Obstacles and Supporting Factors for Women in Software Engineering Education and Professional Work: A Literature Review

Abstract

Despite progress in gender equality across many disciplines, women remain significantly underrepresented in software engineering. This imbalance is not only a question of fairness, but also a limitation on diversity of perspectives, creativity, and innovation in the field. This review paper examines the barriers women face and the factors that can support their participation and success across two key contexts: higher education and the professional work environment. Drawing on foundational and recent literature, the paper identifies recurring challenges such as gender stereotypes, limited role models, biased evaluation practices, reduced sense of belonging, and unsupportive organizational cultures. At the same time, it highlights supportive practices associated with improved participation and persistence, including inclusive pedagogy, pair programming, mentorship, flexible working conditions, and inclusive team and workplace climates. The findings suggest that women’s participation in software engineering is shaped by interconnected individual, interpersonal, and structural factors, and that meaningful progress requires coordinated interventions across educational and professional settings.