In a professional world still largely shaped by masculine dynamics, women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are redrawing the map of their future. Thanks to collective action, they are no longer merely following predefined paths. They’re creating their own, empowering each other, and redefining the codes of success. For recent graduates, women in career transitions or researchers seeking recognition, women-centered communities are no longer optional they’re career game changers.
A shifting context: the collective momentum is growing
In recent years, initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity in scientific and technical careers have multiplied. Still, the numbers remain revealing: in France, women hold just 28% of STEM jobs, and less than 15% in engineering fields.
Yet, a strong momentum is building. Associations, mentoring circles, online support groups, and peer-learning programs are enabling women to organize, share experiences, upskill together, and push back against longstanding barriers.
In the news: spring 2025, a season of tech sisterhood
During February’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, many events across France and Europe spotlighted inspiring journeys. Women-only hackathons, cross-generational webinars, and meetups between students and professionals celebrated the power of connection. In April, the collective “Elles innovent pour le numérique” launched a national mentorship program, aiming to create 500 mentor-mentee pairs by the end of 2025 a powerful response to the isolation many women experience in the tech world.
Harnessing the group to aim higher
In male-dominated industries, women often face numerous challenges: lack of role models, unconscious bias, and professional isolation. Joining a network or collective helps break this cycle by offering:
- moral support during moments of doubt or mental fatigue
- targeted career advice that reflects real-world challenges
- professional opportunities, often shared between members
- skill-building opportunities, through workshops, training sessions or expert exchanges
In these safe and empowering spaces, women can test ideas, ask questions without fear, build confidence, and dare to aim for leadership roles or bold projects.
Choosing the right collective: networks, associations, communities
One of the strengths of collective engagement lies in its variety. Depending on background, career stage or goals, each woman can find a structure that fits:
- Alumni networks from engineering schools or science universities
- Professional women’s associations like Femmes Ingénieures, Women in Tech, or Femmes & Sciences
- Informal online groups on LinkedIn, Slack or Discord, often organized around specific fields (data, AI, cybersecurity, etc.)
- Local or regional communities, active in organizing in-person or hybrid events
In fact, joining multiple groups is often recommended to multiply perspectives and grow your network more organically.
Mentoring: a powerful career accelerator
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in helping women advance in STEM careers. Having a more experienced professional by your side provides invaluable guidance, helps avoid common pitfalls, and widens your perspective on what success can look like.
Benefits of mentoring include:
- asking questions in a safe and judgment-free space
- discovering career paths you hadn’t considered
- gaining concrete feedback from real-world experience
- working through personal and professional roadblocks
Many women also choose to become mentors themselves a powerful way to strengthen one’s own leadership, give back, and fuel a virtuous circle of collective progress.
Breaking stereotypes and showcasing role models
Stereotypes about women in science still persist. However, countless success stories prove otherwise. Collectives help make these journeys visible and accessible, inspiring others and normalizing women’s presence in strategic roles.
From a developer turned CTO to a mathematician leading an AI project or a biologist turned entrepreneur, these stories show that women’s STEM careers are diverse, rich, and absolutely achievable.
The power of professional sisterhood
Far from the cliché of “girl power,” professional sisterhood is built on solid foundations: listening, mutual support, trust, and respect. This unique environment helps women feel legitimate, free from judgment, and ready to fully realize their potential.
In a world that often rewards competitiveness, these collectives offer a collaborative space over rivalry and that is precisely where their strength lies.
Practical tips for women in STEM seeking support
Here are a few simple, actionable steps to benefit from collective empowerment:
- identify associations or active groups in your field
- attend events, even online, to meet like-minded professionals
- offer your skills on collaborative projects
- seek out a mentor or join a formal mentorship program
- share your own story doubts and all to strengthen the community
Making collective action a career catalyst
Women in STEM no longer have to climb their career mountain alone. Through collective support, they find encouragement, inspiration and tools to grow. They gain confidence, sharpen their skills, and embrace their ambitions. Peer-driven support doesn’t replace institutional gender equity efforts but it powerfully complements them. And most importantly, it injects a new energy into the tech and science sectors, shaping more inclusive and fulfilling career paths for the next generation.