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Why So Many Women Think They Are "Bad at Tech"
I’m Miranda, a full stack software engineer and Code First Girls Ambassador. Through my work I’ve spoken to so many women who are curious about tech, but hesitate to take that first step.
One thing I hear again and again is: “I’m just not good at tech.”
What’s striking is that this belief often shows up before someone has even tried coding. It’s not based on experience, it’s based on perception.
This blog explores where that feeling comes from, why it’s so common, and how we can start to reframe tech skills as something that can be learned, rather than something you’re born with, or without.
Where Does “I’m Bad at Tech” Come From?
For many women, this belief doesn’t appear overnight. It builds gradually over time through small, repeated signals, social conditioning and stereotypes.
From a young age, we’re exposed to ideas about who tech is “for.”Developers are often portrayed as naturally gifted, highly logical, and – more often than not – male.
Even subtle messaging matters, from who is encouraged to explore programming to who is expected to be “good” at maths, and whether trying is valued as much as getting things right the first time.
Research supports this. A study by Microsoft found that many girls’ interest in STEM peaks around age 11 and then drops significantly in their teenage years, often due to lack of encouragement and visible role models.
Over time, these patterns shape confidence. If you don’t see people like you in tech, it becomes harder to imagine yourself there.
Lack of representation of women in tech
Representation plays a powerful role in what feels possible.
According to Women in Tech Network, women make up only around 28% of the global tech workforce. In more technical roles, such as engineering or data-focused positions, that percentage is often lower.
Seeing others like you in tech roles can shift that narrative from “that’s not for me” to “maybe I could do that too.” I think this matters especially during recruitment processes. When women see other women involved in interviews, leadership, or technical teams, it can make the industry feel more welcoming and achievable. Sometimes representation is as simple as being able to literally see yourself reflected in the people already in the room.
HOW EARLY EXPERIENCES SHAPE CONFIDENCE
School is often where people first decide what subjects they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at.
In many classrooms, confidence – rather than ability – drives participation.
Students who feel more confident are often more likely to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and take academic risks; something that can shape long-term confidence in STEM subjects. Research from Teach First found that girls report significantly lower confidence in maths and science despite often achieving highly in those subjects, highlighting how confidence and participation do not always reflect ability.
This matters because confidence developed early on can shape the subjects people pursue later in life. Research from UNESCO shows that gender stereotypes in education continue to influence subject choices and confidence levels in STEM fields.
Subjects like computing can feel high-pressure, especially if they’re taught in a way that rewards getting the correct answer quickly. If you don’t understand something immediately, it’s easy to assume “I’m not good at this” or “Other people find this easy”. But in reality, most people are figuring it out step by step.
The Myth of “Natural Talent” in Tech
One of the most limiting beliefs in tech is the idea that you need a certain type of brain to succeed. You don’t. Coding is not about being instantly good at something, but about learning how to think through problems.
The truth is, coding is a skill, not a personality type. Like any skill, coding involves practice, repetition, making mistakes, and gradually improving over time. In fact, research by Stack Overflow consistently shows that the majority of developers are self-taught or have used alternative learning paths alongside formal education.
No one starts out knowing how to debug code or structure a program. These are learned skills.
Confidence vs Ability: The Real Gap
When we believe tech ability is innate, struggle can feel like failure, mistakes can feel like proof we don’t belong, and progress can feel slower than it actually is. In reality, struggling is part of the process. In many cases, the barrier to entering tech is confidence, rather than ability.
How self-doubt shows up
This can look like:
- Hesitating to apply for a course
- Feeling behind before you’ve even started
- Comparing yourself to others who seem more experienced
- Waiting until you feel “ready” (which often never comes)
Research from Hewlett Packard found that women tend to apply for jobs only when they meet 100% of the listed criteria, while men apply when they meet around 60%. This is a reminder that confidence and self-perception can influence opportunities just as much as ability itself.
It’s possible to have the ability to learn something, without the belief that you can.
This is where many people get stuck: not because they lack ability, but because they’ve already ruled themselves out before giving themselves the chance to try.
Transferable Skills For Tech Roles
One of the biggest misconceptions is that only technical backgrounds are relevant in tech, which couldn’t be further from the case. Many skills developed in other areas are directly transferable.
- Problem-solving: breaking down complex tasks into steps
- Communication: explaining ideas clearly and working in teams
- Organisation: managing projects and timelines
- Creativity: designing user experiences and thinking differently
These are all valuable in tech roles.
Why non-linear paths matter
One of the things I value most about tech is that there is no single “correct” route into it.
Before moving into tech, I worked at the intersection of the domestic abuse and disability sectors, where I learned a lot about accessibility, communication, and the different ways people experience systems and services.
At the time, I didn’t see those skills as technical. But when I later explored digital accessibility, I realised how transferable that experience actually was.
Thinking about inclusion, barriers, and accessibility from the start is incredibly valuable in tech. Different backgrounds bring different perspectives, which can lead to more inclusive products and stronger teams.
That’s why non-linear paths matter. Tech benefits from people with varied experiences, not just traditional routes into the industry.
Small steps you can start today
You don’t need to commit to a full career change straight away. Instead:
- Try a short course
- Explore beginner-friendly resources
- Focus on learning one concept at a time
Small steps build momentum.
Learning alongside others can reduce feelings of isolation, provide encouragement, and help you see that others are experiencing the same challenges. Community is a powerful confidence builder.
A Different Way to Think About Tech
Instead of asking: “Am I good at tech?” It can be more helpful to ask: “Am I willing to learn something new, even if I’m not good at it yet?”
Because coding is about learning through repetition, problem-solving, and gradually becoming more comfortable with things that once felt unfamiliar. You are not going to see results overnight. What matters most is the willingness to keep going, even when it takes time to understand.
Conclusion
The idea that some people are “bad at tech” is often shaped by external influences – social conditioning, education, and lack of representation – rather than actual ability.
The truth is that coding is not an exclusive skill reserved for a select few, but is something that can be learned step by step.
If you’ve ever felt like tech isn’t for you, it might be worth questioning where that belief came from, and whether it’s really true.
If you’re interested but not sure where to start, you don’t need to commit to anything big straight away. You could:
- Explore Code First Girls Tech Tasters. These short, self-paced courses are designed to help you get a feel for coding through real-world challenges without the pressure.
- Try a Coding Kickstarter. These 8-module online classes cover JavaScript, Python, Data & SQL and C#. They help you build foundational knowledge at your own pace.
- Follow CFG on socials or subscribe to their newsletter. CFG’s community of coders, instructors and mentors is one of the largest in the UK. Hear real stories, find support, discover new courses and connect with like-minded individuals.
