women, the economy is gambling away its future. 65 percent are of the opinion that the economy cannot solve the IT skills problem without women. At the same time, companies appreciate the advantages of mixed teams. 13 percent state that more than half of the workforce is female, 25 percent believe that the proportion is roughly equal and 58 percent believe that there are significantly fewer female employees. In the IT and digital sector as a whole, 89% estimate that there are significantly fewer women than men. 13% state that more than half of the workforce is female, 25% believe that the proportion is roughly equal and 58% believe that there are significantly fewer female employees.

In the IT and digital sector as a whole, 89% estimate that significantly fewer women than men are employed. However, women remain underrepresented in professional practice. In 58% of German companies, less than half of employees are female - in 2025, the figure was 64%. 

36 percent of companies have not set any targets with regard to the proportion of women. Around 38 percent have targets, either planned or already achieved. 36 percent of companies have not set any targets with regard to the proportion of women. Around 38 percent have targets, either planned or already achieved.

“Many girls and women don't decide against IT because they can't do it - but because they don't see themselves there.”

Susanne Dehmel,
Member of the Executive Board,
Bitkom e. V.

In order to actually recruit more women specifically for IT and digital professions, a majority of 79% of companies use at least one measure for the targeted recruitment of women. The most widespread are cooperations with universities and schools, which 29% of companies already use to attract women to IT and digital professions.
to win. 25 percent offer special entry-level programs such as traineeships. „The advancement of women must not fail because of prejudices or symbolic politics - it has to work in everyday life,“ says Wintergerst. „The figures show this: Many companies are taking action, for example with flexible working models and mentoring offers. It is now crucial to implement measures consistently and to tighten them up, especially in areas where structures are still holding women back.“

„Many girls and women don't decide against IT because they can't do it - but because they don't see themselves there,“ says Susanne Dehmel, member of the steering committee of #SheTransformsIT and the Bitkom management. „This is exactly where we come in: with visible role models, practical career guidance and networks that strengthen women on their career path.“ (Source: Bitkom)