In the face of growing political opposition to diversity and inclusion policies, tech professionals are sharing their experiences, navigating ongoing stereotypes and improved working conditions. In early 2025, Mark Zuckerberg commented during an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan that the tech industry might be lacking "male energy," a remark that raised eyebrows given that Meta’s workforce had never exceeded a ratio of 37.1% women and 62.9% men (as of 2022). This statement highlighted the ongoing debate around gender representation in the tech sector. A survey conducted by Wired of 634 women working in various tech roles—including engineering, strategy, compliance, and data—revealed mixed feelings about the industry’s progress. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents said the industry has not improved or has even worsened for women. However, there were also signs of progress: 70% felt they were paid fairly, 64% were satisfied with their careers, and 76% believed their employers took harassment and discrimination seriously. Despite these positive indicators, satisfaction levels varied depending on company size, with larger firms often reporting more challenges. Larger tech companies, such as Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, were frequently cited as environments where gender bias and harassment were more prevalent. One woman described an incident where a manager insisted she walk in front of him to "improve the view," while another shared that male colleagues had posted anatomical details of women on Slack, a common workplace communication tool. Additionally, many women in large corporations reported feeling their work consumed their entire identity, with some colleagues expressing that their professional lives were their only sense of self. These experiences were more common in the largest companies, despite efforts to foster inclusive cultures. While some women acknowledged improvements over the past decade—such as being less often the only woman in the room—others felt that systemic biases remained unchanged. One professional noted that some men still assume women's opinions are less valuable, a perception that has not shifted in the past 10 to 15 years. Meanwhile, Sheryl Sandberg, former second-in-command at Meta, has shifted her stance, arguing that women leave companies before reaching leadership not due to a lack of ambition, but because companies fail to address their needs. She highlights that companies with more women in leadership roles tend to perform better and create more supportive environments. The tech industry is also grappling with the rise of generative AI, which is reshaping job roles and raising concerns about bias and job displacement. While 86% of surveyed professionals use AI regularly, many expressed worries that it could reinforce existing inequalities. As the industry continues to evolve, the push for diversity remains a complex and ongoing challenge.