Balancing a thriving tech career with motherhood is no small feat. Between product launches and daycare pickups, code reviews and bedtime stories, moms in tech juggle two demanding worlds. Yet, despite their resilience, many face skepticism and discouragement. You’re about to lose 3-5 years of your life Tosin Dada-Philips, a senior product manager at Bankly, […] The post No Setbacks, Just Comebacks: Moms Thriving in Tech first appeared on ProductDive.
Balancing a thriving tech career with motherhood is no small feat. Between product launches and daycare pickups, code reviews and bedtime stories, moms in tech juggle two demanding worlds. Yet, despite their resilience, many face skepticism and discouragement.
You’re about to lose 3-5 years of your life
Tosin Dada-Philips, a senior product manager at Bankly, recalls these chilling words when her colleague found out she was pregnant. “I was terrified… But I realized motherhood is not a setback—it’s part of my strength.”
Moms in tech are redefining what it means to thrive. But the road isn’t easy.
The Reality: Why We Must Accelerate Action
Women make up nearly half of the global workforce, yet they remain underrepresented in tech.
A report by Accenture and Girls Who Code found that the percentage of women in tech roles has dropped from 37% in 1995 to 32% today—and the numbers are even lower for mothers and career breakers.
After I got pregnant, I worried about how to put myself out there. I didn’t want my pregnancy to be seen as a hindrance, so I poured all my energy into work. That year, I won an award—even with morning sickness
Damilola, Product Specialist at Cowrywise.
For many women, the challenge isn’t just entering tech—it’s staying in. The lack of flexible work options, returnship programs, and support structures forces many mothers out of the industry
Beyond being a mom, I want my daughter to see me as a role model, says Esther Isifeh, product manager at Worknigeria. “I want her to see someone who fought through, stayed consistent, and made an impact.”
Despite their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, many moms face barriers when re-entering the workforce.
Adenike Olatunbosun, who transitioned from lab science to tech, shares:
One special thing about women? She may cry, she may stumble, she may fall—but she won’t stay down. Getting into tech changed my life—I started earning 5X what I made as a lab scientist. So don’t listen to those who say, ‘Once a woman gets married or has kids, it’s over.’ That’s a lie.
The Industry Must Step Up
Motherhood is tough. Career growth is tough. Life is tough. But women shouldn’t have to navigate it alone—support makes all the difference.
Many talented women step away from tech for family, only to find that returning isn’t as simple as picking up where they left off. The industry moves fast, and re-entry opportunities are rare. But that shouldn’t be the end of the story.
Tech should be accessible to every woman, girl or mom—whether she’s been in the field for years or is looking to make a comeback.
Tobi Otokiti, Founder, ProductDive
A career break should never mean a dead end. It’s time to open doors, create opportunities, and bring more women back into tech where they belong.
At ProductDive, We’re Taking Action
We know that talent doesn’t disappear when a woman takes a career break—it just needs the right opportunity to shine again.
That’s why we’re sharing the stories of moms who have built careers in tech while raising families. Their journeys prove that motherhood isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower.
But for every mom thriving in tech, there are countless others who hit pause on their careers and don’t know how to press play again.
How Companies Can Accelerate Change
The tech industry must step up to create pathways for moms returning to work. Here’s how:
Sponsor moms to attend The Dive Conference—where they will connect with industry experts, hiring managers, and career-boosting opportunities. It’s a chance to get hired, grow, and join companies that value diverse talent.
Implement flexible work policies—moms don’t need handouts; they need work environments that acknowledge their realities.
This campaign was led by Tobi Olaniyi (Community Manager, ProductDive) and Teniola Idowu (Marketing, ProductDive).
Be Part of the Change
Join the movement—sponsor a mom, advocate for change in your workplace, or share this initiative.
Watch their stories and take action
Because when we invest in moms in tech, we don’t just close a gap—we build a stronger, more inclusive industry for everyone.
The post No Setbacks, Just Comebacks: Moms Thriving in Tech first appeared on ProductDive.
