When I transitioned into product management, it felt like stepping into a space where creativity meets strategy—a role where every decision shapes how people interact with technology. As I embraced the challenge to think big, work collaboratively, and lead with intention, I couldn’t help but notice something troubling about the space I was now a part of.
Despite the tech industry’s strides in inclusivity, women still occupy less than 30% of its workforce globally, with even fewer in leadership roles like product management. This gap isn’t just a statistic—it reflects deeper systemic barriers.
One of the biggest challenges women face in tech is the persistent need to prove their worth. Subtle biases or outright dismissals of their ideas often reinforce feelings of imposter syndrome, making it even harder to speak up and assert their presence.
Compounding this issue is the lack of mentorship—many women in tech lack access to experienced leaders who can provide guidance, support, and insights to help them navigate their careers effectively.
Opportunities for Women in Product Management
Despite the challenges, product management presents women with unique opportunities to lead, innovate, and excel. As a PM, you operate at the intersection of vision, strategy, and execution, bridging the gap between technical teams and users to create products that deliver meaningful value.
Women bring distinctive strengths to these roles—empathy, collaboration, and the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives. These aren’t just “soft skills”; they are critical tools for creating products that truly address human needs. In my journey, I’ve found that understanding user pain points goes beyond technical expertise. It requires emotional intelligence and a genuine connection to the people you’re building for, making these skills invaluable.
How do we encourage more women to pursue product management and thrive in these roles? It starts with building confidence. Women are encouraged to speak up in meetings, advocate for their ideas even when self-doubt arises, and trust their ability to deliver results. Excellence and visibility are powerful tools for breaking down stereotypes and overcoming biases.
Upskilling is equally important. Enrolling in a product school was pivotal for my growth, helping me gain skills like road mapping, user research, and stakeholder management. Product management demands a mix of technical knowledge and strategic thinking, so whether it’s through boot camps, certifications, or internships, investing in these areas can accelerate your growth and open doors to new opportunities.
Fostering Inclusion in the Industry
Empowering women in tech goes beyond individual effort—it demands collective action. Companies must rethink their hiring practices, confront biases, and create pathways for women to step into leadership roles where they can truly excel.
Representation matters. When women in product management are visible and supported, they inspire others to follow, breaking down stereotypes about who belongs in tech. However, inclusion is not just about hiring more women; it’s about cultivating environments where women can lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions.
For women considering a career in product management, embrace the challenge and opportunity with confidence. Focus on building your skills, connect with mentors who can provide guidance and support, and trust in your capacity to make a meaningful impact.
For those already in the field, true success isn’t just about the roles we hold today—it’s about the opportunities we create for the next generation of product managers. If we work together, we can build a tech ecosystem where everyone has a seat at the table and the resources to thrive.
Adeola Adebayo is the CEO/Product Lead (Co-founder) at Bidhaa, a digital library that offers founders and product teams a wealth of resources for Product research, strategy, and operations in the African market.
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