An Uphill Battle: The Status of Gender Inclusivity in Tech

Companies with inclusive corporate boards demonstrate improved performance, increased innovation, and enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent - so why aren't more women in tech, what issues swerve women away from careers in tech and how can society as a whole encourage a more diverse workforce?

One of the many reasons women aren't in tech is due to mentorship. According to the 2023 Women in the Workplace report, there is a noticeable discrepancy in the benefits men receive from mentorship and sponsorship, with men facing fewer challenges in having their achievements acknowledged and rewarded, particularly in traditional office settings.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership development, yet despite 58% of women expressing aspirations for leadership roles, only 39% report having access to a mentor who can support them in reaching those objectives.

Just 20% of women feel well-informed at work, while 27% of men do. Likewise, only 20% of women feel aligned with their organisation's mission, compared to 29% of men. Additionally, just 16% of women receive the mentorship and sponsorship they require, compared to 23% of men, and only 22% of women feel they receive valuable feedback, while 31% of men do.

Another reason for the lack of women within the field is tech is ultimately there isn't enough role models. One big reason is the lack of female role models in the field, often because of the stereotype that men are better at maths and science.

Even though more women are taking on leadership roles in technology lately, they're still not as visible as male role models. In places like Silicon Valley, America, where most tech workers are men, women feel discouraged from entering the field due to the "brogrammer" culture that's often seen in college campuses.

Statistics indicate that fewer women are pursuing technology-related subjects in both school and university, resulting in fewer female candidates for employers to recruit from. This trend can be attributed to the lack of female role models in the tech industry, leaving girls with fewer examples to inspire them to pursue these subjects and career paths.

Furthermore, promotion and career progression seems to be a huge mountain women in tech need to climb. Progression opportunities for women in technology roles are restricted, with studies revealing that 20% of women aged 35 and above remain in junior positions.

These barriers to advancement result in a significantly higher rate of women leaving the tech industry, surpassing that of men by 45%. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that a significant factor contributing to this disparity is likely the fast-paced nature of technological advancements, which can leave individuals behind if they temporarily exit the industry, such as during maternity leave.

Additionally, limited educational support and discouragement further impede women's advancement in tech roles.

So how can society encourage gender inclusivity within tech roles? Ultimately it comes down to education.

Recent statistics indicate that approximately 19% of STEM graduates are women. It's imperative to motivate more girls to pursue STEM subjects, as this is vital for increasing female representation in IT and tech companies, particularly in technical positions.

Despite the relatively low number of female STEM graduates, employers can take steps to change attitudes and enhance opportunities for women in the field. Emphasising the achievements of women in tech roles is essential.

While striving for gender equality in the industry, it's crucial to sustain momentum until we witness a significant increase in the number of women in this sector.