Despite decades of legislative and business efforts, the technology industry continues to struggle with gender equality. Over 50 years ago, Congress recognized and attempted to address gender discrimination in the workplace with the enactment of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., and the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d). These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender and were drafted, in part, to level the playing field between men and women in the workplace. Despite the fact that gender equity in the workplace has improved since 1963, women continue to face a long road for true equality, especially in the field of technology.
The technology industry, like many other industries, recognizes that gender diversity is good for business. Studies show that gender-diverse groups produce better results, create more collaborative work environments, and have more profitability than groups that lack diversity. These results are enhanced when women have leadership and decision-making roles.