Closing the Gender Gap: The Crucial Role of Women in Technology

The advancement of women in technology is critical in bridging the digital divide, a challenge that needs immediate attention.

Digital transformation is moving ahead. 

Gender gap in Digital is increasing.  

Digital transformation and technology have accelerated like never before in human history as it has evolved in the last decade or two. Although this is a step in the right direction, the numbers of gender gap equality and pay parity are heading the opposite way. Here are some numbers that will shake you up.

According to a PwC study   

• Only 5% of leadership positions are held by women in the technology industry
• 78% of students can’t name a famous female working in tech
• Just 3% of females say a career in technology is their first choice

The problem goes far beyond IT

The underrepresentation of women leaders in tech reflects a broader issue beyond just numbers.

According to a World Economic Forum report, less than one-third of female students choose to study higher education courses in subjects like math and engineering. This factor results in them being under-represented in STEM-related fields.

 Wondering why?

A big boys club approach 

Sadly, the tech industry has the stereotypical thinking of IT being a “for boys only” club. This outlook is prevalent mainly amongst teachers, educational institutes, and the industry at large. This sexist outlook makes it less likely for girls to pursue a technology career.

Lack of inspiration and leadership 

Boosting women in tech mentorship is key to building a more inclusive future in technology.

With numbers stacked against them, there are but few women role models and leaders in the technology space.

Consider this: 

• According to Small Business Trendsdata, only 20% of US tech jobs were held by women.
• According to Entelo, one of the leading recruitment software, entry-level and mid-level roles for women account for 19 percent in the tech sector. This percentage drops to 16 percent at the senior level, and at the executive stage drops by nearly half.

This data indicates that with the growing seniority, the gender disparity widens.

Times are changing, thanks to these companies 

Deloitte has been one of the champions of diversity 

Deloitte was one of the first companies to report their gender pay gap voluntarily in 2015. Here’s what it has done ever since:

• It has drafted a gender balance action plan, spanning the entire career lifecycle of employees
• The enterprise also launched an industry-first return to a work internship program
• Created sponsorship initiatives for identifying, promoting, and monitoring female talent pipelines, female senior managers, and directors
• The company is targeting 40% female partners by 2030

Salesforce stands for Equality 

Gender equality is not just a slogan at Salesforce. It is one of the cornerstones for the company since 2015.

Here’s what they have done 

• Created gender equality programs like the Trailblazing Women Summit, which brings together an open forum for networking and conversations
• Conducted an equal pay audit since 2015 by spending more than USD 10 million to address the gender gap
• Inclusive benefits like 6 months of paid parental leave, family sick time, and flexible work hours for women

Work in progress 

Salesforce has added nearly 11,000 more women in the last 5 years.

•  36.1% of the US and 33.6% of the global workforce are women
• Since 2019, the company has seen a 7.6% increase in the global representation of women in leadership
• The company aims to increase the representation of women in tech, which stands at 24.3% at the moment

Accenture

Driving Innovation and Gender Equality 

This IT services giant made an agenda years ago to a culture of equality. Here is what they have done ever since:

• To achieve a gender-balanced workforce by 2025
• Increase the diversity of its leadership by growing the percentage of women managing directors to at least 25 percent by the end of 2020.

Here is where they stand:

• • Their workforce comprises 44 percent of women
  • The company has 24% women as managing directors
  • Julie Sweet is the current CEO of the company, which shows its strong advocacy of creating women leaders

Driving Change with Specialized Recruitment Efforts 

One of the key strategies to address the gender gap in technology is through targeted recruitment efforts, specifically at the leadership level. This is where services like Technology Executive Search play a crucial role. Specialized executive search firms are not only adept at identifying top-tier talent but also bring a nuanced approach to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By leveraging their expertise and networks, these firms can help bridge the gender gap by sourcing and placing more women in leadership positions within the technology sector. 

Innovative companies such as Deloitte, Salesforce, and Accenture have shown a commitment to gender equality and diversity. Part of their success can be attributed to intentional efforts to identify, recruit, and promote women in tech roles, including in senior and executive positions. Partnering with a Technology Executive Search firm can help other companies follow suit, ensuring that they not only find the best talent but also contribute to closing the gender gap in tech. 

Work in Progress 

While significant strides have been made by companies like Salesforce and Accenture in increasing the representation of women in tech, there is still much work to be done. The aim to increase the representation of women, particularly in technology roles, requires a sustained and concerted effort. Engaging with specialized recruitment firms focusing on technology leadership roles can accelerate these efforts, bringing diverse perspectives and leadership styles to the forefront of technology innovation. 

Looking beyond

Understanding these women in tech facts drives us to continue striving for gender equality in the tech industry. VBeyond too is deeply committed to closing the gender gap and accelerating career paths for women in times to come.