Breaking Barriers: What Search Data Reveals About Women’s Equity

March 7, 2025

As we gear up for International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, this year’s theme, 'Accelerate Action,' is more than just a message – it’s a movement. It’s about celebrating and championing the advancement of women worldwide. Semrush data reveals surging online engagement supporting women’s education, leadership, and workplace equity. This year, we’re spotlighting the momentum behind these efforts, demonstrating how digital advocacy is crucial in breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive future in tech.

Online Engagement: Digital Conversations Spark Action

As industries push for greater diversity, the conversation around gender equality in the workplace, especially in tech, is gaining momentum. However, challenges remain: the gender pay gap, barriers in leadership and education, and underrepresentation in STEM.

Semrush search data reflects this shift. Global average monthly searches for "International Women’s Day" was 3.18M between January 2024 and January 2025, showing that gender advocacy is a year-round priority. Interest in "women empowerment" remains strong at 213.9K searches, and "female equality" garnered 162.4K searches, reinforcing the push for representation and equity. Meanwhile, during the same period, U.S. searches for "women’s rights" rose by 22.2%, revealing a growing advocacy and awareness around gender equality.

This increase in search volume emphasizes the significant role that digital platforms play in amplifying discussions on gender equality. With International Women's Day approaching, continuing to elevate these discussions is crucial for driving substantive change in the tech industry.

Women in the Workplace and Tech: Closing the Gap

The push for diversity in tech continues, but significant challenges like the gender pay gap and limited leadership opportunities remain. According to the World Economic Forum, women make up just 28% of the global STEM workforce and 22% of AI professionals, signaling a clear need for more progress in these areas.

Online engagement reflects this growing urgency. Global searches for "equality in the workplace" surged by 127.6%, showing increasing awareness of wage gaps, career mobility, and the need for more inclusive hiring practices. U.S. interest in "women in tech" continues to rise, with 5.4K average monthly searches, signaling a strong demand for representation in an industry long dominated by men. Meanwhile, steady search interest in "gender pay gap" (9.6K) and "income equality" (8.5K) reinforces the urgent need for systemic change.

Over the past five years, organizations focused on empowering women in tech have maintained strong engagement, showcasing the effectiveness of mentorship, networking, and education. Anitab.org leads the charge globally with 115.9K average monthly visits, followed by Society of Women Engineers (96.2K) and Girls Who Code (93.7K) – all focused on equipping women with the skills and resources to succeed in STEM. Platforms such as TechWomen (24.3K) and TechLadies (24.2K) attract significant monthly visits, reflecting their importance as resources for women pursuing careers in the tech industry.

Raising awareness is just the start – real change happens when businesses take action. Companies that invest in mentorship programs, equitable hiring, and leadership development aren’t just closing gaps – they’re shaping the future of work.

Education: The Foundation for Change

Education is a powerful tool for change, empowering more women to take on leadership roles and break through industry barriers. Greater access to scholarships and educational opportunities is key to this progress, helping bridge the gap and build a more inclusive future.

Semrush data highlights a growing demand for educational support:

"Scholarships for single moms" spiked by 22.2% globally, underscoring the need for financial aid to support women balancing education and family responsibilities.
"STEM scholarships for females" generated 1.1K U.S. average monthly searches, highlighting the growing interest in science and technology education.
"Women education" saw a 23.1% increase in the U.S., further proving that learning opportunities are a key focus in the fight for gender equality.

In U.S. searches, figures like Lucy Calkins (6.8K) and Diane Ravitch (1.4K) draw interest for their impact on education reform. Daphne Koller (1.3K), co-founder of Coursera, has broadened access to online learning. Michelle Rhee (2K) champions public education improvements, while Joy Buolamwini (2.3K) ensures fairness in how technology is taught and applied.

Stephanie Kwolek (1.7K), a chemist and inventor, continues to inspire women in science. Their efforts highlight the critical need for mentorship, access, and representation, driving long-term progress.

As more women access education, their influence extends beyond the classroom, fueling advancements in policy, research, and leadership. The momentum for change is stronger than ever.

Women Leading the Charge: Tech Innovators

Education creates opportunities, but the women leading change in tech are showing what’s possible. From AI research to startup leadership, their impact is driving innovation and opening doors for future generations.

Semrush U.S. search data highlights the tech leaders making an impact: Susan Wojcicki (114.2K) helped shape the digital content landscape, while Reshma Saujani (5.1K) is building the next generation of women in STEM through Girls Who Code. Fei-Fei Li (2.6K) is driving AI research with a focus on ethical and inclusive development, and Anne Wojcicki (26.6K) is leading biotech breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Jessica Livingston, Kimberly Bryant, and Safra Catz continue to shape entrepreneurship, enterprise tech, and STEM education.

Final Takeaway: Turning Momentum into Lasting Impact

The data is clear – conversations around gender equality, workplace inclusion, and women’s leadership are gaining momentum. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Real progress comes from action. Businesses, educators, and policymakers need to create tangible opportunities for women in tech and beyond.

For organizations looking to stay ahead, data-driven insights are key. Semrush provides the tools to track, analyze, and act on key trends—helping businesses and advocacy groups understand engagement around gender equality and uncover opportunities for meaningful change.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, one thing is certain: progress is happening, but now is the time to accelerate it. The brands, institutions, and leaders that take action today will help build a more inclusive future.

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