In the heart of the global innovation engine, the tech industry, a troubling reality persists. Today, women remain significantly underrepresented. Despite remarkable individual achievements and growing awareness, the path to true gender parity remains shrouded in challenges. The following piece delves into the current state of women in tech, examining the data, exploring the multifaceted nature of the challenges, and proposing solutions that require a collective effort from businesses, policymakers, and individuals alike.
While tangible progress has been made toward breaking the tech industry’s proverbial and rather persistent glass ceiling, the numbers still paint a stark picture. As per the recent stats published by the WomenTech network in 2024, women constitute about 28% of the global tech workforce. While acknowledging this as a significant improvement from the turn of the millennium, when women only made up 9%, the organisation observes that it will take 131 years until the economic gender gap is closed! This figure dips further for leadership positions, with women comprising a mere fraction of CTOs and heads of engineering. However, this lack of representation is not confined to the workforce. According to UNESCO, only 35% of all students in STEM-related fields of study are women. Also, merely 30% of the world’s researchers are women, indicating a concerning trend at the talent pipeline’s very source.
Further compounding the issue are persistent pay gaps. Women in software engineering, for instance, earn just 0.93 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. Women of colour report even less and gap can be as high as up to 54% in cases of marginalised communities. Even female CXOs are not beyond this exclusionary trend. This financial disparity not only presents a significant ethical concern but also dissuades talented women from pursuing tech careers, perpetuating the underrepresentation cycle.
The reasons behind this disparity are complex, interlinked, and multifaceted. Unconscious bias and societal stereotypes that portray tech as a male-dominated field continue to discourage young girls from pursuing STEM education. For instance, a study in the UK revealed that while 33% of men had a technology career suggested to them, only 16% of women can recount a similar experience. Additionally, a lack of role models and mentors can make the journey seem daunting, pushing women away from pursuing tech careers.
However, the issue extends beyond mere individual choices. The tech industry itself suffers from systemic shortcomings that contribute to the underrepresentation of women. A culture that often prioritises long hours and intense work environments can be isolating and unappealing to individuals juggling work-life balance, disproportionately impacting women who often bear a more significant societal burden of childcare and domestic responsibilities. Racial and ethnic divides further amplify the problem. In one of its studies, Deloitte found an overwhelming majority of women from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds in telecommunications rating their work/life balance to be extremely poor. Furthermore, the lack of inclusive hiring practices and unconscious bias within recruitment processes can lead to overlooking qualified female candidates.
Addressing this situation requires a multi-pronged approach. Businesses must lead by implementing clear and measurable diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies. It includes conducting regular pay audits, fostering inclusive work environments through unconscious bias training, and establishing clear mentorship programs to support and empower women in tech. Additionally, promoting flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies can help remove barriers to entry and retention for women juggling various responsibilities.
Policymakers also have a crucial role to play. Investing in STEM education for elementary and middle school girls is essential to spark their interest and equip them with the necessary skills. Additionally, providing financial aid and scholarships for women pursuing STEM fields can incentivise them to overcome economic barriers. A case in point is the STEM ReCharge initiative by the UK Government launched in February 2023 by Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities. Supported by £150,000 of government funding and run by Women Returners and STEM Returners, the scheme aims to provide skills training, return-to-work consulting coaching and networking to encourage those seeking to resume STEM careers.
Finally, individuals can contribute significantly by challenging their biases and promoting inclusivity in everyday interactions. Amplifying the voices and achievements of women in tech helps create role models and inspires others. Sheryl Sandberg, philanthropist, writer and the charismatic Chief Operating Officer of the social media behemoth, puts it beautifully in this context: For women aspiring to challenge the norms in the global tech corridors, her advice is simple but profound: “When you look at successful women, they have other women who have supported them, and they’ve gotten to where they are because of those women.” Additionally, advocating for equitable hiring practices and calling out instances of bias can significantly impact fostering a more inclusive environment.
Closing the gender gap in tech is not merely a moral imperative but a critical economic necessity. Studies have shown that companies with diverse workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts financially. A diverse talent pool fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader spectrum of perspectives, ultimately leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. According to McKinsey’s report, Diversity Matters, Companies with more diverse workforces are 33% more likely to outperform their peers in innovation. Further, 75% of organisations that have embraced diversity and inclusion as a culture at the top are likely to exceed their financial targets.
The journey towards true gender parity in the tech industry is long and arduous. However, by acknowledging the challenges, implementing effective solutions, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can create a future where women have a seat at the table and shape the very direction of innovation in this ever-evolving field. It’s time to dismantle the glass ceiling and unlock the full potential of a diverse tech workforce, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
