A study conducted by Women in Cloud found that 92% of the respondents reported that access to skills and credentials is at least somewhat visible
The study titled Economic Access Report 2026 highlighted that access to AI learning platforms, certification programs, digital communities, and global opportunities has never been more visible. Still, numerous capable women professionals felt their careers had stalled
Further, the study revealed that over 56% of the respondents reported that access to funding and business development is completely unclear. In comparison, 10% stated that access to jobs and careers is genuinely clear. And, nearly one-third noted that pathways to leadership and visibility remain vague
Only one in ten of the participants reported that they can clearly see how to get hired. The labour market is no longer a ladder; it is a maze. People may be accumulating skills, but two out of three cannot see a direct route to employment.
In addition, while community participation is high, 26% say they do not know how to convert relationships into referrals, capital, or opportunity
Skills represent the most visible access pathway in the system. However, only one in four participants experienced genuine clarity.
Commenting on the study, Chaitra Vedullapalli, President & Co-founder, Women in Cloud, said, “This report has clearly highlighted the fact that we are living through a paradox of modern economic life. Never before have so many people had access to learning platforms, certification programs, digital communities, and global opportunities. And yet, never before have so many capable individuals felt stalled. Today, we know that the biggest obstacles to economic access are not technological but navigational, financial and psychological in nature.”
