While more women have entered the workforce since the 1950s, their participation in the tech sector remains significantly below optimal levels. At Gentis, we understand the transformative power of diversity in driving innovation and success. As leaders in talent solutions, we are committed to addressing under-representation and empowering women to thrive in tech careers. This commitment is essential not only for equity but also for creating inclusive workplaces that foster growth and creativity. Here’s a deep dive into the barriers preventing women from fully engaging with technology careers.

The extent of under-representation

A McKinseystudy shows that only 37 percent of entry-level jobs in IT companies are held by women compared to 47 percent in other industries. As per the AdevaIT survey conducted in 2018, women hold only a quarter of the jobs in the tech industry. At a deeper level, the under-representation of women can be traced to academics. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), women earn only 18 percent of computer science degrees in the U.S. In other words, women represent just one out of five computer science graduates.

It begins at the school level

Multiple studies highlight the early origins of this gender disparity. As per Wendy DuBow, a scientist at NCWIT(National Center for Women & Information Technology), multiple factors prevent women from taking up computer science majors. These include a lack of exposure to computer science and engineering concepts at the school level and a lack of awareness about the tech industry. While the disparity begins at the school level, it becomes more pronounced at the time of making career choices. A PwC report highlights that only 27 percent of the women surveyed said they are considering a tech career.

Top reasons that prevent women from taking up tech career

Some factors that can prevent women from pursuing a career in the tech industry include:

·       A tech career is not presented to them as an option.

·       Not many female role models in the tech industry.

·       Gender discrimination (50 percent of women state they faced discrimination at the workplace).

·       An alienated feeling or the "Imposter Syndrome" at the workplace where women feel 'out of place.'

·       Higher likelihood of being laid off in the tech industry.

·       Seventy-eight percentof women report they have to work harder than their male colleagues to prove their worth.

·       Pay disparity and poor work-life balance.

The low representation of women in tech fields can translate to tech services or products being designed from the perspective of - and to meet the needs of - men. Apart from motivating girls to take up tech subjects, ditching the stereotype of tech being the man's world and improving access to careers can help close the gender gap in the tech field. IT managers and CIOs need to focus on eliminating the 'bro culture' and gender bias while offering flexible work hours in IT companies.

At Gentis, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. By leveraging our expertise in recruitment and talent solutions, we help organizations identify and onboard skilled professionals, including women, who bring a wealth of talent and potential to thrive in tech roles. Through our customized strategies, we assist businesses in fostering inclusive workplaces that enable all employees to excel.