This was followed by a lack of career development opportunities at senior level.
The State of Play survey also revealed a stark difference between the career development plans and company training programmes offered by SMEs and corporate organisations. Only 31% of SMEs provide external training for employees compared to 50% of corporates, and just 30% of SMEs have short term career development plans in place for staff, compared to over half (51%) of corporate organisations.
The research also found 83% of women between the ages of 35-54 believe it is harder for women to succeed in their careers than men, with 65% of 18-34 year olds agreeing. While more than half (57%) said there had been no opportunity for progression over the past year.
A quarter of respondents to the research ranked "self-belief and confidence" as the number one factor, which they believe, will help support the progression of their careers.
Derek McManus, chief operating officer, Telefonica UK and board lead for diversity and inclusion, said: "It is quite sobering to see that many women still believe that it is harder to succeed in their careers than it is for men.
"As an industry, we need to do more to turn this around, and it's up to senior management to ensure they're doing as much as possible to encourage and inspire their female employees."
McManus added: "Whether that's running mentoring schemes to support women throughout their career, or pioneering flexible working practices, all businesses can make a difference."
Rimma Perelmuter, co-founder of Women in Wireless UK and co-chair of development, said: "The results clearly highlight that companies need to look beyond formal training to help women in our industry maximise their full potential - including flexible working options and facilitating access to coaching, mentoring and sponsorship."
She added: "At the same time, the data highlights that women in our industry would benefit from more proactively undertaking the right combination of personal initiatives to achieve a fulfilling career."
The Women in Wireless research was conducted with Telefonica and polled more than 600 people working in the UK's mobile and digital media industries.
