Investors are still asking female founders about their future kids — even at a Gates startup

Phoebe Gates, 22, is not your typical entrepreneur. As the daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates and a Stanford University graduate, she is venturing through the challenges of fundraising in Silicon Valley. Despite her famous last name, she has encountered the same old queries that have long troubled women, such as how having children might affect their careers.

Gates, along with Sophia Kianni, founded Phia, an app powered by AI that compares fashion prices for shoppers. When investors inquired about their plans for starting families, Gates sought advice from her mother. Melinda Gates responded with, “Get up or get out of the game.”

While not everyone has a Melinda Gates to turn to, recent studies reveal that gender stereotypes persist well beyond the elite world of fundraising discussions. Even privileged women in America face outdated expectations, prompting experts to emphasize the need for reshaping these norms through uncomfortable conversations.

Despite advancements, prejudiced assumptions about women’s dedication to work, particularly regarding motherhood, persist. Women continue to face biased or inappropriate questions during job interviews, with C-suite women experiencing it at higher rates.

To combat this, experts stress the importance of building inclusive workplaces and challenging discriminatory questions. The so-called “motherhood penalty” remains prevalent, impacting women’s career opportunities and pay.

Moving forward, it’s crucial for employers to refrain from asking personal and discriminatory questions and focus on creating environments where everyone can thrive. Female students are advised to be aware of stereotypes, prepare thoroughly, and showcase their value through accomplishments and innovative ideas.

In the face of persistent bias, women are encouraged to remain steadfast in their values and carefully choose where to invest their talents. Leadership should be defined by impact, integrity, and vision, rather than outdated norms.