Despite making up roughly 50% of the population, women make up 42% of the global workforce, with only 40% of working age women participating in the workforce. Despite vast improvements in these numbers, women are less likely to be employed, and more likely to be underpaid than their male counterparts, with an estimated 122 years until the global gender gap is closed according to Women in Tech Network. Although it is possible for women to enter high earning fields such as tech, the number of women in tech and STEM roles hovers between 25-35% of the workforce globally. The reasons for this are complex, and range from cultural to systemic. While there are many amazing organizations that seek to address these issues, we find that their stories are often left untold, which leaves women feeling alone. That feeling of non-belonging contributes to the damning statistic, provided by Tech Informed, that 50% of women leave tech by age 35.

We are seeking to give women and those with diverse and marginalized genders a place to speak about the issues facing them in tech. We hope to make people feel less alone in what they may be going through at work, whether it is a lack of mentorship or sponsorship, micro- or macro-aggressions, impostor syndrome, or the general challenges associated with “having it all.” If you can’t see it, it makes it so much harder to be it, so we want to shine a light on our collective and individual experiences.

Submit your essay idea by emailing us at essays@50×35.org or using our contact form. We are looking for brave folks to tell their stories. Whether you faced a big challenge, had a big win, learned something new, or have an interesting tale to share--our readers can benefit from your story. You are never alone in what you face, and telling your story can be a powerful reminder of this.

I don’t want to be defined by anyone but myself. As a survivor of domestic violence, so much of my life has been predicated by the actions of others. While it isn’t fair to me that this is the case, I am the one who is responsible for picking myself back up and making the life I want to live. I have spent so much time trying to shrink myself, which provides temporary safety but feels bad in the long run. All I ever wanted when I was going through abuse was to know that life on the other side is possible, and speaking about my struggles and successes has shown not only me, but others, that it is.

It feels corny to say, but look for the helpers. One of the most rewarding things that I do is mentoring other women in tech via a non-profit. I sought out groups that other brave individuals have started and signed up to contribute. Not only does volunteering make me a better, more well-rounded developer, it impacts the lives of so many others. If there isn’t a group that exists, you may be the helper you have been looking for. Start a book club at work. Ask your boss for mentorship opportunities. Look for groups locally. You are stronger than you realize, but we are stronger together.

▶ Favorite desk ornament: I have an obscene number of Labubus. They’re just weird, fuzzy little guys!

▶ Playlist on repeat: Lofi Hip Hop Radio Beats to Study/Relax To is almost always playing in my office.

▶ Current reads: The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins and The Ambition Penalty by Stefanie O’Connell for serious reads, and Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle for fun.

▶ Must-have gear: The mechanical keyboard my husband built for me. 🥰

II had the idea to start this newsletter after reading the statistic that 50% of women leave tech by age 35. I am turning 35 this year, and I barely made it into tech because of life circumstances, so it resonated with me. I made a LinkedIn post to start a discussion on the topic, and found that many women are entering the industry at around that age, too. I asked myself what I can learn from them, and what knowledge we can share to encourage people to stay.

I have enlisted the help of a former colleague, who will be introducing herself soon, and we are hoping to launch our first series of essays by the end of the summer.

If you would like to be a part of this, let us know by emailing us at essays@50×35.org or using our contact form. us tell real stories