Women in Tech: Toward a greater gender representation

Gender diversity in technology and across STEM fields is imperative. Yet, women are chronically underrepresented in these industries.  As of 2015, only 25 percent of computing jobs were held by women, according to the National Center for Women & Information Technology. This number has not budged much in recent years; in fact, it may even be declining.

The culture of the tech industry is often cited as the main deterrent for women’s participation and advancement. The tech industry is known for being male-dominated, with a prevailing “brogrammer” culture that can be unwelcoming and exclusionary to women. This culture is characterized by a focus on competitive, aggressive, and unyielding work environments, as well as a lack of diversity in both the workforce and leadership.

There are also a number of structural barriers that impede women’s participation in tech. For example, there is a lack of female role models and mentors in the industry, as well as a lack of support structures for working mothers. Additionally, girls’ interest in STEM subjects tends to decline during their teenage years, which can be attributed to the gender stereotypes that are pervasive in our society.

Did you know that the quit rate in the tech industry is more than twice as high for women, as it is for men: FOR 41% WOMEN & 17% MEN

But why are women leaving?

There are a number of reasons why women leave tech jobs.  The most common reasons are:

1. Gender Bias and Discrimination: Women often face discrimination and bias in the tech industry. They are passed over for opportunities, given lower salaries, and subjected to a hostile work environment.
2. Lack of Opportunity: There is a lack of female role models and mentors in the tech industry, as well as a lack of support structures for working mothers. This can make it difficult for women to advance in their careers.
3. Unsupportive Culture: The culture of the tech industry is often cited as the main deterrent for women’s participation and advancement. The tech industry is known for being male-dominated, with a prevailing “brogrammer” culture that can be unwelcoming and exclusionary to women.
4. Family Responsibilities: Women are more likely than men to take time off from their careers to raise children. This can lead to a loss of skills and experience, and make it difficult for women to return to the workforce.
5. Lack of Flexibility: The tech industry is often characterized by long hours and a demanding work schedule. This can be difficult for women who have family responsibilities.
6. Unreasonable workloads:  In order to keep up with the competition, many companies in the tech industry require employees to work long hours and put in excessive overtime. This can be challenging for women who have family responsibilities.
7. Lack of support from management:  A lack of support from management can make it difficult for women to succeed in the tech industry. Women often need sponsorship from their managers in order to be promoted and advance in their careers.

Progress but with challenges

Many large companies in the tech industry are making an effort to increase gender diversity.  For example, Google has launched a number of initiatives to increase the number of women in tech, including a program that encourages girls to pursue computer science degrees.

The importance of positive role models is also being recognized by the tech industry. For example, Facebook has created a program called “SheLeadsTech” that aims to increase the number of female executives in tech.

While these initiatives are important, there is still a lot of work to be done. The tech industry must do more to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for women, and address the structural barriers that impede their participation. Also, ensuring visibility and recognition  for female leaders in tech is critical to inspiring more girls to pursue careers in the field.

How to improve women representation & retention  in Tech?

The technology sector needs to work harder to attract and retain women in order to create value and compete in the market. According on numerous studies, diverse teams perform better and are more innovative, with equal leadership proven to lead to improved corporate results and provide important role models. Diversity in management is likewise critical for attracting and developing top technical talent, irrespective of gender.

This lack of diversity has a number of consequences: not only does it deprive companies of valuable female perspectives and contributions, but it also alienates potential female employees, who may feel that the tech sector is not a welcoming or supportive environment for them.

What can be done to improve the representation of women in tech? There are a few key things that need to happen in order to create a more inclusive and equitable industry:

1. Address gender bias and discrimination: 

Organizations must take a hard look at their cultures and work environments to ensure that they are free of gender bias and discrimination. This includes conducting regular unconscious bias training for employees, as well as establishing clear policies against harassment and discrimination.

2. Promote female leaders: 

Visibility is key, and organizations must do more to promote female leaders in the tech industry. This includes featuring more women in advertising and marketing materials, as well as giving them prominent speaking roles at conferences and events.

3. Offer flexible work arrangements: 

Tech companies should offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and compressed workweeks, to help accommodate the needs of working mothers.

4. Address the gender pay gap: 

The tech industry must address the gender pay gap by ensuring that women are paid equally for equal work. This includes conducting regular salary audits to identify any disparities, and taking steps to correct them.

5. Encourage girls to pursue STEM degrees:

 Girls should be encouraged to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This can be done through initiatives like Google’s “Made with Code” program, which aims to get more girls interested in computer science.

6. Create a more inclusive environment:

 Tech companies should make an effort to create a more inclusive environment for women, which includes establishing clear diversity and inclusion goals, and creating programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

7. Provide training and development opportunities: 

Tech companies should provide employees with the training and development opportunities they need to grow their skills and careers. This includes offering training in STEM subjects, as well as courses in leadership, management, and communication.

8. Promote work-life balance: 

Tech companies should promote work-life balance by offering employees flexible work arrangements and generous parental leave policies.

We need to increase the visibility of prominent women in tech, encourage girls to consider tech-based careers, and make structural changes to the industry in order to improve retention and representation of women. We can also look to countries like Norway for inspiration – they boast one of the highest percentages of women in tech jobs in the world!