We are here, and we belong here. Women are creating, leading, and innovating in tech, but entertainment and media refuse to see us. This is our demand for change.  

The Invisible Force Behind Tech’s Biggest Innovations 

Take a moment to look at your surroundings. How many items around you have Bluetooth or wireless communication capabilities? I’m guessing at least three (depending on where you’re reading from…). The point is that this technology is everywhere—vital to our lives—and I can almost guarantee that most of us don’t even know that this technology was developed by a WOMAN, let alone her name.  

And why don’t we know about Hedy Lamarr and her contributions to modern wireless comms? Because Hedy, like so many other women in tech, was invisible to the mainstream narrative. Her contributions, though critical, flew under the radar, overshadowed by the ever-present spotlight on her male counterpart’s contributions. 

Hedy’s story isn’t unique. In a world that celebrates tech innovators, women remain on the sidelines of recognition. Despite groundbreaking work, they rarely make it into the headlines, rarely become the face of “innovation.” This lack of visibility is both a personal blow to individuals like Hedy and a systemic issue that holds women back, reinforcing harmful stereotypes that tech is a “man’s world.” 

The entertainment and media industries’ neglect to showcase women in meaningful tech roles reinforces the myth that men are naturally better suited for them. As a result, young girls aren’t seeing women like Hedy leading the charge, and the cycle of underrepresentation continues. Men outnumber women at every level of the corporate pipeline, and the gap grows even wider as you move up the ranks. At the current rate, it would take longer for women of color—to reach parity in senior leadership.  

Can the entertainment and media industries actually help push women in tech into a more equitable position? 

When Entertainment and Media Shift, Society Follows 

In the 1980s and 1990s, fields like law, medicine, and accounting were just as male-dominated as tech is today. But a shift began as both entertainment and media industries started amplifying women’s stories. Shows like LA Law and ER didn’t just entertain—they broke down stereotypes by featuring women as doctors, lawyers, and decision-makers, roles that had previously been male-dominated. These portrayals allowed audiences to envision a new reality, where women were not only present but excelling in these fields. Young girls watching saw themselves in these characters, and society began to view women as equals in these professions. 

In the same vein, the media industry contributed by covering real-life stories of trailblazing women in these fields, highlighting their achievements and struggles. Together, these industries didn’t just reflect the changes in society—they actively propelled them. As more women saw themselves represented, more chose these paths. This transformation proves how powerful visibility can be in creating change—and why both media and entertainment need to focus on equity in tech. 

While tech still lags behind, this formula can work for our industry too. Women in tech face higher barriers, even at the entry level, and for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women achieve the same milestone. For women of color the numbers are even worse, with only 7% in C-Suite positions. Without increased visibility, the myth that tech is a “man’s field” will persist, and the cycle of inequity will continue. We need both the media to spotlight women’s real achievements in tech and entertainment to inspire what’s possible. Together, they can create a shift toward true equity in tech. 

Our Rallying Cry: Show Us Women in Tech 

AnitaB.org and women and nonbinary technologists are calling for a shift, and it starts with those who shape the stories we see every day. The tech industry is brimming with talented women whose work defines the future of innovation, but their contributions are too often overlooked by media and entertainment as a whole. This lack of visibility is intentional and a disservice to the industry and to the next generation of women coming up behind us. 

So, here’s our rallying cry to these powerful, consumer-facing industries: We are here, and we belong here. Tell our stories. Show the world our impact. We’re no longer asking politely—we’re demanding recognition for the contributions women in tech make every day. 

How media and entertainment can change the narrative: 

• Feature diverse stories: Showcase women from all corners of the tech ecosystem—software engineers, data scientists, UX designers, CTOs, and startup founders. Let the world see that women are not just present in tech, we’re thriving. 

• Highlight women-led companies: Shine a spotlight on the startups and corporations driven by women leaders. These women are reshaping industries and deserve to be seen. 

• Promote women in tech events: Cover conferences, workshops, and initiatives centered on women in technology. Amplifying these spaces brings awareness to the work being done and inspires more women to enter the field. 

• Avoid reinforcing stereotypes: Use language and imagery that empowers, not diminishes. We are here for our skills, creativity, and leadership—focus on that, not our gender or appearance. 

Here are some organizations that are working to promote gender equity in the entertainment industry:  

• Women in Film: A group that advocates for gender equity in Hollywood, including hiring more women  

• Think Tank for Inclusion & Equity (TTIE): An intersectional group of TV writers that works to increase inclusion and improve working conditions for all writers  

• SeeHer: A collective of brands that works to move gender equality forward in marketing, advertising, media, and entertainment 

The time for excuses is over. Media and entertainment have the power to elevate women in tech, and it’s time they use it. 

It’s Going to Take Entertainment, Media, and Us 

If the entertainment and media industries don’t help to change the perceptions of women in tech, it will take even longer for equity in tech. Without authentic representation, the pay gaps, biases, and ongoing discrimination will remain. Young girls won’t see women like them in tech roles, perpetuating the thought that these jobs can only belong to men. And the world will never fully understand what women in tech are capable of achieving. 

When women in tech are sidelined, innovation suffers. It’s time for a change, and it starts with you and me. We must be vocal about the equality we’re calling for, ensuring that both media and entertainment hear our demand for fairness, equity, and visibility. Every time we speak up, we challenge outdated narratives and open doors for the next generation. 

Women in tech are already doing the work; now, it’s time for media and entertainment to share our impact with the world. Join AnitaB.org Membership to stand together with other women and nonbinary technologists, amplifying our voices and demanding the recognition we deserve. Let’s make sure the next generation of women in tech sees the future they belong to.