Keys to enhancing women's representation in tech sector
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the underrepresentation of women in the sector remains a pressing issue. Women make up less than 17% of the tech workforce, a statistic that has yet to show significant improvement [1]. However, the dialogue around women in technology has gained momentum over the past 12 months, becoming a major talking point.
Several prominent initiatives and organizations are actively working to increase the number of women in technology and promote gender equality in the tech industry globally.
One such organization is the WomenTech Network, a leading community for women in tech with a reach of 4.5 million people across 179 countries. The network empowers women through leadership development, professional growth, mentorship programs, career networking events, and a global tech conference [2].
Another initiative, Women in Cloud, recognizes and promotes women leaders and allies in tech who are driving change around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Employee Resource Group (ERG) efforts, especially in AI and technology sectors. They host annual global awards celebrating leadership, innovation, and transformative work that accelerates equitable economic access and participation of women in tech [3].
TechWomen and WeTech are also making a significant impact. TechWomen is a mentorship and exchange program linking emerging women STEM leaders from Africa, Central/South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to global mentors and opportunities. WeTech focuses on African women in tech, breaking down barriers via conferences, mentorships, career development tools, and connections to companies committed to diverse hiring [4].
Specific programs and scholarships, such as Outreachy Internships, Adobe India Women-in-Technology Scholarship, Amazon WoW (Women on the Rise), Rails Girls Summer of Code, and Grace Hopper Conference Scholarships, provide coding workshops, financial support, networking, and mentorship to help women enter and advance in tech careers [5].
The Stemettes, an organization that nurtures young women pursuing STEM careers, partnered with Salesforce this year to open a residential summer school for coding and entrepreneurial skills. The residential summer school resulted in a variety of business concepts, including health-tech ideas and tech solutions to combat negative social issues [6].
The UK 30% Club has created a specific technology stream to ensure that tech companies have at least 30% female representations on their boards. Influential men, such as those involved in the United Nations HeforShe campaign, are becoming vocal and passionate about supporting the growth of women in tech [7].
Engaging young women in STEM education in a relatable and practical way, such as through real-world applications, can help increase interest in the field. Mentorship from dedicated mentors has a significant impact on the success of women in STEM. Retaining top female talent and encouraging women into the industry is crucial for its continued growth and success [8].
Organisations are embracing diversity in the workplace and encouraging the next generation of female STEM talent to flourish. Dr Sue Black evangelizes that women can have it all - motherhood, a successful career, and equal pay. Martha Lane Fox vociferously denounces 'unconscious bias' in the workplace, and Emer Timmons, a senior tech executive and winner of the 'Woman of the Year' category at Women in IT Awards, is another force driving change in the technology industry [9].
Regardless of gender, everyone is responsible for supporting the growth of women in tech to see the percentage of women in tech rise. Adding coding to the national curriculum is a critical step, and ongoing education in STEM beyond school-age is necessary to avoid perpetuating a skills gap. Sharing personal experiences and stories of women in tech can help make sure more women see the sector as a viable career option [10].
Together, these initiatives address multiple challenges for women in tech such as lack of mentorship, leadership opportunities, workplace biases, and confidence, by providing networks, professional development, recognition, and advocacy for an inclusive culture. Their combined efforts contribute to advancing gender equality in the technology sector worldwide.
- Science, education-and-self-development, and health-and-wellness can be fostered among women in tech through initiatives like the WomenTech Network, Women in Cloud, TechWomen, WeTech, and The Stemettes, offering opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and networking.
- Technology and lifestyle can be impacted positively by organizations such as Outreachy Internships, Adobe India Women-in-Technology Scholarship, Amazon WoW, Rails Girls Summer of Code, and Grace Hopper Conference Scholarships, which provide financial support, coding workshops, and mentorship to empower women and encourage them to enter and advance in tech careers.
- Lifestyle, technology, and education-and-self-development can all benefit from advocacy campaigns focusing on increasing women's representation in tech, such as the efforts of The UK 30% Club, United Nations HeforShe, and women leaders like Dr Sue Black, Martha Lane Fox, and Emer Timmons, who emphasize the importance of mentorship, diversity in the workplace, and equal pay for women in tech.
