Why We Need More Women in Tech & AV
Moving AV & Tech Forward: Why More Women Belong in the Room
March is Women’s History Month, which also includes International Women’s Day—a time to recognize the contributions of women who have shaped industries, broken down barriers, and paved the way for future generations. While many fields have seen increased female representation over the years, the audiovisual (AV) and technology industries remain largely male-dominated.
However, women in tech and AV have made, and continue to make, significant impacts in these spaces. They are driving diversity in technology, fostering innovation, and reshaping how tech integrates into businesses, healthcare, education, and more.
While the road hasn’t always been easy, progress is happening, and it will continue to happen as long as women are in the room. Let’s take a look at the history of women in AV, the challenges they’ve faced in technology, and the future of women in the industry.
The Evolution of Women in Tech and AV
Historically, the audiovisual and technology industries have been shaped by both men and women, though the contributions of women haven’t always been widely recognized.
When we look at women in tech history, pioneers like Ada Lovelace, often credited as the first computer programmer, and Grace Hopper, who developed one of the first programming languages, helped lay the groundwork for modern computing and digital technology. Their innovations are essential to the networked AV systems and digital communications solutions we rely on today.
IN FACT: Grace Hopper also coined one of the most well-known phrases in technology: ‘bug’—as in fixing a software bug.
Among other ladies leading the way, there’s Lenise Bent, an internationally recognized innovator and trailblazer for women in audio. She’s contributed engineering work for some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Steely Dan, Supertramp, and Fleetwood Mac. She also became the first female engineer to earn a platinum record for her work on Blondie’s Autoamerican.
Despite these early contributions, women in AV remain significantly underrepresented. A study by AVIXA found that women make up only about 6% of the global audiovisual workforce and 11% in the US.
Unfortunately, the broader women in tech industry faces similar trends. Women make up less than a third of the global workforce in technology-related fields, and while they once held 35% of computing roles in the 1980s, that number has since declined. Many leave due to workplace culture, a lack of career growth, or limited representation in leadership roles.
However, the AV and technology industries are at a turning point. Organizations are recognizing the need to change these patterns by encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology, systems integration, and digital solutions.
How Far Women in Tech and AV Have Come
In 1999, only three large U.S. public companies were led by women. While that number has grown, female representation in leadership has increased only slightly—from 32% in 2015 to 37% in 2024. It’s progress, but still shockingly underrepresented considering studies show that companies perform better when women are in decision making roles.
IN FACT: A McKinsey & Company study found that companies with at least 30% women in leadership are significantly more likely to financially outperform their competitors.
Yet, despite these road blocks, women have continued to push forward, take up space, and claim their place in the workforce, including AV and tech. They are breaking barriers and proving they belong in every room where decisions are made.
For many women, this journey hasn’t been easy. IDS's Director of Human Resources, Katie Followell, reflects on her career across multiple industries:
In recent years, we have seen more women stepping into roles across the AV and tech industry as a whole. From systems integration, product management, enterprise collaboration, and digital transformation.
Yet, even with the slow growing representation, women still made up only 13% of attendees at InfoComm in 2022, highlighting the work that remains.
Challenges Women Have Faced in the AV & Tech Industry
While some progress is happening, women in AV and tech still face unique challenges that must be addressed.
Breaking Into a Male-Dominated Industry
For decades, AV and tech roles have been overwhelmingly male-dominated, making it difficult for women to find mentors, opportunities, or recognition.
IN FACT: A Women Tech Network survey found that 65% of tech recruiters acknowledge bias in hiring, and 66% of women say they lack clear career advancement paths within their companies.
Thankfully, industry organizations like AVIXA’s Women’s Council, Cisco’s Women Internship Program and WAVIT (Women in AV/IT) are working to increase mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities for women in AV.
Work-Life Balance & Career Growth
A study from the National Center for Women & Information Technology found that women are twice as likely as men to leave tech careers, often due to a lack of advancement opportunities or difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities.
Another AVIXA report, Pro AV: Are Women Fully Welcome?, found that pay equity and parental leave policies are also factors in women leaving the AV industry.
Awareness for Women
Many women are not given the awareness of AV as a potential path. Those who are often don’t have nearly as many women role models or potential mentors as men. Even at a young age many are discouraged away from their STEM passions as, sadly, studies have shown educators awarding higher grades than girls for the same math work—and it doesn’t stop there.
The overall stereotype that AV and tech careers are “men’s work” still lingers today.
“Unfortunately I have faced many challenges as a woman in the industry. The biggest problem I've noticed is that men tend to see me as an ‘amateur’ or ‘not professional.’ I've even had [people] tell me that ‘Someday you'll be a professional in the industry,’ even though I already am and have been for multiple years” — Emma Sweet, IDS Design Engineer
While women in tech and AV continue to challenge the status quo every day, it doesn’t escape the fact that women are still consistently underrepresented and underestimated in these positions.
The good news? The industry is actively working to overcome these barriers through better visibility, education, and advocacy, but lasting change requires continued effort from everyone.
The Role of Allies and Support Systems for Women in AV & Tech
One of the most encouraging aspects of the AV and technology industry’s progress is the recognition that supporting women isn’t just a “women’s issue.” Male allies and industry leaders are playing a crucial role in fostering more inclusive environments—offering mentorship, advocating for diversity, and actively championing for women.
- Chris Apple, IDS President
Men in leadership play a crucial role in fostering inclusive workplaces, providing an avenue for real change and advocating for diversity. The more the industry embraces equity, representation, and opportunity for all, the stronger it becomes.
The future of AV and technology is diverse, innovative, and built by the best minds, regardless of gender.
The Future for Women in Tech and AV
The future of AV and tech is one that demands out of the box thinking, different perspectives, unique styles, creativity, and collaboration, all of which thrive in diverse work environments. While the industry has made moves in the right direction, there’s still work to be done to ensure that more women are encouraged to enter and advance in these types of careers.
And it starts with awareness:
“Having navigated a male-dominated industry for decades, I know firsthand how vital it is to shine a light on the women who paved the way and those who are making waves today. Visibility matters. Recognition matters. Most of all, pushing forward together matters” - Rhonda Lutz, IDS Regional Account Manager
By continuing to support and celebrate women in AV and technology, the industry can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking future, one where barriers are broken, modernization continues to thrive, and everyone has a seat at the table.
Championing Women in Tech and AV
Women’s History Month shouldn’t be the only time to reflect on the progress or tell the stories you rarely hear. However, it’s still a powerful time when many do come together to voice what is needed.
As the AV and Tech industries evolve, the inclusion and empowerment of women will only make it stronger. Women are an asset to the audiovisual and technology realms. History has proven it.
At IDS, we believe in the power of diversity in technology and AV—because when we create environments where everyone can succeed, the entire industry moves forward.
