Despite the intrinsic passion many women have for their tech careers, they continue to face significant gender bias and discrimination.
- 90% of women report finding their careers in tech rewarding, though 90% also face gender bias.
- A mere 3% of women have contemplated leaving the tech field despite these biases.
- Women in tech face disproportionate challenges due to the pandemic and cost-of-living pressures.
- Only 24% of tech roles and an alarming 5% of leadership positions are held by women.
The latest findings from a report by AND Digital underscore a pivotal truth about women in technology: a profound love for their careers combined with persistent encounters of gender bias and discrimination. This paradox, as highlighted in AND Digital’s ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report, emerges from insights gathered from over two hundred women leaders in tech roles. Esteemed advocate, Dame Stephanie Shirley, lauds the report for celebrating female achievements while providing a blueprint for enhancing gender diversity within the sector.
Despite facing a persistent gender bias, an overwhelming 90% of women find their careers in tech rewarding. Moreover, a staggering 79% feel they have accomplished significant success, which contrasts sharply with the experiences of gender bias faced by 90% of respondents. Interestingly, only a marginal 3% considered pivoting away from their career paths.
Compounded by the pandemic and rising cost-of-living, the challenges faced by women in tech amplify, affecting their representation significantly. They represent just 24% of the workforce in this lucrative industry, with a scant 5% occupying leadership roles, despite the sector’s promise of economic and intellectual rewards. With two million unfilled tech vacancies in the UK worth £150 billion, the need for diversity is both critical and beneficial.
Even though job satisfaction remains high, with 89% of women expressing enjoyment in their roles, the reality of ongoing bias persists, marked by regular instances of discrimination reported by 10% of women. Furthermore, nearly 80% acknowledge an arduous journey to leadership, often feeling unsupported by larger enterprises lacking in resources and upskilling opportunities.
Wendy Stonefield of AND Digital points to visible progress in harnessing female talent, albeit acknowledging that some organizations may be motivated by external pressures to demonstrate diversity. She advocates for heightened awareness regarding organizational culture, emphasizing the necessity of genuine diversity over token representation. Initiatives like the AND She Can program and flexible working policies aim to fortify women’s roles in tech.
The report unearths a dual narrative of passion and perseverance faced by women in tech, highlighting the urgent need for a broader cultural shift.
