The UX and UI industry is evolving at lightning speed—new tools, roles, and expectations emerge constantly. Yet despite progress toward inclusion, women working in this space still face clear challenges: underrepresentation, limited access to support networks, and lower visibility in high-impact projects.
That’s why women in UX/UI are increasingly turning to the power of networking—the intentional building of professional relationships that lead to real outcomes: mentorship, collaboration, access to clients, and greater confidence.
Why Women’s Networking Matters in UX/UI
According to PwC’s Women in Tech report, women represent only around 26% of the workforce in the European tech industry (Source: PwC UK). While UX tends to have better gender balance than other tech sectors, women are still less likely to hold leadership roles, as shown by the Design Forward Fund report by InVision (Source: InVision).
Having access to a supportive, like-minded network can help women grow faster, share experiences, and make better-informed career decisions. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about confidence, connection, and community.
Where to Find Mentorship and Support in UX/UI
Thankfully, there’s a growing ecosystem of initiatives built specifically for women in UX and UI. Here are some of the most valuable communities and mentorship platforms to explore:
- Ladies that UX – A global community of women in UX with local chapters in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk. Offers meetups, workshops, and an open, inclusive space to share experiences
- Women in UX (UXPA) – Part of the UXPA network, offering events, resources, and a strong international network of women UX professionals
- Dare IT – A Polish initiative offering mentoring, development programs, and hands-on projects for women entering tech
- Tech Leaders Poland – A free mentoring program run by the Perspektywy Foundation, connecting women in IT with experienced mentors
- ADPList – A global mentoring platform that allows you to book free 1:1 sessions with experienced UX designers, researchers, and product strategists
- Slack & LinkedIn groups – Active communities like "Women in UX," "Design Mentorship," "UX Design Polska," and "SheDesigns" regularly share job leads, portfolio feedback, and professional advice.
And remember—mentorship goes both ways. If you’ve gained experience, consider becoming a mentor yourself. It’s not only rewarding, but also a great way to build leadership skills and give back to the community.
Collaboration Among Women: Projects, Trust, and Shared Opportunities
Networking isn’t just about chatting or exchanging business cards. It’s about building real relationships that can lead to joint ventures, shared clients, and long-term partnerships.
Among women in UX, these types of collaboration are gaining popularity:
- Online coworking sessions, where freelancers and remote workers support each other while working on personal or client projects.
- Mastermind groups, where a small group of peers meets regularly to set goals, share insights, and offer accountability.
- Feedback workshops, where participants present their UX case studies and get constructive, real-time input.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have a large contact base—don’t worry. You can begin with one LinkedIn message, one industry event, or one short online chat with someone you admire. It’s all about taking the first step.
How Companies and Agencies Can Empower Women in UX/UI
While grassroots communities are powerful, employers and agencies also play a vital role in creating supportive ecosystems. Organizations that build internal mentorship programs, fund conference participation, and create open knowledge-sharing spaces contribute directly to stronger, more confident teams.
At UX GIRL, we recognize how crucial representation and inclusion are in the design process. That’s why we actively support women at every stage of their UX careers—by sharing knowledge, promoting female experts, and collaborating across our partner network. We believe women in UX shouldn’t just have a seat at the table—they should help shape the entire strategy.
What You Can Do This Week
Don’t wait for your network to build itself. Here are three simple steps you can take right now:
- Join one of the communities mentioned above (e.g., Ladies that UX or Dare IT).
- Sign up for a mentorship program—as a mentee or a mentor.
- Reach out to one inspiring woman in your field and ask for a short coffee chat online.
Building a network of women in UX/UI is an investment that pays off—with better projects, more confidence, and a stronger, more inclusive design industry.
At UX GIRL, we actively support young women entering the field of UX.
We believe that real change happens when women are not just present in the industry, but truly empowered to lead, create, and grow. That’s why we regularly share knowledge, promote women experts, and collaborate within our community.
And right now—we have an open call for our mentorship program.
If you’re just starting out in UX and looking for guidance, encouragement, and practical experience, we invite you to join us.
Let’s build the future of UX together—one strong connection at a time.
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