Gender gap in the tech workplace – The Financial Express

By Shruti Swaroop

Establishing a space that is open and equitable for women not only charts a course but also becomes a source of inspiration for future generations. Its significance extends beyond gender confines, underscoring that attaining equality for women aligns with broader societal advancement and prosperity. 

One of the sectors that needs to foster increased inclusion and equity for women is the tech sector. 

A report by WEF suggests that an analysis of LinkedIn data on members’ job profiles reveals a significant underrepresentation of women in the STEM workforce. Gender disparities in the labor markets of the future, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations, present a noteworthy scenario. These roles, known for their substantial remuneration, are anticipated to gain increased importance and scope. Despite women constituting nearly half (49.3%) of the total employment in non-STEM occupations, they comprise only 29.2% of the STEM workforce. 

In the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, the overall surge in talent availability has been remarkable, increasing six times between 2016 and 2022. However, the progression of female representation in AI roles has been gradual. Presently, approximately 30% of individuals working in AI are women, marking a modest increase of around 4 percentage points since 2016.

Remote Work Issues: When we look at India, a country as diverse as ours with its different cultures, customs, and socio-economic groups, the issue of the gender gap stems from many other deep-rooted stereotypes. For instance, the transition to remote work, accelerated by the global events of the past years, has presented both opportunities and challenges for women. While remote work has enabled flexibility, leveling the playing field for some women, it has also exacerbated existing disparities. A McKinsey report on Women in the Workplace during 2023-24 underscores the need for intentional efforts to ensure that remote work doesn’t inadvertently disadvantage women, particularly in terms of career advancement as they are often boxed into the stereotypical roles of the primary caregiver. 

Educational barrier: Data from the National Girls Collaborative Project illuminates a concerning trend. Girls’ participation in computer science courses at the high school level remains disproportionately low, comprising only 21% of students. Addressing this early-stage disparity is pivotal in cultivating a diverse talent pool for the future. Besides this, access to education and financial means is often a challenge for women especially in developing countries as compared to men who are considered as the primary bread winners of the family. These deep-rooted biases further make it difficult for women to pursue a career in tech as compared to other sectors such as teaching and nursing,

Hiring bias: The Harvard Business Review’s analysis on Women in the Workplace 2023 sheds light on persistent barriers hindering women’s entry into tech. Unconscious bias in hiring processes, a lack of mentorship opportunities, and stereotyping continue to impede the progression of women in technology-related careers. The report highlights the critical role of organizational culture in fostering inclusivity. Companies with inclusive cultures are more likely to retain and advance women in tech roles, creating a positive ripple effect on the overall gender dynamics within the industry.

While there is a positive trend in the percentage of female STEM graduates entering STEM employment with each cohort, the integration of STEM university graduates into the labor market shows a substantial decline in the retention of women in STEM even one year after graduating. Currently, women make up 29.4% of entry-level workers. However, this representation diminishes for high-level leadership roles such as VP and C-suite, standing at 17.8% and 12.4%, respectively.

As we navigate the tech space, it is evident that the gender gap persists. This is where DEI Programs step in. Within the private sector, pioneering firms are expanding gender parity initiatives. The focus is shifting beyond workforce-centric measures to holistic approaches encompassing inclusive design, supply chains, and community impact. The 2023 Future of Jobs Survey by the World Economic Forum reveals that over two-thirds of surveyed organizations have implemented Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. 79% of these companies are specifically directing their DEI efforts towards women.

Concrete actions, informed by data and research, are imperative for creating a more inclusive tech industry. From educational reforms to organizational culture shifts, a collective and sustained effort is required to dismantle barriers and pave the way for a diverse and equitable future in tech.

The author is founder, Embrace Consultancy

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